Bonaire (Bonaire National Marine Park) sunscreen guidance
Bonaire's Island Council unanimously passed a motion in 2018 calling for a ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens from 2021. We could not find any ordinance that turned the motion into law. STINAPA, which manages the marine park, tells visitors to use sunscreen free of these two chemicals. Many travel sites say a legal ban has applied since 2021, but we found no primary source for that.
Last verified October 14, 2026 · Island Council motion (May 15, 2018); STINAPA marine park beach rules. No enacted island ordinance located
Ingredients to avoid
| Ingredient | Also called | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Oxybenzone | benzophenone-3, benzophenone 3 | UV filter |
| Octinoxate | ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, octyl methoxycinnamate | UV filter |
The details
- A council motion states policy intent and is not itself enforceable law. In a written answer in July 2021, the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management said the ban was desirable but still 'must be implemented through local regulation' (translated), ideally together with a Dutch import ban.
- STINAPA's current beach rules for the Bonaire National Marine Park ask visitors to use sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. The page names no fine for sunscreen.
- We list this as advisory until an enacted eilandsverordening (island ordinance) or import measure can be verified. Travel and tourism sites claiming a legal sale-and-use ban since January 1, 2021 do not cite one.
- Mineral (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) sunscreen is widely recommended locally.
- No effective date is given because no binding rule has been verified. The Island Council motion dates from May 15, 2018 and aimed for January 1, 2021.
Sunscreens that meet this guidance in Bonaire
911 of 988 products we track pass; 76 don’t.Browse all 911 →
Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
By brand
Common questions
What sunscreen ingredients are banned in Bonaire?
Oxybenzone, Octinoxate.
When did the Bonaire sunscreen rule take effect?
No fixed effective date.
Which sunscreens are allowed in Bonaire?
Of the 988 products we track, 911 meet the Bonaire rule. The simplest choice is a sunscreen with only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.