Bonaire Excursions: 12 Tips on What to Do and See + Accommodation
Planning your Caribbean vacation and looking for tips on what excursions to take on Bonaire? I’ve prepared another guide to this fairytale island that we literally fell in love with a year ago.
Bonaire is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is one of the ABC islands. This small island lies east of Curaçao and Aruba, which together with Bonaire formed the Netherlands Antilles until 2010. It’s located in the southern Caribbean Sea, about 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Bonaire is one of the last unspoiled islands in the Caribbean and is a popular holiday destination for tourists from the USA, Europe, and other parts of the world.
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATIONS ON BONAIRE ISLAND <<
Where to Stay in Bonaire?
Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort Bonaire
Thanks to its perfect beachfront location, the resort offers amazing views and easy access to the crystal-clear water that makes Bonaire a diving paradise. Chogogo is known for its excellent diving and snorkeling conditions. You can explore vibrant coral reefs right from the resort’s pier. There’s a large pool, tropical gardens, and a beach bar with restaurant where you can enjoy local and international cuisine.
Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort is one of the newest resorts on Bonaire, so if you’re looking for a modern place to stay, it might be the right choice.
Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort Bonaire
Delfins Beach Resort – Collections by Hilton
Thanks to its beachfront location, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and direct access to the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Delfins Beach Resort is known for its large pool, lush tropical garden, and excellent dining options, including the Brass Boer restaurant, which offers fine dining under the guidance of renowned Dutch chefs Johnny and Thérèse Boer.
Find accommodation exactly according to your requirements and preferences:
How to Get to Bonaire?
Getting to Bonaire requires a bit of advance planning. I’ve already written about the basic formalities needed before flying to the island in this guide:
In this article, I’ll share 12 of the best places and activities for Bonaire excursions that I recommend including in your itinerary to fully enjoy your sunny vacation on this beautiful island.
Bonaire Excursions / What to Do and See on Bonaire Island
1. Diving and Snorkeling
Diving and snorkeling are definitely among the best Bonaire excursions you can take. The island is famous for its pristine marine environment, and Bonaire National Marine Park is literally a treasure for all lovers of these underwater activities. The park was established in 1979 and includes the entire coastline of the island, with more than 85 well-marked diving sites. The waters are crystal clear, making it easy to spot healthy colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and many other underwater beauties.
1000 Steps Beach
During our first snorkeling at 1000 Steps Beach, I was completely amazed by the vibrant underwater world that literally teems with life. Whether you’re a beginner, recreational snorkeling enthusiast, or experienced diver, Bonaire offers a wide range of places to explore. Many diving centers on the island offer guided dives and equipment rental for those who already have a diving license, so you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable underwater adventure.
2. Kralendijk / Bonaire Excursions
Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, is a lively town with colorful houses where you’ll find plenty of local products, restaurants, and cafes. At the local market, you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade items, and original souvenirs. Several stylish shops are dedicated to souvenirs, and of course, most themes feature pink flamingos.
Kralendijk Bonaire
Personally, we went to town for evening walks and for great ice cream from the local ice cream shop, where considerable lines form after dinner time, but the Caribbean atmosphere, which is somewhat different from other islands, will completely engulf you. Once locals realize you’re not from Holland, they often start chatting with you, and we could talk with them for hours.
Best Ice Cream in Kralendijk
In town, you’ll also find colorful street art murals and a charming waterfront promenade with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy that mentioned ice cream or a meal with a sea view. The best thing about Kralendijk might not be any specific landmark, but simply walking through the colorful streets and admiring the Dutch colonial architecture.
One of the historical monuments is Fort Oranje, built by the Dutch in 1639. It served as a military defensive structure to protect the island from pirates and other threats. The fort has massive stone walls, cannons, and a lighthouse that was added in the 19th century.
In Kralendijk, you’ll also find several great resorts that can be your base for Bonaire excursions.
3. Washington Slagbaai National Park
Washington Slagbaai National Park is an extensive nature reserve that covers about 20% of Bonaire’s mainland. The park offers rugged landscape, diverse fauna and flora, and beautiful beaches. You probably won’t be surprised that you’ll encounter more various cacti here than trees. You can explore the park by car, bicycle, or on foot along marked trails that lead you to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden coves.
Washington Slagbaai National Park
It’s precisely because of visiting the park that we recommend renting a quality SUV 4×4, which you can drive here without problems, even on bumpy and sandy roads. I’ll write one of my next guides about the park itself.
Washington Slagbaai National Park
4. Sorobon Beach
Sorobon Beach on Bonaire’s east coast is a paradise for both windsurfing and relaxation. The shallow turquoise waters of Lac Bay are ideal for both beginners and experienced windsurfers. On windy days, of which there are really many here, the entire bay is dotted with colorful sails, creating a beautiful spectacle of windsurfs and kites.
If windsurfing isn’t for you, you can just relax on the fine sand, swim in the calm water, or have a refreshing drink at one of the beach bars. We enjoyed a peaceful exploration day here, experiencing almost everything this bay has to offer. You can also stay near Sorobon Beach and fully enjoy the local relaxed atmosphere. Definitely include this place in your Bonaire excursions.
Sorobon Beach
5. Kayaking in the Mangroves
Kayaking in the mangroves, also in Lac Bay, is an amazing way to discover Bonaire’s unique ecosystem. The mangrove forests are crucial for the health of local marine life. They serve as a nursery for many fish species. Taking a guided kayak tour through the mangroves here is one of those Bonaire excursions that will tell you a lot about the local ecosystem.
Mangrove Info Center
You can book the tour directly at the small local museum. On the map, you’ll find this tourist information center under the name Mangrove Center. After booking the tour, I recommend continuing further, where you’ll reach an equally stunning place, Lac Cai Beach.
Kayak trip through the mangrove bay to Lac Cai Beach
During the guided kayak tour, you paddle through narrow channels where you can observe various species of birds, fish, and other animals. A very knowledgeable guide will lead you through the area, explaining the importance of mangroves and showing you various species you’ll encounter along the way. I believe that the calm atmosphere and the opportunity to see nature up close will be one of the unforgettable experiences that Bonaire excursions will bring you. It’s a must-stop for anyone interested in untouched nature and adventure.
6. Lac Cai Beach
Lac Cai Beach is a turquoise lagoon where you’ll find lots of queen conch shells, which are piled up here and from a distance might look like stacked skeletons. Warning! It’s strictly forbidden to take any natural items from Bonaire island. Therefore, just take photos with the shells and leave them in place. I recommend not forgetting your mask, snorkel, and fins. The underwater world is beautiful here too. Otherwise, the sandy beach is suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation.
Lac Cai Beach
7. Rincon
Rincon is the oldest town on Bonaire and offers a magical glimpse into the island’s past. It was founded by the Spanish in the early 16th century, and the town has preserved much of its historical atmosphere with colorful colonial houses and friendly local residents.
While walking through town, we recommend visiting the Cadushy distillery, where you can taste original liqueurs made from local cactus. Just as Curaçao has its blue liqueur, Bonaire has Cadushy, which you’ll also find for sale in supermarkets. However, we personally recommend buying directly here, of course after tasting.
Cadushy Distillery Bonaire
The town also hosts cultural events and festivals, such as the Simon Harvest Festival, which features traditional music, dance, and food. Rincon’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a fascinating place to explore. So if you love history, the town of Rincon shouldn’t be missing from your Bonaire excursions.
Rincon from the viewpoint
8. Old Slave Huts / Bonaire Excursions
The Old Slave Huts on Bonaire are small white and yellow structures that serve as a powerful reminder of the island’s history. These huts were built in the 19th century for slaves who worked in the salt pans on the southern coast. Today, they are preserved as historical monuments.
As you walk among the huts, you’ll be strongly affected by the image of the harsh conditions in which the slaves of that time lived, and the significant role they played in Bonaire’s development. Information boards provide important historical context and make the visit a deeply emotional and educational experience.
Old Slave Huts Bonaire
9. Salt Flats / Bonaire Excursions
The salt flats are a stunning sight. They shouldn’t be missing from your Bonaire excursions, and truthfully, you won’t miss them during a circular trip around the island, as the road leads right past them. Bonaire’s salt flats have bright pink and white tones contrasting with the blue sky. You’ll find them in the southern part of the island, just past the Old Slave Huts, and they’re part of the local salt industry. The pink color comes from the presence of certain algae and bacteria in the water.
Bonaire Salt Flats
If you want to bring home an original souvenir besides memorabilia with pink flamingos, buy local salt in the shop. Kája and I regularly bring salt from places where it’s harvested. Your family and friends will definitely appreciate it. After all, salt is worth its weight in gold.
10. Pink Beach
The nearby Pink Beach is a beautiful place where you can relax and soak in the unique coastal atmosphere during a day when you set out on Bonaire excursions to the southern part of the island. We spent late afternoon here until sunset, admiring the almost surreal landscape and watching flamingos on the other side of the road, who often fly here. It’s a great place for photography and a quiet corner where you can enjoy Bonaire’s natural beauty in peace.
Pink Beach Bonaire
11. Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire
Donkey Sanctuary is a lovely place to visit. This donkey reserve, established in 1993, provides a safe haven for local donkeys that were originally brought to the island by the Spanish in the 16th century. Today, the reserve houses up to hundreds of donkeys, and visitors can drive through the area themselves and learn more about their history and care. You’ll also often encounter donkeys on the way to your other Bonaire excursions.
During your visit, you can enjoy guided donkey feeding and learn about how the reserve helps protect and care for these gentle creatures. The staff is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, making this visit both educational and fun.
Donkeys on Bonaire Island
One rule that applies on Bonaire is that if donkeys cross your path, you must wait until they pass. Definitely don’t honk at them, as you might unknowingly disturb the flamingos, which are also strictly protected on Bonaire. Imagine that wherever you are on Bonaire, you’re moving through a nature reserve.
12. Klein Bonaire / Bonaire Excursions
Klein Bonaire is a small uninhabited island just off the coast of the main island of Bonaire. It’s also part of Bonaire National Marine Park and is very popular for snorkeling, diving, and beach walks. You can reach Klein Bonaire by water taxi or private boat, and upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by pristine beaches and crystal-clear sea.
Klein Bonaire
Snorkeling around Klein Bonaire is fantastic in one word. You’ll find healthy coral reefs and lots of marine life here, which you’ll dream about, just like we did, long after returning from vacation. Klein Bonaire is ideal for a day trip when you want to treat yourself to a quiet, remote, and undisturbed escape from the main island.
I’ve written a separate article about our trip to Klein Bonaire with advice and tips for your inspiration:
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