Bonaire Local Customs

The divi-divi tree grows pods which contain large amounts of tannin. Until the 1950's, this tannin was exported to Holland, where it was used in tanneries (which converted animal hides into leather). Visitors to the park should look for divi-divi trees on hilltops, where the constant winds have forced the trees to grow almost sideways.

Aloe plants (Aloe barbadensis) were also cultivated for use in the pharmaceutical industry. There is the remains of an aloe plantation in the park, even the ruins of an aloe oven.
Visitors with sunburns can feel for themselves the soothing effect of aloe by cutting a leaf and rubbing it on the skin.

The currency of the Netherlands Antilles is the Antillean Guilder, sometimes also refered to as Florin. But you can also pay in US$ (and sometimes even in Euro) nearly everywhere. Usually you pay a bit more if you use foreign currencies, as it's common to use an easy-to-calculate exchange rate.
All major creditcards are widely accepted.
You'll find ATMs at the Airport and in Kralendijk.

The Flamingo Airport's landing strip starts right next to the public beach. The very low flying planes skim over the beach and locals line up and park in the afternoon to watch the flights come in. There are large warning signs posted on the runway fence cautioning people about hearing damage and hot exhaust. Still, it looks like it would be pretty great to be snorkeling at Windsock Beach and have a jet fly over.

There is a fresh fuit stand on the waterfront where you can get your fruit from Venezuela.
It doesn't have the choices that we saw in the floating market in Curacao but it does have nice fruit.

You can drink the water on Bonaire.
There is a water desalination plant here that supplies the island with fresh water as well as electricity.

Don't expect to see mile markers along the roadsides here. Everything is measured in donkey steps.

The weekly beach parties provide many conch shells that you will see piled high.