Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire is a small Dutch island experiencing an unexpected surge in tourism this season.
The reason behind this jump in visitors has a name: JetBlue.
Bonaire, along with its sister islands, the famous Aruba and Curaçao—collectively known as the ABC islands—has long been overshadowed by the popularity of its neighbors.
While these two islands are served by international carriers on a daily basis, Bonaire has historically struggled with limited air connectivity, often making visitors opt for the other two destinations instead.
But that situation is changing. On Nov. 10, JetBlue launched the direct route between New York and Bonaire, triggering a significant spike in arrival figures.
At the beginning of December, tourism authorities reported 16,626 visitors in November alone—an impressive 19.5 percent increase compared to the same month last year, breaking arrival records at a regional level.
The new route operates twice-weekly roundtrip flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with fares starting at just USD $505, including a carry-on bag.
“We are excited to celebrate the launch of this new direct flight from New York’s JFK to Bonaire,” said Maarten van der Scheer, CEO of Bonaire International Airport. “Welcoming JetBlue to Flamingo Airport, with a twice-weekly, year-round service, has been made possible through the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of many partners working toward the same goal: increasing connectivity to Bonaire and making it easier than ever for travelers to reach our beautiful island.”
| JFK-BON Flight #1643 | BON-JFK Flight #1644 |
| 7:00 a.m. – 12:38 p.m. | 2:14 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
With the new route, JetBlue now connects travelers to all three Dutch ABC Islands, along with St. Maarten.
So, What’s Driving so Many Americans to Bonaire?
While JetBlue’s new direct route from New York City to Bonaire has undeniably boosted the island’s visibility among American tourists, it’s certainly not the only reason behind their growing interest in visiting this land in the Caribbean.
Unlike many other destinations in the region, Bonaire has largely escaped the massive arrivals of sargassum, which has been deterring tourists from traditional hotspots like the Mexican Caribbean and the Dominican Republic.
In addition, Bonaire lies safely outside the hurricane belt, which this year devastated cities, leaving a trail of destruction across the Caribbean. This makes this tiny Dutch island a year-round paradise for adventure enthusiasts and sun-seekers alike.
Is Bonaire a Developed Island? Can I Enjoy Some Luxury There?
Bonaire offers a delicate balance between modernity and untouched natural beauty. While it boasts luxurious infrastructure, top-notch accommodations and amenities catering to international visitors, it has preserved its stunning marine parks and unspoiled nature.
Additionally, the introduction of renowned American hotel brands has further contributed to the island’s current growing allure.
The Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire is set to join Hilton’s Tapestry Collection in early 2025, marking the brand’s inaugural presence on the island. This 148-room oceanfront resort will feature two outdoor pools, a private beach and an on-site scuba shop.
Marriott’s Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort, which opened a few years ago, also provides comfort and luxury to international visitors with its 140 stylish rooms and modern amenities.
Adding to the island’s appeal is its pristine marine environment, known as one of the world’s top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling, catering to both adventure seekers and those escaping the first cold winter winds.