Bonaire or Curaçao summer 2023
 

Hello, my family plans on visiting the Caribbean end of July we are focusing on Grand Cayman but still want to keep a open mind till booking in spring we’ve been to Aruba and liked the trade winds and are curious; does Bonaire and Curaçao also have the same trade winds. If so are they worth visiting, we like to go to the beach, swim, bike ride, kayak and paddle board, and love exploring. Are only concern with the trade winds are is the ocean at the beach going to be really rough the whole time. We also like fishing and are thinking of going on a fishing excursion and want to snorkel. Also what are some most do’s on the islands, and stuff we should try or checkout.

I don't remember anything about trade winds. I've been to both Bonaire and Curacao and swam happily in the sea on both islands. The sea was not rough at all. I would think it depends on the time of year, we went in October. Bonaire does not have beaches, it is an island mainly for scuba divers and snorkellers. Of course both islands are worth visiting if they appeal to you.

Thank you I’m definitely going to look into Curaçao

Also is Curaçao safe will we be able to go around the island safely

Definitely. Obviously don't go to secluded areas at night, take care with valuables but no extra precautions over and above any other Caribbean island. Curaçao's main industry is not tourism, it has some beautiful beaches, its capital Willemstad has some beautiful architecture. We rented a car and drove all over, including into the Christoffel national park. Bonaire is a small island, scuba is very good there and has a number of interesting sites to visit. We visited both islands on one trip. The terrain is similar to Aruba, cactus, iguanas etc. We stayed at the Marriott, the beach there was variable, quite sandy and clear water on one end but a bit rocky closer to the hotel. You can look on TA for other opinions/observations.

Thank you and also is renting a car easy in Curaçao and when you rent one where should you go what are some nice areas

Yes renting a car is easy. We prebooked it, picked it up on arrival from the flight and dropped it back at the airport on the return. Get a map and drive around the island. Grote Knip is a beautiful beach but there are many others, some better for swimming, others better for snorkelling. Willemstad is worth visiting for its old architecture and colourful buildings, car not required for that. There are two distintive parts to the city which are interesting to explore. There are some interesting landhuizen to visit, if that appeals to you, some converted to liquor distilleries, others are hotels.