Are you looking for a Caribbean island getaway that is off the beaten path and offers many exciting adventures? If so, discover why Bonaire is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Bonaire is a Municipality of the Netherlands. It is located in the Caribbean, 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Bonaire is the perfect island getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a quiet vacation. It is an island that I have traveled to several times for diving and relaxation. It is a well-known destination to divers and one that you should consider for your next Caribbean getaway. Keep reading to learn more about the many wonderful things to do in Bonaire.
What the Beautiful Island of Bonaire is Known For
Bonaire is a beautiful island known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, ideal snorkeling experiences, and world-class diving. Bonaire is surrounded by fringing coral reefs, which are protected and part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. The Bonaire National Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The reefs are absolutely phenomenal in Bonaire. The diving and snorkeling are fantastic. My favorite way to describe diving in Bonaire is to say that it is like Nemo’s home from the movie Finding Nemo. The colors and sealife are one of a kind. There are also many things to do on land in Bonaire. You can go hiking, explore Bonaire’s salt flats, visit Washington Slagbaai National Park, and so much more.
Explore Downtown Kralendijk
Kralendijk is the capital of Bonaire and is rich in history. It also has many colorful buildings, such as Aruba and Curacao. There are many sites to explore around Kralendijk, and it is worth spending a day exploring the beautiful and colorful capital of Bonaire.
While exploring Kralendijk, take time to explore the many small boutiques. You will find many locally made crafts, island-made products, and unique souvenirs such as coral jewelry, handmade souvenirs, and art from local artisans. There is much to explore and see in Kralendijk.
Take the Historical Kralendijk Walking Tour
Around Kralendijk, you will see signs for the Historical Kralendijk Walking Tour. The sign includes a map and a numbered listing of the sites to explore. The map has 28 locations listed and marked on the map. These are a few places you can visit on the Historical Kralendijk Walking Tour.
Visit the World War II Monument
The World War II Monument was erected to honor the memory of Bonaireans who lost their lives during World War II. The monument is located on the waterfront on Kaya CEB Hellmund.
Visit Plasa Machi Mimi
Plasa Machi Mimi was built in 1935 and served as a marketplace for fishermen. Plasa Machi Mimi is located on the waterfront near the World War II Monument. It was named after Machi Mimi, who was a well-known lady at the marketplace. It was recently used as a marketplace where Venezuelans could sell their fruits and vegetables. Nowadays, you will find people sitting at the plasa relaxing and enjoying the ocean view.
Visit the Terramar Museum
The Terramar Museum is a historical building in the center of Kralendijk. The museum is a historical and archeological museum. The museum has artifacts and exhibits that cover 7000 years of Caribbean history. The Terramar Museum is open Monday through Saturday.
Visit Fort Oranje
Fort Oranje was a military fort in Bonaire that was built in 1639. Although the fort was built to protect Bonaire, the fort was not put into action. The fort has four canons and a lighthouse, which was built in 1939. The fort is located in Kralendijk on Kaya Charles E. B. Hellmund.
Swim at the Floating Pier in Kralendijk
The Floating Pier is in Kralendijk off Kaya J.N.E Craane, north of the Nautico Marina. The Floating Pier provides a great area to jump in the water, snorkel, and swim while in town. The pier has ladders in several areas around the pier, making entry and exit into the water fairly simple. While you won’t see as many fish and colorful reefs in this area, it is still a great place for snorkeling and swimming.
Explore Bonaire by Golf Cart
One of the most popular ways to explore Bonaire is by golf cart. Bonaire is a relatively small island, and you can easily get around in a golf cart. There are a few companies that provide golf carts for tourists.
One important thing you should know about golf carts in Bonaire is that they are extremely popular, especially for cruise ship passengers. If you decide to rent a golf cart, you will need to reserve your golf cart months in advance as they will sell out.
It is also important to ask about the road regulations in Bonaire. Twice, we encountered tourists going the wrong way on one of the main one-way roads. Luckily, we didn’t get into an accident, but it was difficult to get the other driver to understand that they were driving in the wrong direction. Golf carts are perfect for getting around Bonaire, but Safety is first!
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Drive the Queen’s Highway in Bonaire
The Queen’s Highway runs along the western coast of Bonaire. Bonaire constructed the Queen’s Highway in 1960 to promote tourism. Thus, the Queen’s Highway is also known as the Tourist Road, which is the perfect name for this highway. You can see many points of interest when traveling on Queen’s Highway. One of the popular stops is 1000 Steps and 1000 Steps Beach, which is a popular dive site and beach with incredible views. You will need to go down several steps to the beach, but not quite 1000. Other points of interest that you can visit are Sabadeco, where you will find the Andrea I and Andrea II dive sites. This area is right before the start of Queen’s Highway. On Queen’s Highway, you will pass by Karpata, Rincon, and Goto Meer. Many bus tours take visitors along this road to visit the sites of Bonaire.
Go on a Bon Tuk Eco Tour
A Bon Tuk Tuk is an open-air electric tuk tuk. This is a great way to explore the island. There are no windows to obscure your view and no engine noise as you make your way around the island. The Bon Tuk Eco Tour is a guided tour. You will learn about the history of Bonaire and explore many sights around the island. There are a variety of tours to choose from.
Visit the Salt Flats and Pink Salt Ponds
When you arrive in Bonaire, either by airplane or by cruise ship, you might notice huge white pyramids on the island. The white pyramids are large mounds of salt that has been produced in Bonaire. Bonaire is one of the main producers of salt, and it exports it to Europe, Asia, and North America. You can visit the salt flats and see the large mounds of salt and the pink salt pans where salt is being crystallized. At the salt flats, there is a wooden box with salt that is ready for consumption. You can get a sample of salt to try. You can also buy Bonairian salt throughout the island.
Visit the Slave Houses
Bonaire was once a major hub for the Dutch slave trade. The slave houses were built for the slaves who worked on the plantations in Bonaire. The houses were more the size of small huts. However, as many as seven people slept in the houses. The slave houses are found scattered around Bonaire. Some have been restored and are the same as they were in the past. The slave houses remind us of the way slaves were forced to live and stand as a reminder of the past.
The Yellow slave huts and the Old slave huts were built in 1850 and are past the salt flats. The huts were living quarters for slaves who worked at the salt flats. The Old and the Yellow slave huts are located along EEG Boulevard along the coast. The Old slave houses are past Pink Beach, while the Yellow slave huts are right before reaching the Willemstoren Lighthouse.
Visit One of Bonaire’s Popular Lighthouses
Bonaire has several working lighthouses, including Willemstoren Lighthouse, Spelonk Lighthouse, and Seru Bentana. You can visit the areas where the lighthouses are located and get some great photographs of the area and views.
Willemstoren Lighthouse
The Willemstoren Lighthouse is located in the southern part of Bonaire, past the salt flats in an area known as Lacre Pont. The lighthouse is 21 meters high and was built in 1837 and was named after King William I of the Netherlands. The Willemstoren Lighthouse was the first lighthouse built in Bonaire and the Caribbean. The lighthouse was restored and repainted several years ago. It now operates on solar energy. Willemstoren is Bonaire’s most popular, well-known, and photographed lighthouse.
Spelonk Lighthouse
Spelonk lighthouse is located in Boca Spelonk on the east side of the island. The drive to visit the Spelonk lighthouse can be a bit rough. It is better to have a 4 x 4 when making the trip to visit Spelonk. The lighthouse keeper’s house still remains and is close to the lighthouse. The Spelonk Lighthouse was updated and renovated. It now operates on solar energy, so having a lighthouse keeper is unnecessary. The lighthouse keeper’s house is unused and thus has fallen into disrepair.
Seru Bentana
The Seru Bentana Lighthouse is located on the east side of the island in Washington Slagbaai National Park. You cannot enter the lighthouse to see the inside. However, Seru Bentana is on a hill, and you will have great views from this area.
Go on a Landsailing Adventure in Bonaire
If you are looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, then you should try landsailing in a blocart. The perfect Caribbean winds make Bonaire a great destination to try landsailing. Landsailing involves riding in a blocart with a sail over sand. You receive training and safety instructions. Then you are off. The wind powers your cart, which you control with handlebars attached to a steering column. You can reach speeds up to 20 to 25 miles per hour.
Visit Sorobon Beach
Sorobon Beach is located in the southeastern part of the island. It is popular for its crystal clear and shallow water, which makes it perfect for swimming or for those who would like to learn windsurfing. The shallow waters are also perfect for paddle boarding. There are local windsurfing schools on site that provide lessons and rent equipment. There are several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch with perfect ocean views.
Visit the Pink Flamingos of Bonaire
Much like the neighboring islands of Aruba and Curacao, you will find Flamingos on Bonaire. There are several places where you can go to see the Flamingos. Gotomeer and the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary are both great places to see flamingos.
The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary
The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is located in the southern part of Bonaire. It is between the Salt Flats and the Willemstoren Lighthouse. This is a protected area, and you can’t go into the sanctuary, but you can see pink flamingos from the road or at Pink Beach. The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is a large area and home to about 10,000 flamingos. It is also one of the few areas where flamingos breed.
Visit Goto Meer
Goto Meer is a saltwater lake located in Washington Slagbaai National Park on the north side of the island. Goto Meer is a large lake, and you are sure to see flamingos as you make your way along the lakeside road Kaminda Goto. One of the best places to get a great view of the lake and flamingos is at Mirante Goto Meer. As you make your way along Kaminda Goto, you will come across a parking sign and a small parking lot. You can stop here and enjoy the view. The flamingos are protected. You will need to stay on the path or road as you make your way along Goto Meer.
Visit Rincon Village
Rincon is the oldest settlement on Bonaire. The Spaniards established Rincon in 1527. Rincon is located in the Northern part of the island and is inland from the coast. The Spaniards built Rincon to prevent pirate attacks on the people of Bonaire, as the town is inland and surrounded by hills. This prevented pirates from detecting Ricon. Rincon is also the town where the slaves who worked in the salt flats walked to in order to visit family. The walk from the salt flats to Rincon was about seven hours one way.
Rincon has lots of culture and many places to explore. At the end of April, Ricon celebrates “Dia De Rincon,” which is a holiday in Bonaire. On this day, the celebration begins in the morning and includes performances and a parade through the city. The celebration commemorates the end of the harvest season known as Simadan.
Hiking in the Rincon Valley
There are also three areas where you can hike in the Rincon Valley. The trailheads for the Dos Pos and Montana hiking trail start at Dos Pos. The trailhead of the Roi Sango hiking trail is close to the entrance of Altamira Unjo. If you decide to hike, bring plenty of water, sunblock, and a hat, as it gets hot and there is little shade. You should start your hike early in the day.
Visit the Cadushy Distillery in Rincon
Cadushy Distillery is the only distillery in Bonaire. The distillery is located in Rincon. Eric Gietman, the master distiller at Cadushy, owns Cadushy. Cadushy produces spirits such as rum, vodka, and gin using local natural products such as juniper and cactus. You can visit the distillery and learn about the distilling process at Cadushy.
In addition to the spirits, Cadush produces colorful specialty liquors that represent local Caribbean Islands. The different flavors include Kukui of Aruba, Cadushy of Bonaire, Calbas of Curacao, Gold of Statia, Orange of Orange for Sint Maarten and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Spices of Saba. Each bottle of liquor represents the characteristics of each island.
When you visit Cadushy Distillery, you can learn about the spirits and liquors they produce and taste a few of their products. There is a nice relaxing patio where you can enjoy a liqueur, a cocktail, or a mixed drink.
Cadushy Distillery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no fee to visit the distillery.
Visit Washington Slagbaai National Park
Washington Slagbaai National Park is a 14,000-acre park in the northern part of Bonaire. Given its size, there is a lot to explore in Washington Slagbaai Park. The park is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, snorkeling, swimming, mountain biking, and much more. You can drive through the park on your own or take a guided tour through the park. Upon entering the park, you will receive a map with several points of interest that you can visit. The Visitor Center is on Kaya G.R.E. Herrera, north of Rincon.
The park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The latest entrance is at 2:30 pm.
Visit Boca Slagbaai
Boca Slagbaai is a cove inside the National Park on the Northwest coast of the park. You can snorkel at Boca Slagbaai as the water is very clear. There is an abundant amount of sea life, including tropical fish and sea turtles. Part of the beach and water area has soft sand. Other parts of the area are rocky. You should bring water shoes to protect your feet.
Not too far from the beach are the Boca Slagbaai Plantation Houses. The plantation once provided salt, aloe vera, and goats for export to the neighboring islands. The plantation houses are bright yellow with red roofs and really stand out in the area.
Kayak and Paddleboard in Lac Bay
Lac Bay is a shallow bay located in the eastern part of the island. Lac Bay has calm, shallow waters, which make it a perfect place for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent kayaks or paddle boards and enjoy the bay. You should avoid the mangroves if you are kayaking on your own. The mangroves are protected and are important ecosystems. The best time to kayak and paddleboard is during the morning hours, as it can get hot later in the day.
Kayak along the Mangroves at Lac Bay
Lac Bay is known for its mangrove forest and is a great place to explore. You can take an eco-canoe tour through the mangroves at Lac Bay. During your kayak, you will see baby turtles, rays, and other sea life that are specific to this region. You can book your tour through the Mangrove Info Center website.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at Bonaire Marine Park, The Nature Fee
The waters and reefs around Bonaire are within the Bonaire Marine Park. If you plan on swimming, snorkeling, or diving in Bonaire, you will need to pay the Nature Fee. The Nature Fee is required for all tourists and all water activities. It is also required to enter the Washington Slagbaai National Park. The Nature Fee is $40.00 US and is good for the Bonaire Marine Park and the Washington Slagbaai National Park. It is valid for one year from the time of purchase.
For visitors arriving by cruise ship, the Nature Fee is $10.00 per person. Many cruise-sponsored tours will include the fee in your tour price if needed.
Go Scuba Diving in Bonaire
Bonaire is one of the best islands for scuba diving. The reefs along the coast of Bonaire are protected and absolutely beautiful. If you are interested in taking a dive trip, Bonaire should be at the top of your list. There are over 80 dive sites along the coast of Bonaire. This includes shore dives and boat dives. It is possible to go on two or three shore dives every day. If you prefer boat diving, there are many dive resorts that offer packages that include boat diving as part of their accommodations. Many resorts have their own boat docks and storage areas for your gear. They also offer equipment rentals onsite. Resorts also have their piers, making it easy to dive or snorkel off the pier.
Go Snorkeling in Bonaire
While Bonaire is known for diving, snorkeling is just as amazing. The turquoise crystal-clear waters, the reef, and vibrant marine life are amazing and beautiful. If you aren’t a diver, take some time to snorkel in Bonaire. There are many places to snorkel. You can enjoy the water near your resort if they have a pier, are oceanfront, and are safe for snorkeling. There are several beaches you can drive to. Some areas popular for divers have rocks, so you will need to clear the rocky area to snorkel. Other beaches are perfect, and they also have palapas for shade. If you are in town, you can snorkel and swim in Kralendijk off the floating pier. You will see some sea life, but not as much as you can at other snorkel spots.
Visit Klein Bonaire
Klein Bonaire is an uninhabited island about one-half mile off the coast of Bonaire. It is six square kilometers in size. Klein Bonaire is home to turtle nesting grounds and has a few slave hut ruins. There are no facilities on Klein Bonaire.
Klein Bonaire is a beautiful island to visit for snorkeling and swimming. The easiest way to get to Klein Bonaire is to use the water taxi. There are water taxis available in Kralendijk that will take you to the island, with stops that run every 30 or so minutes. You will return to town the same way. Keep in mind that Klein Bonaire has no facilities at all. You will need to take water and snacks or food with you as there is no water or food available on the island. There is also little to no shade.
You can also set up a snorkeling tour to Klein Bonaire in town. Many tours have boats with facilities and offer lunch as part of the tour.
Klein Bonaire is also popular for diving. There are several dive sites around the island.
Go on a Sunset Cruise in Bonaire
Sunset cruises are a great way to unwind and see Bonaire from a different perspective. As you sail in the ocean, you will see a beautiful Bonairian sunset and the city lights of Kralendijk as the sun goes down. There are several local tour companies that offer sunset cruises. The tours range from catamarans to sailboats, with some offering full dinners and others offering snacks and drinks. You should book your cruise in advance as they can fill up fairly quickly, especially during high season. Don’t forget your camera to capture a perfect sunset photo.
Visit the Donkey Sanctuary in Bonaire
As you visit the sights throughout Bonaire, you might notice a donkey or two wandering around. Donkeys have been a staple in Bonaire for hundreds of years. The Spaniards brought the donkeys to the island in the 17th century and used them for labor. As time passed and modern technologies were implemented, donkeys were not needed and were set free.
Sometimes, wild donkeys are injured or can become sick and need assistance. The Donkey Sanctuary was created to help care for donkeys that need assistance. They have helped many donkeys over the years. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of donkeys, and it is a great, family-friendly thing to do in Bonaire.
You can visit the donkeys in the sanctuary. At the visitor center, you can get information about the donkeys and purchase souvenirs. You can also purchase food for the donkeys. There is a terrace where you can enjoy a cool drink. From the terrace, you can see the salt lake with wild flamingos. There is also a garden where you can see other animals, such as iguana and tortoises. After stopping at the visitor center and getting instructions on how to visit the donkeys, you will be able to drive through the sanctuary to visit the donkeys and feed them.
The Special Care Meadow
The special care meadow is an area where donkeys that need extra care are kept. The staff provide the care and rehabilitate the donkeys. You can only enter the special care meadow on foot.
When you visit the sanctuary, you support their efforts. The Donkey Sanctuary is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entrance at 4:00 pm. The entrance fee is $9.00 US for adults and $4.50 US for children up to 12 years of age.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bonaire
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about visiting Bonaire. We hope these answers help you plan your trip to Bonaire.
Yes, Bonaire is ideal for beginners. Many of its dive sites are accessible from the shore, making it easy to practice in calm waters. Many of the boat dives also visit sites that have relatively calm waters. Additionally, there are many great places to snorkel with calm waters. Bonaire is a great destination for beginners.
The best time to visit Bonaire is between October and April when the weather is warm and dry, and the waters are calm for diving and snorkeling.
Yes, renting a car is recommended since public transportation is limited, and many attractions, including national parks, require a vehicle to access. You can also rent a golf cart. However, golf carts are not allowed in all areas.
Bonaire offers several eco-friendly activities, guided nature tours, and hikes. You can also participate in conservation efforts by caring for the environment while visiting Bonaire.
The U.S. dollar is Bonaire’s official currency. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Yes, you will need to pay the Nature fee if you plan on visiting the Bonaire Marine Park or the Washington-Slagbaai National Park. The Bonaire Marine Park is essentially the reef around the island of Bonaire. If you plan on entering the water to swim or participate in any water sports, you must pay the nature fee.
Is Visiting Bonaire Worth It?
Yes! Bonaire is absolutely worth visiting! Bonaire is known for its excellent diving and snorkeling spots. There are other watersports available as well. Besides water sports, Bonaire offers many land-based activities, such as hiking, biking, and exploring the island. If you prefer a quiet getaway, you can also have a relaxing vacation. Bonaire is rich in culture and history, with many historical buildings and sites to explore. There are so many things to do in Bonaire that you are sure to have a great time visiting this island paradise.
Are you planning to visit, or are you interested in visiting Bonaire? There are so many things to do in Bonaire. We are sure you will enjoy visiting this incredible island. Now that you’ve learned about the many things that Bonaire has to offer, what are you planning to do? Let us know in the comments below!
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