I've read that most of the restaurants are casual dress (i.e. nice shorts/shirt). Which ones are considered more upscale where we would need dressier attire? Since luggage space is at a premium, I don't want to pack things we won't need.

Thanks!

No swimsuits, but I can't remember anyplace that dosen't welcome a shirt and shorts... Ron

You may want to take some long pants to protect against mosquitos.

Kimberly..Most folks visiting Bonaire for the first time make the mistake of over packing in the clothes dept. There's an old saying which has some truth to it..
"take half the amount of clothes you think you need & twice the amount of money you think you need"

one nice shirt, one pair of pants for evening, and everything else is beachclothes.

There is no dress code anywhere on Bonaire. As long as you are comfortable with what you are wearing and it is not a bikini or speedo at dinner, you will be welcome! Up until a year ago, I did not even wear shoes to dinner...however while no one said anything, I did get a few stares!

I would like to add that when in town or in non beachy areas, A cover-up for ladies and shirts and shorts for men is the norm...

Thanks everyone for all the info! I usually do overpack, so wanted to avoid that this time!!

To add to Michael's "cover up" post .... please make sure it is not a wetsuit that you are using as a coverup to go into restaurants or grocery stores! That was not specifically directed at you Kimberly ... it is just that this week I have seen both and it makes me grumpy as it is disrespectful to the people of the island. BTW, Kimberly, I usually wear a skirt and nice shirt or nice shorts and shirt to dinner and have no problem repeating outfits!

The people of Bonaire are fairly modest so no swim suits or wetsuits in to public buildings. I always take 2 outfits for going out to eat and alternate them with what I wear on the plane so they can air out before wearing again. Take a couple of pair old shorts and tank tops for going to/from dive sites and a couple of pair shorts to wear around the condo. You also don't need lots of shoes, 1 pair sandals, 1 pair tennis shoes should be all you need. This amount of clothes will get me through 7 to 10 days without problem. Pack essentially the same for Dave. Usually can roll or fold items and place them in and around dive gear. Use light weight material and they will pack small.
Everyone gave you good advice on what to wear, sure hope you have a good time.

We leave in 15 days and I have already started packing, it sure is hard to wait.

Andy

I know I put to much information in the last post but I am getting so excited about going to Bonaire again, so Mods if this needs to be moved or deleted that is ok with me.

Love ya!!!
Andy

sounds just right Andy.. have a great time and don't forget to wave to the cams
what the heck am I doing up so late???

please .. wet suits are a big no-no... some stores now will turn you away ....

Kimberly, you have received some great advise. Fifteenth trip to Bonaire coming up soon and I still return home with clothes I never wore. Then again, it seems like I always leave the island with more clothes (especially t-shirts) than I take

What is really amazing is seeing shoppers in wet suits with dive knives still strapped to their legs. Hunting instinct, perhaps?

Loony instinct, more like it, Michael. I've seen it, but I don't get it.

I'll probably get flax for this from some, but having dove Bonaire for many years, I've NEVER ever had a use for a knife. I do carry small shears on my BC in case of mono. So why folks wear the knives, I'll never know. Personally, I think they probably saw too many James Bond films.

I just can't figure out how anyone can stand to be in their wetsuit when out of the water. They have to be extremely hot wearing it.

Vince, you just never know when you will have to fight off other shoppers for that last bottle of mosquito repellant.

Or that last clearance item - MINE I tell - ALL MINE

My advice for packing is:
Pack only what you think you will need, and then force yourself to remove half of what you have packed.

Kimberly: for men - wear what would be appropriate at a good quality golf course: i.e. nice shorts and shirt.

For women: sundress, nice shorts and shirt. I bring colourful "muumuu"s too, they look good for dinner in town.