If you’re looking for a beachfront getaway on Bonaire Island, Delfins Beach Resort might be just what you need!
In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience at Delfins, sharing a full tour, my honest opinion after a 7 night stay, and helpful travel tips to make the most of YOUR stay.
1. Delfins Resort Has a Beachfront Location
One of the best things about Delfins Beach Resort is its stunning beachfront. There’s a long stretch of sand with plenty of seating options and a pier that leads out into the water.
Whether you’re more of a beach person or you prefer hanging by the pool, Delfins has it all.
2. Multiple Pool Options
Delfins Resort offers not just one, but two pool experiences that cater to different moods and preferences, giving you options depending on how you feel during your stay.
There’s what I’ll call “the recreational pool” and the “dive and lap” pools…
1. The Main Pool: Perfect for Families and Fun
The first pool is located near the beach and the resort’s main restaurant, creating a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for families or anyone looking to socialize. It’s a great spot for those who enjoy being close to the action. The pool has a swim-up bar, so you can grab your favorite cocktail without leaving the water. Kids will love splashing around here, making it an excellent spot for families.
Since it’s next to the beach and restaurant, you can seamlessly move between swimming, eating, and soaking in the sun. There are plenty of loungers around the pool, so whether you’re taking a quick dip or spending the afternoon, you’ll always find a comfortable spot to relax.
2. The Quiet Pool: A More Relaxed Vibe
If you’re looking for something quieter, head to the second pool on the other side of the resort. This pool is larger and offers a more peaceful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the main area. It’s a great spot for couples or solo travelers who want to enjoy a more laid-back poolside experience.
This pool is also home to the Dive Center, where dive lessons often take place in the pool itself. So, if you’re a diver or interested in learning, this pool has added benefits. While it’s larger and more serene, you’ll still have plenty of space to lounge or take a relaxing swim without interruptions.
Did you know there is a VIDEO VERSION of this blog post? Watch it below or by clicking here!
3. Easy and Efficient Check-In Process
When I arrived at Delfins Resort, I came straight from the airport after renting a car (I’ll share more tips on that later). Delfins makes the check-in process super simple and fast, especially if you fill out all the necessary information online before arriving.
By completing the check-in paperwork online, you can skip the usual waiting time at the front desk and grab your room keys almost immediately. I definitely recommend doing this, as it made the arrival experience much smoother. In just a few minutes, I had my keys and was ready to settle into my room.
Pro Tip: Delfins also offers airport pick-up services if you don’t plan on renting a car. But if you want to be able to explore the island at your own pace, renting a car is a great option.
4. Room Choices: What to Expect
Delfins Resort has a variety of room options, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you want a one-bedroom apartment like I stayed in, or you’re looking for something bigger like a multi-room villa, you’ll find plenty of options.
We stayed in a one-bedroom apartment, and what I loved most about it was the extra space. It came with a living room area and a small kitchen, which made it easy to keep snacks and light meals. Although I wasn’t looking to cook full meals, having a fridge and a few basic appliances was handy. If you’re planning to cook more, the kitchen is fully equipped with everything you’ll need.
One downside I noticed is that there’s no air conditioning in the living room, which is common across Bonaire.
So, if you’re staying in the warmer months (I was there in August), it can get pretty hot. The bedroom is air-conditioned, but the living room relies on fans and open windows to stay cool.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind—especially if you’re sensitive to heat.
Despite the lack of AC in the living room, the overall comfort of the apartment was fantastic. We had a lovely outdoor space where I could sit and enjoy my morning coffee. Plus, having a drying rack for our snorkel gear was super helpful after a day spent in the water.
5. Dining at Delfins: Don’t Miss These Restaurants
One of the things that impressed me the most about Delfins was the on-site dining options. There are multiple restaurants to choose from, but two in particular stand out: Brass Boer and Club Tropicana.
Brass Boer: A Culinary Experience
Brass Boer is the resort’s signature restaurant, and it’s a must-visit whether you’re staying at Delfins or just visiting the island. I had an incredible meal here during my stay, and I recommend booking a reservation in advance, especially if you want to dine around sunset. The restaurant overlooks the water, and watching the sun set over the ocean while enjoying a multi-course meal was one of the highlights of my trip.
This isn’t a “quick meal” kind of place, so plan to take your time and savor each course. One of my favorite tips for dining at Brass Boer is to have one person order the chef’s menu and the other order a la carte. That way, you can try as many dishes as possible!
Club Tropicana: Casual Bites and BBQ by the Beach
The other restaurant on-site is Club Tropicana, which offers a more casual dining experience. There are actually two parts to Club Tropicana—one near the pool that serves casual bites like crispy chicken (my favorite), and another on the other side of the property offering BBQ on the beach. The beachside BBQ is the hidden gem! I was expecting simple, casual items, but the delicious skewers they serve here are definitely worth trying. The chicken skewer was a standout, and the beachside seating makes it a perfect spot to relax with a meal after a day in the sun.
You can either sit down at the restaurant or enjoy your food from the comfort of your beach bed, with waiters bringing everything to you while you enjoy the view.
Want to discover more restaurants on Bonaire Island? Don’t miss this blog post!
6. Resort Amenities: All the Extras
There are a few extra amenities at Delfins that made my stay even more comfortable and enjoyable.
- The Resort App: Delfins has an app that functions as a handy website, allowing you to access key information, open your room door, and communicate with the front desk without needing to carry your room key.
- Free Parking: The resort offers gated parking lots, which adds an extra layer of security. It’s a great feeling to know your rental car is safe, especially since Bonaire is known to be a relatively safe island, but it’s always nice to have peace of mind.
- Car Rental On-Site: If you didn’t rent a car for your entire stay, Delfins offers car rentals on-site, so you can grab one for a day or two to explore more of the island.
- New Gym: Delfins recently opened a brand-new gym that guests can use for free. They also offer fitness classes for a small fee. I took a $10 class during my stay, and it was a great way to get in a workout while on vacation.
- Beach Towels: The resort provides two large beach towels per room, which you can exchange at the front desk. Just don’t lose them—they cost $25 each if they go missing!
Also, if you’re a scuba diver, they have the amenities you need to get your gear cleaned up and ready for your next dive, as well as a full dive center with Dive Friends Bonaire.
7. Snorkeling at Delfins: The Pier Makes It Easy
One of the best parts of staying at Delfins is the easy access to snorkeling. The resort’s pier makes getting in and out of the water super simple, even on days when the waves are rough. There’s a ladder and stairs that go right into the ocean, so you don’t have to struggle with rocky shorelines or uneven surfaces.
I loved grabbing my snorkel gear every morning and heading down to the pier, where I found tons of marine life right beneath the surface. The pier attracts schools of fish, and on one morning, I even spotted a bait ball near the pier! It was incredible to have such easy access to snorkeling right from the resort.
After a morning of snorkeling, I’d relax on our private balcony, which had a drying rack for our gear. It was such a convenient setup, and I appreciated how easy it was to go from snorkeling to relaxing without having to leave the resort.
Even though the resort has wifi to stay connected while you’re vacationing, when you leave the resort you might STILL want a way of being connected (how about using Google Maps to navigate? Or looking up a restaurant?).
In these cases, I use an eSIM card like Sim Local to help me stay connected when I travel!
Bottom Line – Worth it?
After a week at Delfins Resort, I can confidently say it’s been an amazing stay. The beachfront location, excellent service, and variety of amenities made it one of my favorite stays on Bonaire. Whether you’re here to dive, relax by the pool, or explore the island, Delfins offers something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, beachfront resort with great dining and easy access to snorkeling, Delfins is definitely worth considering. And if you’re staying nearby, be sure to check out Ocean Oasis, a great spot just a couple minutes away where you can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner—and enjoy live music on Friday nights!