Bonaire is very laid back. Unless you are an avid snorkeler or a scuba diver that is about all there is to do. There is no comparison to SXM. Curacao is a more tourist attraction where you have the European influence of the Dutch. Very cosmopolitan, Safe, beaches have coral coast line but once you are in the water it is sandy bottom. Abundance of sea life, water clarity is unbelievable (same for Bonaire). Again, no comparison between the 2 islands and SXM but it is a different adventure and you may like it. We did.