FAQs: Bonaire, Sand Dollar, Condos, Bonaire Diving, Dining, Activities

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For more information on Bonaire, Visit InfoBonaire.com, the Bonaire Info Site, updated daily, live from the island of Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean or Tourism Bonaire, the official web site of the Tourism Corporation Bonaire.

ABOUT BONAIRE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: Where is Bonaire located?

A: Bonaire is an island in the Dutch Caribbean. Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao, are often called the "ABC" islands. These islands are off the coast of South America. Bonaire is well known as a diving and vacation paradise. Come visit and stay at Sand Dollar Condominium Resort. Location Bonaire on Caribbean map

Q: How Do I Get Here?

A: There are several different options for getting to Den Laman on international carriers from North and South America as well as Europe, however flights change regularly. For the most up to date information please visit http://www.tourismbonaire.com/en/vacation-planner/getting-to-bonaire Ferry service is not available between Bonaire and Aruba, Curacao or Venezuela.

Q: What languages are spoken on Bonaire? Will I be able to get by speaking English?

A: Although Dutch and Papiamentu are the official languages of Bonaire, both English and Spanish are widely spoken. Click here for a sampling of Papiamentu phrases.

What is the currency? Are ATM's available?

A: The US dollar is the official currency on Bonaire. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are widely accepted but be sure to have your passport or photo ID available. There is a bank with a 24-hour ATM in front of Sand Dollar as well as a number of other banks with ATM's located conveniently around the island. Note: If using credit cards on island, please be aware that most credit-card companies are now adding an extra 2% to 5% fee on international transactions in addition to any currency-exchange commissions.

Q: What is the weather like on Bonaire?

A: Dry, temperate climate with an average temperature of 83F/29C year round.

Q: Can we drink the water?

A: Yes! Bonaire's tap water is one of the purest and safest water sources in the world to drink, so there is no reason to purchase bottled water. We encourage all guests to bring their own reusable water bottles. We know you will want to keep well hydrated during your stay and will therefore be drinking a great deal of water. Your efforts will also help us keep Bonaire’s landfill clear of unnecessary waste that cannot be recycled.

Q: Where can I find a grocery store?

A: The grocery stores on Bonaire carry a wide variety of products but the majority will not be brands or “versions” recognized from home. If you have any products you must have you may want to consider bringing them with you. There are NO restrictions placed on bringing fruits, vegetables, meats or other perishables into Bonaire. Guests will find the Hato Mini-Market, a small convenience store, directly in front of the Sand Dollar property. For larger stores there is Van den Tweel and Warehouse Bonaire close to the airport. There are also a number of other smaller grocery stores available. The Front Office staff will be happy to provide directions when you arrive, or you can visit http://www.infobonaire.com/supermarkets.html for the most up to date listing.

Q: Where can I buy liquor and beer?

A: If you are looking for wine, there is an excellent wine and liquor store almost directly across the street from Sand Dollar at the newly opened Bonairemart. Beer can be purchased by the case at the Amstel distributor (beer and liquor) about half a mile away on Kaya Amsterdam or at any of the grocery stores (Warehouse Bonaire having the best selection.)

Q: I am getting a rental truck with my package. What can you tell me about driving on Bonaire?

A: We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that upon arrival, you “divide and conquer,” sending the person or persons who will be authorized to drive to the car rental kiosks - across the parking lot from the airport - to complete the contract work, while the others remain and wait for the luggage. This will save you considerable time. Driving is on the right side of the road and follows international road signs. Be prepared to be sharing the roads with animals, such as donkeys and goats, pedestrians and cyclists.

Q: How can I find out in advance what events will be going on while I am on Bonaire?

A: Sand Dollar's Facebook Page lists the activities for the current month of travel. You can also find a year-long even calendar on the Tourism Bonaire website

Sand Dollar Information

Q: Where is Sand Dollar located on on Bonaire?

A: Approximately 2 miles North of the main town of Kralendijk and approximately 10 minutes from the airport. For a satellite view, please Take a look at our Google Map

Q: How many rooms does Sand Dollar have? Can Sand Dollar accommodate groups?

A: We have between 50 - 65 separate condos in our rental pool(some units are owner occupied) from studio to three bedroom units. Groups, large and small, can easily be accommodated in a variety of units.

Q: What credit cards does Sand Dollar accept?

A: Visa, Master Card and American Express are accepted by the US Based Reservations Office. On-island, we accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover and Diners. Visa and Master Card are the most widely accepted cards on the island.

Q: When making a reservation can I request a specific condo or building?

A: We welcome your requests and can often accommodate them, but because our units are all privately owned, can not guarantee the unit will not be in use by the owner at the time of your reservation. It is also possible that the unit may be unavailable while undergoing routine maintenance. The more you share with us about WHY you liked the requested unit - it was a ground floor/second floor; it had a screened in porch/open porch, it was closer to the dive shop/it was closer to the pool, etc - the easier it will be for us to ensure you have the perfect condo for your vacation.

Q: Are the condominiums fully air conditioned?

A: All units come with air conditioned bedrooms. Certain one, two and three bedroom units also have air conditioning available in the living areas which may be turned on (upon request only) for an additional charge of $10.00 per day, payable on island. Studios are fully air conditioned.

Q: Do I have an ocean view from my room?

A: All Sand Dollar condominiums face the Caribbean Sea and have either a direct or partial ocean view. Depending on the location of your apartment, you could also have a view of the sunset or a view of Klein Bonaire.

Q: Is there a beach?

A: The Sand Dollar property is "above" sea level so does not have a beach, however there are are sun decks at the water's edge with lounge chairs for comfortable sunning or sunset viewing.

Q: Is there a restaurant?

A: Eddy's Restaurant and Pool Bar is on property. Eddy's serves breakfast daily from 7:30 am - 10:00 am, lunch daily from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and dinner from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Eddy’s pool bar is open from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm continuous. The Sunset Bar & Grill on the adjacent property on Sand Dollar's south end is open every day except Wednesday from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm for lunch and 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm for dinner. The Ellis Deli is diagonally across the street serving breakfast and lunch for eating in or for take-away. There are also several other restaurants are within easy walking distance.

Q: What else is on property?

A: Two lighted tennis courts and a swimming pool are available free of charge. Lover’s Ice Cream Parlor, Bonaire Chat N’Browse and the Hato Mini-Mart are all located at the Sand Dollar Mini-Mall. There is also a full service fitness center located across the street from Sand Dollar which offers day passes for $14.50 US. A bank with a 24-hour ATM is located in front of Sand Dollar.

Q: What is the bedding configuration in the condos?

A: Studios have one queen bed or one queen murphy bed; One Bedrooms have one queen bed; Two Bedrooms have one king bed in the master and two twin beds in the second bedroom; Three Bedrooms have one king bed in the master, one queen in the second bedroom and two twin beds in the third bedroom. The twin beds in the Two and Three Bedroom condos can be converted and made up as a king utilizing a soft and supportive foam bridge that seamlessly eliminates the gap, leaving no ridges or lumps.

Q: What is the maximum number of people in each condo?

A: Maximum occupancy, using existing bedding is: two adults or one adult and one child for studio and one bedroom condominiums, four adults and/or children for two bedroom condominiums and six adults and/or children for three bedroom condominiums. One child under 13 years of age may be added to any one, two or three bedroom condominium provided a day bed is reserved at an additional $25.00 per night. Extra beds are limited in number.

Q: Does Sand Dollar offer baby-sitting services?

A: Babysitting can generally be arranged by the reception office staff with outside sitters with at least 48 hour notice for $5.00-$8.00 an hour during the day and $10.00 an hour evenings 12:00 midnight - 8:00 am.

Q: Are there activities for my teen?

A: Jong Bonaire is a non-profit after school youth center for the teens on this Caribbean island. They come to the center for sports and games, to work on computers and do their homework. The teen center is operated

Q:Do I have to bring kitchen, bedding or linen supplies with me?

A: The condominium kitchens are fully equipped with kitchen supplies with pots, pans, utensils, dishes, etc. plus all include a blender, dishwasher and dish washer soap, coffee maker, toaster, stove top and over and microwave. Paper goods such as paper towels, coffee filters, foil or plastic food wrap will need to be brought of purchased on island. All bed linens and towels, including beach towels, are provided with the exception of face cloths. Please bring your own if you can not do without!

Q: Are toiletries provided?

A: We’ll provide you with body soap in the condo, but please bring your own shampoo, conditioner and hair dryer.

Is wireless Internet available in the units?

A: Sand Dollar offers wireless Internet access throughout the property for a nominal fee as follows: 2 hours ticket $5.00; 4 hours ticket $8.00; 1 day ticket $10.00; 1 week ticket $25.00; 2 weeks ticket $45.00; 1 month ticket $80.00. If you do not bring your own computer, there are 2 Internet terminals available for guest use (with purchase hours) in the Front Office (guest reception area.) Internet services are also available from Chat 'n' Browse, located in the Sand Dollar Mini-Mall next to Lover's Ice Cream.

Q: Are there telephones in the condos?

A: We do not have land line phones in the rooms, however free cell phones are available at the reception office, with phone usage cards available for purchase. The usage cards enable you to place International calls for as low as $ 0.30 per minute. Local calls can also be made for free from a phone inside the Reception office.

Q: Will I need to bring an electric adapter for the wall sockets?

A: Electrical sockets are the US standard square plugs. Adaptors will be needed for European round plug appliances. The electric voltage in your unit will be 127 volts, 50 cycles, slightly different from the US, though most appliances and battery chargers will operate fine and no transformers or adapters are necessary. (Check your appliance manufacturers’ recommendations if in doubt.)

Q: Is there somewhere I can keep my valuables?

A: Every room at Sand Dollar has a digital safe large enough to accommodate most laptops, as well as valuables such as money and jewelry. There is no charge for this service.

Q: Are there security personnel working at Sand Dollar?

A: Yes. For your peace of mind, Sand Dollar has uniformed, private security on duty from 6:00 pm - 7:00 am.

What time can I check in to my condo? What can I do if I arrive before check in time?

A: Check-in time is at 3:00 pm. If you have an early morning arrival and wish to have guaranteed immediate access to your condo, you will need to reserve your unit for the prior evening. If this is prior to 7:00 am. (when the Front Office opens) the Security Staff will greet you when you arrive to provide you with your key. If you have NOT reserved the condo for the previous evening, please make yourself comfortable in one of the lounge chairs along the water front. Once the Front Office opens at 7:00 am. the Staff will be able to advise you of your options while you wait for access to your unit. We will be glad to store your luggage until your condo has been serviced and is ready for your occupancy.

Bonaire Diving, Snorkeling & Activities Questions & Answers

Q: Who provides dive services for Sand Dollar guests?

A: Sand Dollar does not have its own dive operation, which means our guests are free to dive with the dive operator of their choice. For our guests convenience, we can pre-arrange your dive packages or dive courses with Dive Friends Bonaire or one of our other Preferred Partners via our Reservations Office.

Q: We are snorkelers. Is there good snorkeling at Sand Dollar?

A: Access to snorkeling at Sand Dollar is easy from three locations on the property. There is an abundance of species including Blue Tangs, Parrotfish, Mahogany Snappers, butterfly fish, many kinds of Damselfish, Puddingwife, grunts, Chromis (blue and brown), Sergeant Majors, Creole fish, and a large school of Horse-eye Jacks right in front of the condominium. More notable is the area directly in front of Sand Dollar, where a series of 600 lb. Reef Balls were set down in 10 feet of water in February of 2006 as part of a pilot project with the Bonaire Marine Park.

Q: Our children are traveling with us. What dive and snorkel programs are available for children?

A: The owners of Dive Friends Bonaire believe that diving is an activity for the whole family, and as such want to provide families with an opportunity for a shared adventure activity. Options include: SASY (Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth) for children 5 and older; Bubblemaker, for children 8 and older; Discover Scuba Diving: for children 10 and older; Seal Team: for children 8 and older; Junior Diver or Junior Open Water Diver: for children 10 and older; and Open Water Diver: for those 15 and older.

Q: What other activities are available?

A: Bonaire has a great deal to offer visitors with divergent interests. Please visit our Activities page for more details or ask our Reservations Staff.