Shopping in Bonaire? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

canarymoon · 09-03-2008, 11:23 AM

Have you been to Bonaire?
Did you shop?
If so, what did you bring back?

Here's what the RCL website says about shopping there:

Some local goodies you don't want to miss are batik fabrics and locally made souvenirs, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and diver's watches. Most stores close between noon and 2 p.m. each day, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

A stroll along Kaya Grandi in Kralendijk offers a wide variety of interesting bargains, on things like gemstone jewelry, wood, leather, silver and ceramics. You'll also find prints and paintings, painted fish and island dolls

canarymoon · 09-03-2008, 11:40 AM

Oh,
And even if you DIDN'T buy anything... did you SEE anything interesting that might be tempting to someone else going there?

LuLu · 09-06-2008, 11:28 PM

CM (Sheila) .... Bonaire has FANTASTIC snorkeling! Not too likely you'll be shopping!

BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW! We're only going to be there for a half day on our upcoming port intensive cruise and just might consider making it a lazy day ....

canarymoon · 09-08-2008, 12:59 PM

So . . . Cany anyone answer the questions about shopping on Bonaire?

(Lulu - you're right... it's pretty likely I would concentrate on snorkeling IF I ever get there. But if I KNEW what to look for, and where, I could maybe do a quick stop and go on the shopping!)

LuLu · 09-08-2008, 04:31 PM

CM (Sheila) .... Pretty sure KK has been there but it was, I think, on a Sunday or some sort of holiday.

The shops are right there at the cruise ship pier so no problem just getting off the ship and walking around to do a bit of shopping.

We spend the day at Plaze Resort (Bonaire: "A Day at the Beach" Plaza Resort - Report)http://www.cruiselinefans.com/bonaire/20240-bonaire-day-beach-plaza-resort-report.html

Really good place to go when one person loves to snorkel and the other just wants to hang out in the shade. We'd do it again for sure if we were going to be there a full day!

LuLu · 09-08-2008, 04:33 PM

Any other SHOPPING info would be appreciated!

Sea Otter · 09-16-2008, 07:16 AM

I have been there twice. I don't think much of the shopping. Both times I looked through some of the stores and bought nothing. From what I remember there are a lot of diving things, bathing suites, and the usual tourist junk. There is one nice jewelry store in an inclosed small mall like area. The shops do close for 2 hours for lunch.

I would not plan a shopping day on this island. Do some snorkeling or take an island tour, then check out the stores. There is a bar that sits on a pier in the shopping area. Get a cold beer and relax.

The shops are not at the pier. It is very walkable ( maybe 10 minutes or so) , but if you have a problem with walking it can be a little difficult.

canarymoon · 09-16-2008, 12:37 PM

Thank you, Sea Otter, for the 'been there - done that' information. That helps a lot!

LuLu · 09-19-2008, 04:07 PM

Pulled out my Princess "Bonaire Port & Shopping Map".

It seems how far to walk to shop depends on the pier location of your ship.
There are three piers: North Pier, Ro-Rio Pier, and South Pier ... all about a block or so from each other.

North Pier, where we docked, was the closest to shopping! I could see the stores ... but, no time to shop ....