Bonaire
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Bonaire - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Bon Sea Semi-Submarine
When walking downtown, it’s impossible to miss the cute little bright-red and smiling submarine—which looks like something out of a storybook—trolling back and forth just...
When walking downtown, it’s impossible to miss the cute little bright-red and smiling submarine—which looks like something out of a storybook—trolling back and forth just offshore. Called the Bon Sea Sub, it provides an exceptional way for all ages to explore the island’s incredible marine life without getting wet. The 45-minute tours are offered between noon and 5 daily, departing on the hour from the pier at Karel’s Beach Bar. Although reservations are recommended, you can always ask if there are open spots if you happen to be walking by. Private charters and tours are also available.
12 Kaya J. N. E. Craane, Kralendijk, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire599-770–4216Sight Details
Rate Includes: $20, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
2. Bonaire Marine Park
The Bonaire Marine Park, founded in 1979 to protect the island's most precious natural resource, covers an area of less than 700 acres and includes...
The Bonaire Marine Park, founded in 1979 to protect the island's most precious natural resource, covers an area of less than 700 acres and includes all the waters around the island from the high-water mark to the 60-meter depth. Because it has so zealously protected its marine environment, Bonaire offers an amazing diversity of underwater life. Turtles, rays, and fish of every imaginable color abound in the pristine waters of the park. Several well-enforced rules include: (1) pay the annual Nature Fee, and attach the yellow tag you receive to an item of scuba gear; (2) no spearfishing; (3) no dropping anchor; and (4) no touching, stepping on, or collecting coral. Checkout dives—dives you do first with a master before going out on your own—are required, and you can arrange them through any dive shop. All dive operations offer classes in free buoyancy control, advanced buoyancy control, and photographic buoyancy control.
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3. Cadushy Distillery and Gardens
When Dutch expat and master distiller Eric Gietman began experimenting with the kadushi cactus to produce artisanal spirits, he had no idea what an important...
When Dutch expat and master distiller Eric Gietman began experimenting with the kadushi cactus to produce artisanal spirits, he had no idea what an important local cottage industry he would end up starting. Today, the Cadushy Distillery produces some of the most distinctive cactus-based spirits in the Caribbean, including vodka, gin, and several special blends dedicated to each Dutch Caribbean Island as well the original Spirit of Bonaire liqueur. They also make an acclaimed top-shelf rum called Rom Rincón and a special whiskey dedicated to the pioneer of dive tourism, the late Captain Don Stewart. You can purchase bottles at downtown shops, but do yourself a favor and make the trek to Cadushy's lovely tasting gardens and bar in Rincon to try the spirits on their own and incorporated into excellent hand-crafted cocktails. You’ll also learn about the production process and possibly even see the master distiller at work.
Kaya C. D. Crestian, Rincón, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire599-701–7011Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. -
4. Mangazina di Rei Cultural Park
Built around the second-oldest stone structure on Bonaire, this cultural park a few miles before Rincón provides a fascinating insight into the island's history. The...
Built around the second-oldest stone structure on Bonaire, this cultural park a few miles before Rincón provides a fascinating insight into the island's history. The museum commands an excellent view of the surrounding countryside and contains artifacts tracing the often hard lives of the early settlers. Numerous structures built around the museum illustrate how living conditions have changed over the years. The park is usually filled with island schoolkids learning how to use traditional musical instruments and how to cook local foods. The last Saturday of each month features a cultural market. Enjoy local food and purchase crafts while listening to island music. Arrive early for the best selection of treats.
Kaya Rincón z/n, Rincón, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire599-786–2101Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, Closed Sat.–Mon. -
5. Rincón
The island's original Spanish settlement, Rincón is where slaves brought from Africa to work the plantations and salt fields lived. Today it's a well-kept cluster...
The island's original Spanish settlement, Rincón is where slaves brought from Africa to work the plantations and salt fields lived. Today it's a well-kept cluster of pastel cottages and 19th-century buildings that constitute Bonaire's oldest village. There are several local eateries and bars in town, and it's also home to renowned Cadushy Distillery. Dia di Rincón (Rincón Day) is an annual festival and holiday held April 30. This massive street party features local food, music, and revelry. Arrive early if traveling with children. By nighttime, it's a lively boisterous party vibe.
Rincón, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
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6. Rooi Lamoenchi Kunuku
Museum VillageOwner Ellen Herrera restored her family's homestead north of Lac Bay, in the Bonairean kadushi (cactus) wilderness, to educate tourists and...
Owner Ellen Herrera restored her family's homestead north of Lac Bay, in the Bonairean kadushi (cactus) wilderness, to educate tourists and residents about the history and tradition of authentic kunuku living and to show unspoiled terrain in two daily tours. You must make an appointment in advance and expect to spend a couple of hours.
Kaya Suiza 23, , Bonaire599-717–8489Sight Details
Rate Includes: $21 -
7. 1,000 Steps
Directly across the road from the Radio Nederland towers on the main road north, you'll see a short yellow marker that points to the location...
Directly across the road from the Radio Nederland towers on the main road north, you'll see a short yellow marker that points to the location of these limestone stairs carved right out of the cliff. They lead to a lovely coral beach and protected cove where you can snorkel and dive. Although there are really only 67 steps, it feels like there are 1,000 of them when you walk back up carrying scuba gear.
Queen's Hwy., Rincón, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
8. Barcadera Cave
CaveOnce used to trap goats, Barcadera is one of the oldest caves in Bonaire. It's the first sight along the northern route; watch closely for a...
Once used to trap goats, Barcadera is one of the oldest caves in Bonaire. It's the first sight along the northern route; watch closely for a yellow marker on your left before you reach the towering Radio Nederland antennas. Pull off across from the entrance to the Bonaire Caribbean Club, and you can discover some stone steps that lead down into a cave full of stalactites and vegetation. It's best to hire a local guide to traverse any cave in Bonaire. Hans from Outdoor Bonaire is an expert in caving in Bonaire.
Kaya Barcadera, , n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
9. Boca Slagbaai
Inside Washington Slagbaai National Park, this popular snorkel and dive site has interesting offshore coral gardens that are good for snorkeling. Bring scuba boots or...
Inside Washington Slagbaai National Park, this popular snorkel and dive site has interesting offshore coral gardens that are good for snorkeling. Bring scuba boots or canvas sandals to walk into the water, because the beach is rough on bare feet. The gentle surf makes it an ideal place for swimming and picnicking. Sunday is a lively time, when locals come to picnic. Amenities: parking; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.
Off main park road, Washington Slagbaai National Park, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
10. Flamingo Adventure Golf
While driving toward Sorobon from downtown, you will no doubt suddenly come upon things like the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, King Kong, and a...
While driving toward Sorobon from downtown, you will no doubt suddenly come upon things like the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, King Kong, and a pirate ship. Don't worry. You’re not hallucinating. Rather, you’ve just stumbled upon Bonaire’s big, quirky, miniature-golf complex—and it’s not only for kids. In addition to delicious snacks like Dutch pancakes, it also has a great bar with killer cocktails and two hot tubs in which you can soak for an extra fee.
Kaminda Lac, Kralendijk, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire599-786–7857Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
11. Gotomeer
Bonaire is one of the few places in the world where pink flamingos nest and this saltwater lagoon near the island's northern end is one...
Bonaire is one of the few places in the world where pink flamingos nest and this saltwater lagoon near the island's northern end is one of their favorite places to hang out; there are about 15,000 of them in Bonaire (almost as many as the number of human residents). January to June is the best time to see these shy, spindly-leg creatures as they stick around to tend to their gray-plumed babies. Take the paved road along the lagoon to the parking and observation area for great views of the lagoon and Washington Slagbaai National Park.
Kaminda Goto, Rincón, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
12. Kralendijk
Bonaire's small, tidy capital city (population just over 3,000) is five minutes from the airport. The main drag, J. A. Abraham Boulevard, turns into Kaya...
Bonaire's small, tidy capital city (population just over 3,000) is five minutes from the airport. The main drag, J. A. Abraham Boulevard, turns into Kaya Grandi in the center of town. Along it are most of the island's major stores, boutiques, and restaurants and some new hotel and apartment complexes. Across Kaya Grandi, opposite Littman’s jewelry store, is Kaya L. D. Gerharts, with several small supermarkets, a handful of snack shops, and some of the better restaurants. Walk down the narrow waterfront avenue called Kaya C. E. B. Hellmund, which leads straight to the North and South piers. In the center of town, the Harbourside Mall has chic boutiques. Along this route is Ft. Orange, with its cannons. From December through April, when cruise ships dock in the harbor, they're greeted by a pop-up open-air market of locally made goods and representatives from tour operators eager to sweep passengers off to explore the island's many different diversions. The diminutive ocher-and-white structure that looks like a tiny Greek temple is the produce market, where you can find plenty of fresh produce. Pick up the brochure Walking and Shopping in Kralendijk from the tourist office for a map and complete list of all the monuments and sights in the town.
Kralendijk, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
13. Landhuis Karpata
Notable BuildingThis mustard-color building was the manor house of an aloe plantation in the 19th century. The site was named for the karpata (castor bean...
This mustard-color building was the manor house of an aloe plantation in the 19th century. The site was named for the karpata (castor bean) plants that are abundant in the area—you can see them along the sides of the road as you approach. Notice the rounded outdoor oven where aloe was boiled down before the juice was exported. The handcrafted coral floor is quite a sight.
Rincón, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
14. Salt Pans
Rising like mountains of snow, Bonaire's salt pans are hard to miss. Harvested once a year, the "ponds" are owned by Cargill, Inc., which has...
Rising like mountains of snow, Bonaire's salt pans are hard to miss. Harvested once a year, the "ponds" are owned by Cargill, Inc., which has reactivated the 19th-century salt industry with great success (one reason for that success is that the ocean on this part of the island is higher than the land, which makes irrigation a snap). Keep a lookout for the three 30-foot obelisks (white, blue, and red) that were used to guide the trade boats coming to pick up the salt. Look also in the distance across the pans to the abandoned solar saltworks that's now a designated flamingo sanctuary. With the naked eye you might be able to make out a pink-orange haze just on the horizon; with binoculars you will see a sea of bobbing pink bodies. The sanctuary is completely protected, and no entrance is allowed (flamingos are extremely sensitive to disturbances of any kind).
South Bonaire, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
15. Seru Largu
Just off the main road, this spot, at 394 feet in elevation, is one of the highest on the island. A paved but narrow and...
Just off the main road, this spot, at 394 feet in elevation, is one of the highest on the island. A paved but narrow and twisting road leads to a magnificent daytime view of Kralendijk's rooftops and the island of Klein Bonaire. A large cross and figure of Christ stand guard at the peak, with an inscription reading ayera (yesterday), awe (today), and semper (always). Many locals make their daily hike up the hill for a vigorous workout.
Rincón, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
16. Slave Huts
The salt industry's history is revealed in Rode Pan, the site of two groups of tiny slave huts. The white huts are on the right...
The salt industry's history is revealed in Rode Pan, the site of two groups of tiny slave huts. The white huts are on the right side of the road, opposite the salt flats; the second grouping, called the red slave huts, stretches across the road toward the island's southern tip. During the 19th century, enslaved people worked the salt pans by day and slept in the cramped huts. Each Friday afternoon they walked many hours to Rincón to spend the weekend with their families, returning each Sunday. The Red Slave area is a popular dive spot during low wind and calm seas. When the wind is strong and waves prevail, the local windsurf posse heads to Red Slave to catch the swell.
South Bonaire, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire -
17. Windsock Beach
Near the airport (just off E.E.G. Boulevard), this pretty little spot by the Grand Windsock resort looks out toward the north side of the island...
Near the airport (just off E.E.G. Boulevard), this pretty little spot by the Grand Windsock resort looks out toward the north side of the island and has about 200 yards of white sand along a rocky shoreline. It's a popular dive and snorkel site, and swimming conditions are good. You can dine at Grand Windsock Bonaire's restaurant and bar, or picking up tasty bites at the Kite City Food Truck. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
Off E.E.G. Blvd., Belnem, n/a Bonaire, Bonaire
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