Soft Landing Bonaire

Arrive. Settle in. Feel at home.

You have found your home on Bonaire – now life begins. In one personal session I show you how the island really works, so you feel at home in weeks instead of months.

“You can’t learn Bonaire from a book.”Kirsten Wouterse
💬In English or Dutch
After the paperwork

The paperwork is done. Now real life begins.

Permits, registration, insurance – there are good organisations on the island that help you with the formal side of moving. But then you are here. Where do you find a good doctor? How do schools and clubs work? Where do you shop when the boat with fresh produce has just come in? And how do you really get to know the people and culture of your new island?

That is where Soft Landing comes in: the hundred small things you won’t read anywhere, explained on the spot.
Who it’s for

For everyone who has just arrived on Bonaire

Whether you come from the Netherlands, the United States or anywhere else.

New homeowners

You bought a home and are moving here – or just did.

Second-home owners

You spend part of the year on Bonaire and want to feel part of it.

Families

Moving with children? Schools, sports and healthcare, explained.

New professionals

Starting a job on the island – on your own or via your employer.

How it works

Three steps to a soft landing

1

Free introductory call

15 minutes by phone or video. We talk about your situation and what matters most to you.

2

Four hours across the island

I pick you up, we drive across Bonaire and discuss everything that matters for your new life – on location.

3

Your digital guide

Afterwards you receive a digital guide with addresses, contacts and tips to fall back on.

What we cover

Practical living

Healthcare, schools, groceries, banks, internet, WEB and all the little things that work differently here.

History & context

How the island came to be, and what 10-10-10 means for daily life today.

Culture & society

Values, family ties, traditions and unwritten rules – and a little Papiamentu.

Economy & reality

Imports, cost of living, and what that means for your budget and choices.

Nature & environment

The most beautiful spots, the Marine Park and how to take care of the island.

Community & leisure

Sports, clubs, volunteering and the places where you truly become part of island life.

Packages

Choose your soft landing

All sessions are private, in English or Dutch, for up to 4 people.

For organisations

Onboarding for new employees.

Custom quote
 
  • For schools, healthcare, government & resorts
  • Book per employee or for regular intake
  • Optional sector-specific history
  • Monthly consolidated invoice
Request a quote →

Prices excl. 6% ABB (local sales tax). Transport and digital guide included.

For partners

Real estate agent or property manager?

Give your clients a warm welcome to the island. Give a Soft Landing gift card at key handover, or simply refer your clients – they will remember who helped them feel at home.

Partner information →
  • Give a gift card at key handover
  • Or simply recommend me to your clients
  • No extra work – I take care of everything
About me

You can’t learn Bonaire from a book

My name is Kirsten Wouterse. When I came to Bonaire seven years ago, I thought many things would become clear by themselves. They didn’t. Not the big things, but the small ones: how things work, why certain choices are made, and which unwritten rules shape daily life on the island.

My bond with the Caribbean started young. I have family on Sint Maarten, lived on Curaçao for a while, and learned to speak Papiamentu in a largely Antillean circle of friends. Still, every island has its own character – I had to get to know Bonaire all over again. That taught me how valuable context is.

With OYA Bonaire I combine that experience with formal knowledge and a local network, so what takes most newcomers months or years falls into place in one personal day.

Certified island guide. In 2022 I completed Bonaire in Depth & Guiding Skills at FORMA, the official guide training on Bonaire’s history, culture and nature – plus History levels 1 & 2 with Boi Antoin.
7 yearsliving on Bonaire
Bonaire in Depthofficial guide training, FORMA 2022
History levels 1 & 2with Boi Antoin
Networkhealthcare, education, business & government
Get in touch

Plan a free 15-minute introductory call

Tell me a little about your situation and I will get back to you within three working days. Prefer WhatsApp? That works too.

Thank you! Your message has been sent. I will get back to you within three working days.