10 Best Things to Do in Bonaire – Beyond Just Scuba Diving

Best known for its world-class scuba diving, Bonaire is a beautiful laidback island in the Caribbean offering the perfect tropical escape. Situated just North of Venezuela, Bonaire is part of the Dutch ABC islands with Aruba and Curacao.

Whether you’re stopping in Bonaire on a cruise for a day, planning a week long dive trip, or simply going to relax on the island, there are plenty of things to do in Bonaire. Here are the ten you shouldn’t miss!

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1. Scuba Dive or Snorkel in the Bonaire National Marine Park

You can’t talk about the best things to do in Bonaire without touching on scuba diving and snorkeling. Located outside of the hurricane belt, Bonaire is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving due to its pristine reefs and amazing wildlife.

You’ll find 86 official dive sites with 54 of them being shore dives around the main island and Klein Bonaire. There are also more than 350 fish species and 57 species of soft and stony coral in the surrounding waters.

The abundant shore diving makes diving relatively flexible and more affordable than many islands as you won’t need a boat to reach them. You can literally walk in from the coast and swim to them.

In fact, Bonaire often ranks as one of the top 5 shore diving destinations due to its easily accessible reefs. This also makes Bonaire a great place for snorkelers as the reefs tend to be closer to shore and more shallow.

What is the Bonaire National Marine Park?

Founded in 1979, the Bonaire National Marine Park includes all of the water surrounding the islands of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. You’ll find the Bonaire National Marine Park offers a wide variety of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds all teeming with marine life.

Explore it from the surface or underwater by scuba diving, windsurfing, landsailing, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, etc.

Pay the STINAPA Fee

All activities that take place in Bonaire National Marine Park, above or below the surface, require payment of the STINAPA Bonaire fee to help preserve Bonaire’s nature.

STINAPA Bonaire stands for Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire and is a non-profit foundation focused on conserving Bonaire’s natural and historical heritage through sustainable use of its resources.

For scuba diving, the cost is $45 per calendar year. For all other water activities, including snorkeling, the fee is $25 per calendar year.

These fees can be paid in person at all dive shops, the Tourism Office in Kralendijk, all STINAPA offices, or at the activity desk of most hotels, or you can pay them online and receive the electronic confirmation needed.

Best Dive Sites in Bonaire

Rent your equipment and dive on your own, take a guided dive trip, or sign up for a boat diving tour to see the best of Bonaire. The biggest challenge about diving in Bonaire is simply picking the best dive sites as there are so many amazing ones to choose from. Here are five of the can’t miss dive sites in Bonaire.

• 1000 Steps: This shore dive starts on 1000 Steps Beach and is popular for its clear water, minimal current, and beautiful coral reef and marine species.

• Bari Reef: A great shore dive with amazing marine life, Bari Reef is an easy dive for beginners.

• Hilma Hooker: This 240 foot freighter is overgrown with coral structures making it a popular destination. As it sits between 60 – 100 feet deep, it is typically only visited by advanced divers.

• Salt Pier: An easy shore dive around the salt pier offers great viewing of colorful sponges and hard and soft coral. It’s also a great place for shallow water photography.

• Karpata: The reef at Karpata starts at just 20 feet deep and descends to 100 feet. You’ll find a huge ship anchor embedded in the coral which is a favorite of divers as well as the stunning panoramic views.

Find out where to stay in Bonaire with recommended hotels for every budget!

Best Snorkeling Sites in Bonaire

Don’t worry if you’re not a scuba diver. Bonaire has also been ranked fourth in the world for snorkeling! Take your snorkeling gear, rent some, or plan a snorkeling tour to see the best of the underwater world in Bonaire. Or, you can even try a Discover Scuba experience to see if scuba diving is for you.

You’ll find almost all of the snorkeling spots are located on the west side of Bonaire or off of Klein Bonaire due to the calm waters on that side of the island.

Additionally, the snorkeling sites are very easy to find as they are all marked with yellow stones labeled with the snorkeling site name. Here are some of the best snorkeling spots on the island:

• Te Amo Beach: Located near the airport, Te Amo is a great place for beginner snorkelers.

• 1000 Steps: Not only a great dive site, 1000 Steps also offers great snorkeling, including the opportunity to see sea turtles!

• Lac Bay and Sorobon Beach: The shallow Lac Bay is surrounded by a fringing barrier reef with healthy staghorn coral colonies.

• Karpata: Also a dive site, Karpata is a great place to go snorkeling due to its shallow reefs.

• Lac Cai: Lac Cai is a sheltered cove and home to a lot of sea turtles.

2. Day Trip to Klein Bonaire

No trip to Bonaire is complete without visiting Klein Bonaire. Klein Bonaire is a small, uninhabited island located just off the shore of Bonaire.

Take the 25 minute water taxi over for a day trip to Klein Bonaire where you can experience amazing snorkeling, as well as one of the prettiest beaches in Bonaire, No Name Beach. Once you set your eyes on the pristine beach, you’ll immediately understand why its one of the best things to do in Bonaire.

What to Take to Klein Bonaire

Klein Bonaire is an uninhabited, untouched island. As such, you will not find any facilities on the island. Pack your own snacks, water, and drinks as well as your own snorkeling equipment, sunscreen, and towel.

If you’re very sensitive to the sun, take an umbrella to create your own shade. Also, make sure to carry your STINAPA Marine Tag in case you are asked to produce it.

The Caribe Watersport Water Taxi

Operating 7 days per week, Caribe Watersport Water Taxi will take you from Bonaire to Klein Bonaire for a day you’ll remember. The water taxi leaves from Karel’s Beach Bar and Eden Beach Resort offering multiple departure times with additional departures when cruise ships are in port.

Easily add a snorkeling adventure to your Klein Bonaire itinerary as Caribe Watersport offers a special snorkel drop-off about a 40 minute drift/swim from the famous No Name Beach. This gives you the chance to snorkel your way back to the main beach seeing the amazing reefs and sea life along the way.

Find full details and book your trip on the Caribe Water Taxi to Klein Bonaire. The cost is only $20 for adults and $10 for children up to 12 years old, but it does fill up, so book in advance if you know when you want to go!

Epic Water Taxi

Another great option to reach Klein Bonaire is Epic Water Taxi. It offers daily service from Bonaire Nautico Marine to No Name Beach on Klein Bonaire. The cost remains $20 for adults and $10 for children up to 12 years old and will take 25 minutes to get there – just like Caribe Watersport.

While no reservation is required, it is best to reserve your seat to guarantee space at the time and date you wish to visit. Keep in mind that on cruise days, they do run additional taxis and ensure passengers are back to the ship on time to depart. Check the availability for Epic Water Taxi now.

3. Visit Lac Bay

Located on the southeastern coast of Bonaire, Lac Bay is the largest bay in the Dutch Caribbean. It is also extremely shallow with the water lingering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and featuring a constant on-shore wind.

Couple that with the fringing reef at the mouth of Lac Bay, and it’s the ideal place for water sports, like kitesurfing, canoeing, paddle boarding, and more.

Try Out Water Sports on Lac Bay

Whether you’re a pro looking to rent equipment or are a beginner looking for lessons, Lac Bay has something for you. In fact, Bonaire is the world’s number one place to learn windsurfing. You’ll even find local and international professional windsurfers come here to train.

Try your hand at kitesurfing lessons while you’re in Bonaire, kayak through the mangrove forests of Lac Bay on a clear bottom kayak which also offers a chance to see flamingos, or rent stand-up paddle boards if that’s more your speed.

Jibe City also offers events like Yoga on the beach and SUP yoga if you want a new challenge.

Hang Out at Jibe City Beach Bar

Whether you wish to windsurf or not, its worth visiting Jibe City to hang out at the Beach Bar. It’s a super cool and colorful beach bar overlooking the picturesque Lac Bay. They serve a wide variety of food as well as serving up ice cold drinks. Find a table in the restaurant and bar or grab a seat on the beach.

Jibe City also hosts a wide variety of events, like Full Moon Parties, BBQ nights, and live music. Check their event calendar on their Facebook page to see what events are coming up.

4. Admire the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary

Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is special in that it is one of only four designated areas in the world where flamingo go to breed.

The sanctuary in Bonaire is located in the salt pans on the southern end of the island and home to over 10,000 flamingos. Breeding season takes place between January and July, so you’ll find the most flamingos present during that time.

While tourists are not actually allowed into the sanctuary, you can bird watch and spot the bright pink flamingos and Pekelmeer Lake from the road. For the best views, bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.

The flamingos do tend to stand out against the electric blue Caribbean water and bright white salt flats. You’ll also be able to see the bright pink square lakes in Pekelmeer which is quite a sight, especially if you’ve never seen a pink lake before!

What makes the lakes of Pekelmeer pink?

The pink color of the Pekelmeer lakes is the result of the sea water evaporation process used to mine salt. It results in halophilic bacteria in the super salty water which contains pink carotenoid pigments.

This attracts large quantities of brine shrimp which feed on it turning them pink. The flamingos then spend their days eating the pink brine shrimp making the Caribbean flamingo the most colorful of all flamingo species.

Fun fact: Pekelmeer in Dutch means “salt lake”.

5. Explore Washington Slagbaai National Park

Covering over 17% of Bonaire is the Washington Slagbaai National Park. First founded in 1969, this National Park is located on the northern part of the island and is home to a number of Salina’s (wetlands) where flamingos hang out.

There are also three trails that are perfect for hiking through the park as well as a number of historic sites and plenty of cacti to admire.

The Washington Slagbaai National Park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but is open Wednesday through Sunday. The entrance fee is $45 per person, but is covered by the STINAPA dive tag, making it free for divers to enter.

Drive through Washington Slagbaai National Park

One of the best ways to see Washington Slagbaai National Park is to drive through it. You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle with a spare tire and the roads are typically only one way.

There are two main routes through the park, the “long” route or the “short” route. The long route takes about 2.5 hours to drive and offers a lot of pull offs while the short route will take less time. This does not of course account for the many stops you’ll want to make.

If you don’t have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can also take a tour of Washington Slagbaai National Park. You’ll get to experience the deserted beaches and blowholes with a guide who knows the best places to go. Not to mention the opportunity to snorkel in the nature reserve.

Hike Washington Slagbaai National Park

If you’re big into hiking, you’re in luck. Washington Slagbaai National Park offers three hiking trails. Two of which are accessible from the visitor’s center, meaning you don’t need 4WD to get to the trail heads. Make sure to pack water and sunscreen along with proper shoes.

• Lagadishi Walking Trail: The easiest of the trails, this walking trail will take about 2 hours to complete and take you past the full spectrum of scenery from sand dunes to mangroves, and salt pans to blowholes.

• Kasikunda Climbing Trail: Starting at the park’s Visitor Center, this trail is challenging climbing 45 minutes up to the top of a volcanic hill. Of course, it does provide great views.

• Subi Brandaris Trail: Hike the highest peak in Bonaire at 784 feet high. On a clear day you’ll even be able to see to Curacao, 30 miles away. Unfortunately, this hike does not start at the visitor’s center, so you will need to be able to drive into the park.

6. Plan an Excursion with the Mangrove Information Center

First established in 2002, the Mangrove Information Center is a tour center offering daily guided kayak and solar boat tours through the mangrove forests of Lac Bay. The mangrove forests at Lac Bay are among the best-preserved in the region.

You’ll find that there are also large sea grass beds throughout the mangrove forests. These are important habitats for Queen Conch, rays, lobsters, seahorses, and Green Turtles.

Kayak through the Mangrove Forests

The Mangrove Information Center offers three different kayaking tours, a one-hour, a two-hour, and a night kayaking option.

The one-hour kayak tour covers a small part of the mangroves and touches on the introductory information about the mangrove habitat.

The two-hour kayak tour differs not just in being able to explore deeper into the mangroves, but you’ll also get the opportunity to snorkel for about 15 minutes in one of the beautiful canals leading to the biggest interior “lakes”.

The night time kayak tour allows you to paddle out under the moon and stars and more importantly, to witness the bioluminescent waters in the mangrove ecosystem.

Take a Solar Boat Tour

Another great option for exploring the mangroves is to take a one-hour solar boat tour. This electric boat runs on batteries charged by the wind and sun. If you would rather sit back and relax to see the views versus kayak through the mangroves, it is the perfect option for you!

7. Support the Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary

The Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary is home to more than 700 donkeys. They are all well cared for with food, drinking water, medical care and a lot of space to roam.

It is a non-profit organization that depends on entrance fees, souvenir purchases, donations, and volunteers to keep the donkeys on the island happy and healthy. Help support the donkeys of Bonaire by visiting the Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary or adopting a donkey, which runs $175 per year.

Stop at the Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary

The Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary is only open from 10am – 1pm daily, so plan your visit accordingly. The entrance fee is $9 USD for an adult and $4.50 for children under 12. If you adopt a donkey, you can get in for free, with a family of up to 4!

Once inside the Donkey Sanctuary, you are able to walk, drive, scooter, golf cart, or bike around to admire the donkeys. You can even buy a bucket of grass pallets for just $2.50 to befriend the donkeys faster. Bribery works!

You can also visit their garden to admire iguanas, tortoises, and flamingos, or simply relax on their terrace with a drink to watch the animals.

If you want to visit the Donkey Sanctuary and don’t have a way to get there, you can also take a Donkey Sanctuary tour with a local guide. They will pick you up at your hotel or your cruise ship.

Spot Wild Donkeys on Bonaire

If the Donkey Sanctuary is not your speed, keep your eyes open for wild donkeys roaming the beaches and roads of Bonaire. They can be found throughout the island but are most commonly found down by the salt pans.

8. Explore Downtown Kralendijk

Stroll through the capital city of Bonaire, Kralendijk to admire the Caribbean architecture and take in some of its Dutch colonial history. Kralendijk is also home to a number of restaurants and hotels as well as the shopping hub of the island. Head down the colorful Kaya Gradi street to meet all your shopping needs.

Sightsee in Downtown Kralendijk

While Bonaire is not well known for its city life, there are a number of sights in downtown Kralendijk. Take a walking tour around downtown or if you prefer, the Tourism Corporation Bonaire offers a “Historical Walking Tour” brochure that features 25 historical sights in the downtown area.

Stop by their office on Kaya Grandi to pick up the brochure and visit the sights on your own. It will take you past places like the World War II Monument, Wilhelmina Park, the Protestant Church, Museo Boneriano, and more.

There are also great sightseeing tours that take you around the whole island, like the Discover Bonaire Sightseeing Tour. It is a 3.5 hour tour around the island leaving from Kralendijk and is the perfect option if you’re short on time or don’t have your own transportation.

The Cruise Port in Kralendijk

From November to April, cruise ships are docking at the North and South Piers on Bonaire. On these days you’ll find the Bonaire Arts and Crafts Cruise Market selling local island-made crafts on Wilhelmina Square. You’ll also find the island tourism really picks up with the influx of cruise passengers.

Fun fact: Kralendijk is based off of the Dutch word Koralendijk which means “coral reef” or “coral dike”.

Learn more about exploring the neighboring ABC Islands of Aruba and Curacao!

9. Visit 1000 Steps Beach

The beach of 1000 steps leads you down just 67 stone steps to a protected beach cove with white sand and bleached coral on the banks surrounded by limestone cliffs. While the beach is a bit rocky to enjoy sitting on, it does offer great views from the steps as well as amazing scuba diving and snorkeling.

The name is a bit perplexing, although it is said that the 67 stone steps feel more like 1000 steps after you’ve been diving. Add the weight of diving gear on land, and it seems quite likely!

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at 1000 Steps

1000 Steps is a very natural setting from the limestone steps to the lack of facilities. Bring water and sunscreen with you when you come! To get into the water, look for the sandy areas between the beach and the reef on the left side of the beach.

You’ll find the snorkeling is amazing as the reef is extremely shallow near the shore and then continues out about 80 meters before reaching the reef drop off which is so popular with scuba divers. Expect to see plenty of parrotfish and sea turtles making their way through the coral and sea fans.

10. Sip Local Liquor at the Cadushy Distillery

Located in Rincon, the second largest city on Bonaire, is the Cadushy Distillery. This distillery makes the world’s only liquor made from cactus. It uses the Kadushi cactus, a native plant to Bonaire, as its distinct ingredient.

Relax in their shaded garden area, surrounded by Calbas trees which are frequented by flocks of parrots and hummingbirds, to try their exotic island liqueurs.

They also make a number of more traditional liquors like their Rom Rincon rum, Captain Don’s whiskey, Cadushy vodka, and Salu, a Caribbean gin made from 13 botanicals.

Get to Know More of the Caribbean

While there are plenty of other things to do in Bonaire, like chartered fishing trips, dinner and sunset cruises, and mountain biking, these 10 best things to do in Bonaire touch on some of the classic Bonaire experiences needed to ensure you’ll have a fabulous trip.

If you’re interested in visiting other Caribbean islands during your trip, its time to learn more about some of the neighboring islands.

• Curacao Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• Where is Curaçao? Location, Maps, and Facts
• Best Tours in Curaçao: 7 Can’t-Miss Excursions You’ll Love
• 7 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Curaçao: Where to Stay
• 10 Best Things to Do in Bonaire – Beyond Just Scuba Diving
• Where is Bonaire? Location, Maps, and Facts
• Blue Curaçao Liqueur: The Signature Drink of Curaçao Island
• Where is Aruba? Location, Maps, and Facts
• Where to Stay in Curaçao: Best Areas and Hotels
• Get to Know the ABC Islands in the Caribbean

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