Fishing on Bonaire
Page Contents
Most of the fishes you hear about on Bonaire are the reef fish which snorkelers and SCUBA divers see regularly. But, in the deeper water lurk the big game fish–Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and more.
Game fishing.
Fishermen: welcome to the waters of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire!
Local fishermen catch the “Fresh Fish of the Day” that you find in almost every restaurant. Usually, the fish is Dorado or Wahoo. Dorado is also known as Mahi Mahi or dolphinfish (no relation at all to the porpoise family). You can try your skill and luck on one of the several sport fishing boats available for charter trips on Bonaire. Check prices carefully for fishing trips. A trip price may seem quite high because the price is usually for the whole boat, not per person. If you have several interested friends, trips can be quite reasonable.
Fishing, as anywhere, starts in the wee hours before dawn. The fishermen catch bait fish with hand lines or small nets. The live bait fish are then used to try for the big game fish. A large range of fishing tackle and lures are available, so if the fish aren’t biting you can try something new. The sport fishing boats may go out several miles in search of the game fish. Although catching a fish is never guaranteed, a pleasant day out to sea will be part of your fishing experience. Check out Piscatur for big game fishing.
Most fishing by visitors is sports fishing, with a catch-and-release policy. Please note that Marlin fishing is only catch-and-release due to the shrinking fish stocks. The fish that you release today will continue to reproduce for the future. Although you may keep your catch on most boats, confirm this with the boat captain prior to making your reservation. Also, fresh fish, as like most meats, cannot be imported into many countries including Holland and the USA. It is also against Bonaire law for any non-resident to profit from fishing so you are not allowed to “sell” your catch either. Fishing licenses are not required for non-commercial fishing.
Bonefishing
One of the biggest thrills a person who enjoys fishing can experience is to match wits with an elusive, feisty, bonefish. There are a number of “secret” spots the local guides have staked out on the island and are willing to share with visiting fishermen.
Charter boats for deep sea fishing
In addition to bonefishing, there are a number of charter boats that will take anglers sports fishing in the waters off the coast of Bonaire. Sailfish, marlin, tuna, and tarpon are the most likely to be caught, however, it is not uncommon to catch wahoo, dorado, and other edible species.
Fishing or Boat Charters: |
|---|
| Piscatur +599 717-8774, +599 780-8774, or +599 780-0833 |
| Blue Bay Rentals +599 701-5500 |
| Bonaire Boat Rental +599 786-6858 |
| Fishing Adventures Bonaire +599 700-3755 |
| Fish Tales Bonaire +599 700-3994 or +599 782-1966 |
| Le Grand Bleu Fishing Charters & Boat Rentals +599 795-1139 |
Names of local fish
| Dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi) | Dradu |
| Marlin | Balau |
| Blue Marlin | Balau Blanku |
| White Marlin | Balau Baster |
| Bonefish | Warashi |
| Barracuda | Piku |
| baitfish | aas |
| Wahoo | Mulatu, Mulá |
| Red Snapper | Piská Kòrá |
| Yellowtail Snapper | Gristelchi piedra |
| Flounder | Sobrá di Dios |
| Permit | Pampel |
| Tarpon | Sábalo |
| Trumpetfish | Tròmpet |
| Moray Eel | Kolebra |
| Green Moray | Kolebra Bèrdè |
| Sharptail Eel | Kolebra Rosario |
| Mullet | Haldu |
| Chub | Katiaka |
| Tiger Grouper & Yellowfin Grouper | Gramèl |
| Yellowmouth Grouper | Patachi |
| Black Durgon | Doro |
| Parrotfish (generic) | Gutu |
| Midnight Parrotfish | Bushuti |
| Rainbow Parrotfish, terminal phase | Gutu Kedébe |
| Stoplight Parrotfish, terminal phase | Gutu Rab'i Guy |
| Stoplight Parrotfish, initial phase | Gutu Domenika |
| Princess Parrotfish, terminal phase | Gutu Raton |
| Princess Parrotfish, initial phase | Gutu Promènte |
| Queen Parrotfish, terminal phase | Gutu Bok'i Lora |
| Redband Parrotfish, initial phase | Gutu Martin |
| Puddingwife | Gutu Peuchi |
| Tuna | Buní |
| Back-fin Tuna | Buní Pretu |
| Yelllow-fin Tuna | Buní Rabu Hél |
| Bar Jack | Yag |
| Horse-eye Jack | Korkobá |
| Black Jack | Korkobá Pretu |
| Rainbow Runner | Gristelchi Laman A'fó |
| Creole Fish | Mahawa |
| French Grunt | Robeki |
| Striped and Smallmouth Grunts | Traki Traki |
| Bluestriped Grunts and some of the other larger grunts | Gròns |
| Lizardfish/Sand Diver | Yuan'i Awa |
| Graysby | Purunchi |
| Coney | Purunchi |
| Rock Hind | Dawari |
| Red Hind | Gatu |
| Shark | Tribon |
| African Pampano | Kar'i Kabai |
| Triggerfish | Pishi Porko |
| Snook | Sapat'i Sòldá |
| Chum | Garná |
| Houndfish | Guepi |
| Flat Needlefish | Guepi Machéte |
| Cubera Snapper | Karaña |
| Mutton Snapper | Karpitan |
| Schoolmaster | Bèrs |
| Almaco Jack & Greater Amberjack | Kabriou (Kabiyou) |
| King Mackeral | Konovis |
All fish names are supplied by local fishermen. Special thanks to Ellen Muller and Papi Anton for collecting and sorting the local fishes’ names in Papiamentu. Note that some Bonaire fishermen may call these fish by other names, and many fish have other local names even on our sister islands.
Pacific Lionfish
And finally, it must be mentioned that the island is trying to control the invasive Pacific Lionfish, a predatory fish expanding territories within the Caribbean. Check with your dive operator to see if they offer a lionfish hunting course. Once you have caught your lionfish, try out some of the recipes provided by InfoBonaire readers on ideas for how to best prepare them!
Fishing tournaments
Bonaire also hosts a number of local and International fishing tournaments during the year, with catches recorded, tagged, and then released back into the sea for future tournaments. The edible species are generally donated to various charitable organizations.
The Bonaire Marine Park
The fringing reef which surrounds Bonaire is a National Marine Park from the high water mark down to a depth of 200 feet/60m. Every diver who has not dived on Bonaire within the last calendar year must attend a diver orientation dealing with Bonaire Marine Park regulations and information. These orientation sessions are usually held at around 9:00 AM the morning after you arrive on Bonaire, and you are required to attend and to obtain your Marine Park tag, which is necessary to legally dive in Bonaire’s waters. The cost of the tag is US$45.00, and proceeds help support park management and services. Those who are utilizing the Marine Park, but are not diving, will be required to purchase a Nature Tag for $25.00.
For information on dialing a Bonaire phone number from off-island, see the Telephone page.
The Latest News From The Bonaire Insider
Restaurant Reviews on BonReviews:
Read MoreGreat food at Sebastian’s Restaurant, but exceptionally slow. After waiting 30 minutes for our snickers ice cream dessert they told us they were out of peanuts and have sent someone to buy some and would be at least 10 more minutes. we said forget the dessert and bring us the check. it still took 30 […]
Read MoreFantastic fresh fish at Chibi Chibi. We have now eaten the fresh fish special (mahi) twice on two separate trips (November and January). The service is impeccable, the restaurant and bathrooms are very clean, and the food is amazing. I struggle to understand why this restaurant doesn’t have better reviews on Trip Advisor. It truly […]
Read MoreGio’s is an amazing place! We go here every day we are on the island. We so love the Gelato and desserts! I think we both gained 20# in one week but well worth it! Amazingly tasty gelato! Thank You!
Read MoreMezze is a great new spot! They installed a makeshift wheelchair ramp so a bunch of us decided to try this new addition to the island’s many awesome restaurants. Loved the excellent lamb shank served with delicious vegetables. Started with the eggplant and fresh pita. Decent prices too. We’re heading back soon.
Read MorePizza, pizza at Rum Runners! My second dinner upon arrival on Bonaire is going to Rum Runners and seeing my good friend TT and ordering two spicy shrimp pizzas and taking them home. Best pizza on the island. Well eating healthy I also order their Caesars Salad no anchovies with the pizzas. Note-TT is the […]
Read MoreFast and delicious. Nice ambience, good service, delicious food at Cuba Compagnie.
Read MoreMy wife and I had a wonderful meal at Ingridients, but I have to say that the waiting staff did pressure us to select items we did not want. Don’t hesitate to eat here because the food is excellent…just be prepared to say no to serving suggestions.
Read MoreDon’t miss Mezze while on Bonaire! We visited Mezze with friends and had a delicious meal. “Mezze” like “tapas” means “small plates” and all of the apps were outstanding: hummus, falafel, tabouleh, and baba ghanous, which we lapped up with homemade pita, forks and fingers. The concept of “small” evaporated when the entrees were served, especially […]
Read MoreAt Sea Restaurant Accommodating to Vegans and Gluten Free Folks. First off they have my favorite…Hendricks gin, but a steady supply of fever tree tonics is a must to enjoy its smooth flavours. An enthusiastic bartender willing to earn your praises is a great start to an enjoyable evening. I asked the waitress if chef […]
Read MoreLatin Vibe at Cuba Compagnie! I was invited to dinner by friends. Previously, I had been to Cuba for cocktails but dinner was a new experience. We sat outside surrounded by a lively and bustling vibe. The wait staff are very friendly and helpful. They are very busy so it takes patience and some effort […]
Read MoreExcellent daily specials and “to die for” ribs at Joe’s Grillhouse! Excellent casual place. Jessica and Bart, along with the staff, make you feel welcome and comfortable. We always visit Joe’s at least twice during our yearly dive trip to Bonaire. The daily catch special is always excellent while the ribs are “fall off the bone” […]
Read MoreDelightful evening at Bon Aroma! Be sure to include Bon Aroma on your list of fine dining experiences. The ambiance is lovely, the service impeccable and the cuisine delicious. The marlin and lionfish duo with its sides was outstanding. Dessert was a delight – apple tart with vanilla ice cream and a mixed berry cobbler […]
Read MoreAt Sea serves works of art! We dined at At Sea twice while we were recently in Bonaire. Both times we chose the Surprise Menu, and all of the dishes were beautifully prepared and delicious. The dishes were true works of art, decorated with beautiful garnishes and great imagination. Dessert one night was an underwater […]
Read MoreLa Cantina is absolutely the best! Great ambience! Great service and the food was absolutely stunning!! Chef Cook Rick and his wife Kim did it again! They created a new food experience! You can order a la carte or take a surprise dinner and watch how your food is being prepared. You should definitely […]
Read MoreGood taste at Bon Aroma! The elegance of this small beautifully-appointed space provides privacy between the five tables and quiet from the street while breezes flow through the open walls encouraging relaxation and conversation. My meal of braised marlin and lionfish with mango and basil sauce, a medley of fine vegetables and Italian rice, finished […]
Read MoreGreat breakfast and lunch at Between Two Buns! Nice salads and sandwiches. Don’t forget to try the home made pies!
Read MoreAl fresco dining at Cuba Compagnie. We loved dining at Cuba. The outdoor setting is casual and comfortable. It’s a lively vibe. Service is efficient and friendly. I typically order the fresh fish. I have also enjoyed the ceviche. Cuba is a fun spot for a group of friends.
Read MoreGreat local flavor of the island at Mi Banana. We were directed to Mi Banana to a great surprise. Friendly and personable staff and food was great. Chicken and fish dishes were our favorites up until the dessert. The three leche cake was to die for. Don’t miss the dessert.
Read MoreA great experience at BonAroma! Excellent food and presentation, reasonable prices, great service and wonderful people. Best dining we have had on Bonaire!
Read MoreBest Lunch Spot! I am a tuna sandwich aficionado. I have sampled tuna sandwiches across Bonaire. Between Two Buns serves the best by far. I love their multi-grain bread with seeds and goodness. The salad itself is chock full of flavor. They put salty briny capers in their salad adding an extra flavor blast. Wow, […]
Read MoreA wonderfully diverse selection of unlimited tapas at Coco Beach Bar & Restaurant on Wednesdays; lovely beachfront setting.
Read MoreMy new sushi place…Osaka Japanese Fusion Restaurant. A friend recommended this restaurant for dinner and I had a great experience. I simply love this restaurant! Friendly staff, and amazing sushi! The fish is fresh and everything is very well made. I love the Volcano and Kamikaze roll!! Next time I’m in Bonaire, that’s the place […]
Read MoreBon Aroma is fantastic in every way! Incredible food (in top 3 on island); impeccable and warm service, intimate ambiance – BonAroma has it all. We had asparagus soup with shrimp, tuna carpaccio, lion fish and tuna duo, all perfectly prepared and presented. Well balanced menu, vegetarians will be very happy. Good wine list. Delicious and […]
Read MoreGood food at Between Two Buns. As an owner at Sanddollar, this is one great restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Very friendly owner and staff. I think that I order the same thing every time, great looking desserts and salads.
Read MoreGood food, friendly service, reasonable prices at Diver’s Diner Bar & Grill. Place looks very unpretentious, but the staff is very willing to please. The food is very good and very reasonably priced.
Read MoreBest pizza at Pasa Bon Pizza! Best pizza on Bonaire. We look forward to getting that crisp crust and hot cheesy pizza served at Pasa Bon pizza every time we go to Bonaire. Try their Lion Fish pizza….it is good !!
Read MoreJasmine Garden is a typical Chinese restaurant, where we had a delicious dinner. We ordered the Yeung chow fried rice and the Kung pao chicken, which were served by friendly staff. During our 2 week’s holiday in Bonaire, we went there 4 times to eat. Every time we were satisfied.
Read MoreBetween Two Buns, Love this place! When we two Canadians visit Bonaire, we plan on almost daily visits to “Between Two Buns.” The sandwiches and salads are terrific and the staff very friendly! Sure fills the bill after a morning of snorkeling!
Read MoreGood food and good friends at Diver’s Diner Bar & Grill! We have been return customers every time we come to Bonaire. This is trip number 7. Try the walking sticks for sure and the dipping sauce. I could go on and on. Try it out you won’t be sorry.
Read MorePasa Bon Pizza, Not your usual pizza place Third trip to Bonaire and this is our go-to place for dinner at least two nights each trip. Cozy outdoor place. Wait staff very pleasant. Lion fish pizza is awesome. Frozen Lime and Guava dessert is yummy and refreshing. Open Wednesday through Sunday (I think). I am […]
Read MoreGreat food at a great price! Had some of the best sushi I’ve ever had the other night at Exito Buffet & Grill along with a wonderful wok dish prepared by their new chef. Service was great and the food fabulous. The new menu is coming shortly so be sure to go and try it […]
Read MoreSo-so at Between Two Buns. If you never had a sandwich before I suppose you might think it was good. Sandwiches are not served on buns but rather on a sliced baguette about 8″ or so. A piece of meat or cheese is placed in between and voila! Sandwich. No lettuce, tomato, mustard or aioli, […]
Read MoreGreat lunches at Donna & Georgio’s. It’s like stepping off Bonaire’s streets and into Italy. Wonderful food and great atmosphere plus air conditioning. Daily specials and mouth watering pizzas await you…..
Read MoreLove lunch at Zen’s Bar Café! I am always impressed with the Lunch specials. They are as appealing to the eye as to the stomach and my pocketbook.
Read MoreI’m at the Flamingo Airport about to leave Bonaire until next year. What I’ll miss most during my absence are the absolutely best tiger rolls at Exito Buffet & Grill.
Read MoreBistro de Paris is accommodating for vegans and vegetarians. We love going to Bistro because we know we can eat a fabulous meal for our vegan needs. Mary makes a mean veggie salad large enough for a meal. The rice bowls, carrot bourgenon is soo tasty, the potato terrine is to die for, so rich […]
Read MoreFood is excellent @ Donna & Georgio’s, Donna always made me feel special. Great food and always a take out service. As an owner at Sanddollar and full kitchen facilities makes their take out food a very good place to eat in or take out. Every trip to BONAIRE requires multi stops at this restaurant. For pizza […]
Read MoreNothing is better than Seared Tuna at the Beach! The Kite City food truck at te’ Amo beach near the airport is not to be missed. Fresh fish prepared just right in oh-so-many ways is one of the expected pleasures of coming to the Caribbean, and Kite City does not disappoint. The beach dining is […]
Read MoreNot a Typical Pizza! I’m a pepperoni and sausage pizza guy so I was skeptical when I saw pizza topped with shrimp on the menu. I tried it, I loved it, and I’ll go back to Blue Garden Brazilian Grill & Pizza Gourmet for more the next time we are on the island. They offer […]
Read MoreI have been coming to Bonaire for over 20 years. Without a doubt, Donna & Giorgio’s is our favorite place to dine. A husband & wife team, Donna is the hostess with the most-est and Giorgio is the fantastico Italian chef. Our favorite thing for dinner is to tell Giorgio to make us whatever he […]
Read MoreTipsy Seagull – Best dinner ever! We decided to have dinner Friday night at the Tipsy Seagull at the Plaza Hotel and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more! The 3 course meal was fantastic and the music was so awesome. The servers were so friendly and attentive and the food was wonderful. We will definitely […]
Read MoreSebastian’s Restaurant is an Epicureans Delight! You have to try this seaside gourmet restaurant. The chef is known for combining foods and spices you will not taste elsewhere.
Read MoreBest food on Bonaire at Donna & Giorgio’s! We had 2 dinners and one lunch during our week in Bonaire. We loved the food, Donna, and her daughter. Everything we had was great! Be sure and call for a reservation.
Read MoreGourmet burgers at King Kong Mobile Food Truck! Very convenient at bachelor’s beach. Great burger! Next time I will go for the Junk Yard Dog.
Read MoreSebastian’s Restaurant By the Beautiful Sea! You know the saying about saving the best for last? Lorrie and I save Sebastian’s Restaurant for the end of our trip because we love the food selections, service, scenery, Sebastian and the friends that join us for our farewell dinner. The restaurant offers a local menu with several nightly […]
Read MoreBest Fries On Bonaire! I have been enjoying Bobbejan‘s weekend BBQ since 2001. Maggie and Robert run a tasty restaurant. My daughter loves the rib dinner. I enjoy the fish when it’s fresh. Their side cole slaw is garlicky and tasty. The reason I go so often is their french fries. They are the best […]
Read MoreFresh Italian at Donna & Georgio’s! Intimate, fresh Italian dining that offers a regularly changing menu. From traditional lasagna to wonderful fresh fish and intriguing salads! Don’t miss this place!
Read MoreHot Spot King Kong! Bachelor Beach is er een stuk leuker en lekkerder op geworden. King Kong levert uitstekende kwaliteit. Verrassende smaken!
Read MoreSebastian’s Restaurant is the best all around! I’ve eaten at Sebastian’s maybe five times in the last three years and it’s always been a unique experience. From the greetings that make you feel welcome to the creative menu and exceptional food to the natural ambiance of water and sky–there’s nothing to match it on Bonaire.
Read MoreBobbejan’s is our first dinner upon arrival! Upon arriving on Bonaire after food shopping my first dinner is always at Bobbejans. They have the best chicken Sate and ribs. Known as the best take out restaurant and they developed an outdoor dining area. Only opened Friday’s, Sat and Sunday’s but well worth the wait and […]
Read MoreEddy’s Restaurant–Again, as an owner at Sanddollar you could not find a better place to eat. Friendly casual great food with a different variety. Family owned and run and will cook to your pleasure. Eddy is the cook, Sonia runs the front along with their children–another Sonia and Eddy!
Read MoreAwesome burgers and fries at King Kong Burgers & Hotdogs! I would eat these burgers 7 days a week if I could, but my wetsuit would not fit after awhile. They are wonderful and the area the truck is at couldn’t be better. Great job to the owner. Will be back next visit to the […]
Read MoreFine dining at Sebastian’s Restaurant! I had two wonderful dinners recently at Sebastian’s, one out on their private pier. In my opinion Sebastian’s is the place to go whenever visiting Bonaire. The ambiance is lovely, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. It is in my opinion, the best place to dine on the island […]
Read MoreService & Food at Breeze ‘n Bites–OUTSTANDING We always make a point of eating here at least once during our trips. Service is always friendly and the food is always tasty.
Read MoreEddy’s is Excellent! We love going to Eddy’s. The service is always great and the food is fresh and outstanding!
Read MoreKing Kong Burger Food Truck. Find it on Bachelors Beach. Tuesday through Sat…I think. We have returned to these freshly made, gourmet burgers several times. The meat is fresh and tasty. Prepared when ordered and seasoned to perfection. Several special recipes to choose from. Our favorite is the French connection….so unique and tasty, paired with mosquito […]
Read MoreBest tuna ever at Sebastian’s Restaurant! We visited Bonaire 06/16 & I have to say that our visit To Sebastian’s was one of the highlights. The tuna was some of the best I’ve ever had & was done to its rare perfection. Cut with a fork & melt in your mouth!!!! Of course, washed down […]
Read MoreCapriccio Ristorante is wonderful! This was a nice surprise! We were greeted with a welcome drink and a wonderful basket of bread and fresh pita chips. We had scallops and pasta which was wonderful and bolognese was nothing to brag about. Staff was pleasant and welcoming. Reservations (highly recommended) were for 6pm for party of […]
Read MoreGoat stew at Eddy’s Restaurant was the best meal on the island, so tender. The barracuda was excellent and the mojitos were special.
Read MoreBest experience on Bonaire at King Kong Burgers & Hotdogs! Quality burgers! I was one of their first customers and now almost 2 years later they are still the best on Bonaire!
Read MorePizza needs work at Blue Garden Brazilian Grill & Pizza Gourmet. The mojitos are great Service started off OK, then once I got my food, I never saw the server again, so never got any more water. The pizza needs work. The crust is about 2mm thick & is heavy & still not totally cooked. […]
Read MoreCuba Compagnie Going Downhill We have been here a few times before. I went there tonight with my son and the service was unresponsive and when I said something I got a rude smart mouth response from management. The food is generally good. But don’t order the sodas. You get a small glass full of […]
