Aruba has more stores and better prices than Bonaire, but dive-related items such as dive watches, underwater cameras, and marine-themed jewelry are more abundant here. Most shops are in Harborside Mall and on Kaya Grandi in Kralendijk. Shops are usually open 9am to noon and 2 to 6pm. Tip: When a cruise ship is in harbor, shops stay open longer, and small stands selling local wares and affordable jewelry magically appear in the town square.
For high-end (TAG Heuer, Rolex, Omega) dive watches, and quality jewelry, try Littman Jewelers, Kaya Grandi 33 (tel. 599/717-8160; www.bonairelittmanstores.com). Tip: Avoid purchasing any jewelry made with black coral. It is a globally protected species and may raise eyebrows at Customs, which could ask to see proof of its origin. Atlantis, down the street at Kaya Grandi 32B (tel. 599/717-7730; www.atlantisbonaire.com), has a similar selection of jewelry and watches.
Perfume Palace (tel. 599/717-5288), in Harborside Mall, carries perfume and a few high-end cosmetics. Bonaire Gift Shop, Kaya Grandi 13 (tel. 599/717-2201; www.bonairegiftshop.com), sells a wide assortment of wine, liquor, T-shirts, and assorted souvenirs. Jewel of Bonaire, Kaya Grandi 38 (tel. 599/717-8890), sells assorted gifts as well as beautifully crafted jewelry with an underwater theme.
For handmade and truly unique gifts, Littman's Anything Artistique (tel. 599/717-8160), inside the Harborside Mall, sells unique and colorful paintings, prints, woodcarvings, jewelry, and home decor; Littman's other two locations in the Harborside Mall (the Perfect Gift and Littman's Lifestyles) sell casual jewelry, hand-blown glassware, figurines, and other decorative knickknacks.
Benetton, Kaya Grandi 49 (tel. 599/717-5107), has smart men's and women's casual wear. For souvenir T-shirts for adults and children as well as affordable freshwater-pearl jewelry try Best Pearls Bonaire, Kaya Grandi 32 (tel. 599/796-7451; www.bestpearlsbonaire.com). Bamali, Kaya Grandi 26A (tel. 599/717-4833), sells men's and women's clothing, silver jewelry and accessories imported from Indonesia, and buttery leather handbags and belts from South America. The best place for dressier women's clothing is the Shop at Harbour Village, Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot 72 (tel. 599/717-7500).
Cultimara Supermarket, Kaya L.D. Gerharts 13 (tel. 599/717-8278), stocks Dutch cheeses and chocolates, fresh-baked goods, and products from the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and the United States. Warehouse Bonaire, Kaya Industria 24 (tel. 599/717-8700; www.warehousebonaire.com), sells American and Dutch products as well as fresh meats, produce, cheese, and chocolates, and even delivers to your hotel room or resort.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
