What to Bring to the Beach in Bonaire? The Ultimate Packing List!
Planning a vacation to Bonaire anytime soon? Then you undoubtedly have some wonderful beach days ahead of you. Bonaire features some of the most idyllic, untouched beaches in the world. However, there is one crucial thing many travelers only discover once they arrive: most public beaches on Bonaire have no facilities at all.
No beach chairs, no umbrellas, and no beach bars for a cold drink. To prevent you from getting sunburned or having to lie on a towel full of sharp coral stones, we’ve put together the ultimate packing list for a perfect beach day on Bonaire.
1. Protection Against the Bright Sun
The sun on Bonaire is beautiful but incredibly powerful. Since many public beaches (such as Bachelor's Beach or Te Amo Beach) offer little to no natural shade, these items are absolute essentials:
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Regular sunscreen damages the fragile coral reef. Always choose a certified 'reef-safe' alternative.
- A sturdy beach umbrella: Without shade, you won't last long during the hottest hours of the day.
- Sunglasses and a UV shirt: Especially for children, a UV rash guard is a must-have while snorkeling.
2. Comfort on the Beach
Bonaire's beaches are unique but often covered with pieces of dead coral and rocks. Sitting or lying down comfortably can be quite a challenge without the right gear:
- Good water shoes: This might be the most important tip for Bonaire. Without water shoes, walking into the ocean is painful at many spots due to the sharp coral and stones.
- Comfortable beach chairs: Nothing ruins a vacation like back pain from sitting on the hard ground. A lightweight beach chair that easily fits into your rental car is worth its weight in gold.
3. Food and Drinks (Stay Hydrated!)
Because there are rarely any beach bars near the most beautiful snorkeling spots, you'll need to bring your own catering. Don't feel like making sandwiches in the morning? Check out our handy guide to the best grab-and-go lunch spots on Bonaire to see where you can pick up the tastiest burgers, pitas, or smoothies on your way! Throw your lunch into our cooler, and your food and drinks will stay ice-cold all day:
- A well-insulated cooler: Essential to keep your water, local Amstel Bright beers, and lunch perfectly chilled.
- Plenty of drinking water: Always bring more water than you think you'll need.
Why Buying Beach Gear for Your Vacation is a Waste
Many tourists rush to a local supermarket upon arrival to buy cheap beach chairs, a plastic cooler, and an umbrella. This is not only expensive but also highly unsustainable. At the end of the holiday, these items won't fit in your suitcase, meaning they often end up straight in the trash. That’s a waste of your money and harmful to the island.
The Smart Solution: Rent in Bonaire
Fortunately, there is a much easier and eco-friendly way. At Joor Beach Supplies, you can easily rent all your essential beach gear for the exact duration of your stay.
Whether you prefer a single low beach chair, a sturdy beach umbrella, or our highly popular combi deal (2 beach chairs + cooler); we make sure your beach days start in total comfort. The best part? Delivery and pick-up at your accommodation or rental location is always completely free!
Beach tip from Zarin & Caro: Want to enjoy your vacation without the hassle of dragging heavy gear around? Check out our Offerings and prices and make sure your comfortable beach setup is waiting for you when you land! You can also lock in your dates immediately using our Reserve now form.









