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16 May 2026

Behind the Scenes of Rum Runners: Crafting Caribbean Flavors at Captain Don’s Habitat

After a salt-sprayed day exploring Bonaire’s reefs, you want flavors that match the island’s energy. That’s where Rum Runners—the on-site restaurant and bar at Captain Don’s Habitat—comes in. From satisfying meals to a full bar pouring Dutch beer, cocktails, and spirits, Rum Runners anchors your stay with relaxed, ocean-forward hospitality.

This behind-the-scenes look reveals how Rum Runners fits into the rhythm of a dive-focused island vacation, what to expect at the bar, and smart ways to pair your dining with the resort’s signature experiences.

What Is Rum Runners at Captain Don’s Habitat?

Rum Runners is the resort’s on-site restaurant and bar, designed for convenience and comfort between dives, sails, and swims. It’s an easy gathering place where guests enjoy food and drinks, including a full bar selection that features Dutch beer, cocktails, and spirits.

Quick facts

The Flavors of the Caribbean, Poured and Plated

Caribbean dining is all about bright, sunny flavors and unfussy, open-air ease. While every island puts its own spin on food and drink, there are a few touchstones you can expect at Rum Runners:

At a high level, Caribbean bar classics often lean on citrus, tropical fruit notes, and balanced sweetness—profiles that pair naturally with sea air and sun-kissed days. Add in a Dutch beer option and you have a bar list that nods to Bonaire’s heritage while staying true to a casual beachside mood.

Atmosphere: Ocean-Front Energy, Dive-Centric Ease

Captain Don’s Habitat is directly on the Caribbean Sea, and that ocean-front vitality shapes the experience at Rum Runners. Guests can move from the water to the restaurant with minimal transition—ideal on Bonaire, where the sea is the star.

Beyond the restaurant, the resort offers complementary spaces and amenities that round out your day:

The result is a dining experience that clicks seamlessly into your dive-by-day, relax-by-night schedule.

Pair Your Day: Diving, Sailing, and Dining

One of the best parts of staying at Captain Don’s Habitat is how easily you can plan a full day without leaving the property. Rum Runners is your convenient culinary pivot point:

Pro tip: Coordinate your sailing reservations ("Reserve your Spot" is available on the site) and keep Rum Runners in mind for the before-or-after glow that extends a great day on the water.

Service That Keeps Guests Coming Back

Guest feedback consistently highlights Rum Runners and the broader resort team for warm service, delicious food, and a safety-oriented approach on the dive side. Reviewers call out the knowledgeable staff, front-desk professionals who go above and beyond, and dive team flexibility that makes it easy to tailor your underwater itinerary—so you can time your meals and drinks exactly how you like them.

How Rum Runners Fits the Habitat Ethos

Captain Don’s Habitat was founded in 1976 by underwater environmentalist Captain Don Stewart, and the property has been a leader in eco-friendly practices—think low-impact construction, solar water heaters, energy-saving devices, and landscaping designed to prevent runoff into the reef.

While Rum Runners is all about easy-going dining, it’s also part of a property recognized by Bonaire Blue Destination for marine-conservation efforts. That alignment matters on an island where the ocean isn’t just a view—it’s a way of life.

Planning Your Visit: Smart, Simple, and Seamless

Use these grounded tips to make Rum Runners and Captain Don’s Habitat work even harder for your trip:

What is Rum Runners at Captain Don’s Habitat?

Rum Runners is the resort’s on-site restaurant and bar serving food and drinks, including Dutch beer, cocktails, and spirits.

Does Rum Runners have a full bar?

Yes. Rum Runners offers a full bar with Dutch beer, cocktails, and spirits.

Is it good for non-divers, too?

Yes. Captain Don’s Habitat is popular with non-divers for its ocean views, pool areas, dining, and peaceful tropical setting—Rum Runners fits right in.

Where is Captain Don’s Habitat?

103 Kaya Gob. N. Debrot, Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands—approximately a 10-minute drive from Flamingo International Airport and a short drive from downtown Kralendijk.

What else can I do around a meal at Rum Runners?

Dive the house reef, schedule boat dives, join the Snorkel & Sail Trip (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays), or book the Epic Sunset Bliss sailing (Wednesdays).

Practical Takeaways for a Flavor-First Stay

Conclusion: Your Table by the Sea Awaits

At Captain Don’s Habitat, Rum Runners is more than a place to eat and drink—it’s the flavorful bridge between your ocean adventures and laid-back island time. With a full bar pouring Dutch beer, cocktails, and spirits, welcoming service, and a just-steps-from-the-water setting, you’re never far from the next great moment.

Ready to plan your dive-and-dine escape? Book your stay by emailing book@habitatbonaire.com or calling +599 717 8290. Guests in North America can also book packages and airfare through Maduro Dive Travel Adventures at 1-800-327-6709 (cdh@maduro.com). For dive-specific questions, contact roger@habitatbonaire.com. And before you splash in, use the site’s "Click here to pay your nature fee" link to take care of the STINAPA Nature Fee.

Pull up a chair at Rum Runners—the Caribbean is served.