Bonaire

Bonaire is the diver's port — if you're not into diving or snorkeling, you might find yourself wondering what you're supposed to do here. The island is basically one giant marine park, and the shore diving is some of the best in the world. Every beach has a numbered marker for dive/snorkel sites.

The port area in Kralendijk is small, sleepy, and walkable. There are a few restaurants, dive shops, and a supermarket. That's about it. This isn't a shopping port, a party port, or a beach-lounge port (the beaches are rocky coral, not white sand). It's a nature port, and it owns that identity.

If you're a snorkeler or diver, Bonaire is an A+ port. If you're not, it's… fine. Rent a car ($40/day) and drive the coastal road, visit the flamingo sanctuary, or just enjoy the quiet. The safety is excellent, the prices are moderate, and the vibe is "Caribbean island before the cruise industry got to it."