Far journey Bonaire: The Ultimate Guide

1. Characteristics Bonaire

Bonaire is a beautiful island where nature flourishes luxuriantly and is also protected by many nature managers. Diving and snorkeling is often done here and is also more than worth it.

2. Bonaire National Marine Park

Also called BNMP, protects the waters around Bonaire, Klein Bonaire and Lac Bay to a depth of 75 meters. This park was founded in 1979 and is the first naval park in the world. The area where all the coral, mangrove forest and eelgrass covered by the BNMP covers an area of 27 square kilometers. Fortunately, as a snorkeler and diver, you can admire most of it. Only a small part of the underwater park is not accessible for water recreation.

2.1 Buying Nature Tag is mandatory

For anyone who wants to enjoy the natural splendour it is mandatory to purchase a 'Nature Tag'. This source of income in turn ensures that park managers and coordinators can carry out their work. Divers pay a Nature Fee of $45 USD per year. Snorkelers, swimmers, sailors and other water sports enthusiasts pay a fee of $25 USD per calendar year. A small fee for great pleasure.

2.2 Don't touch anything!

3. Washington-Slagbaai National Park (WSNP)

This 60 square kilometer park covers most of Bonaire's north side. Here you can go on an adventure on foot, by mountain bike or car and admire the beautiful geological, cultural-historical sights. The terrain is mountainous and includes cactus forests, rock formations, algae, sand dunes, salt lakes and centuries-old limestone terraces. As a result, more than 500 different species of plants and animals live here.

4. Flamingos spotting

Though there are so many species of birds to be seen on the island, the Caribbean Flamingo spotting remains one of the highlights of your vacation on Bonaire. They are not for nothing the symbol of the island. The chance that you will encounter these beautiful animals is greatest at salt lakes such as the Goto Lake and the Brine Lake. We don't have to tell you to bring your camera! More than 10,000 Flamingos live on Bonaire during the breeding season. Unfortunately there are only four breeding colonies left in the entire Caribbean. Flamingos have such a good time on Bonaire, that they sometimes lay two eggs. Something that's nowhere else in the world!

5. Salt pyramids or salt pans

The salt pans are artificial forms of the salt lakes (Saliñas) on the island. A salt lake is a pool within the island where water can flow in, but not out. These are of great ecological importance, as they prevent mud water from entering the sea. Something that is very bad for the coral. On the south side of Bonaire you can see the large mountains of salt (salt pyramids). This is the remaining salt from evaporated water which is also regularly harvested. In addition, it is a fascinating sight.

6. Slave houses on the brine lake

World famous and unique are these tiny houses on the dike at the Pekelmeer. Here you can see two colours of houses, white and yellow ochre. These are located near the white and red salt pans. The coral stone sheds were built in 1850, are no higher than one and a half metres and sometimes housed as many as five people.

7. Donkeys spotting

The Flamingo may be the symbol of the island, but you often think of donkeys on Bonaire! These donkeys walk around wild more than once. This is because they can be found in large numbers on the island. In total there are about 870 donkeys on the small island. Approximately 600 of them walk in the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire, 200 in the Washington Slagbaai National Park and over 70 are still free on the island. Luckily castration is being done and most of the animals have been microchipped. This keeps the number reasonably under control.

8. Diving

If you look up something about Bonaire, you will find the beautiful dive sites and multiple diving schools that the island has to offer. This is also not so strange since half of the tourists who visit the island every year, come for this relaxing sport. Over the last decades, Bonaire has been voted the best diving destination of the Caribbean archipelago again and again by 'Scuba Diving Magazine'. This is due to the serene tranquility that prevails on the island, the love for diving among the majority of the inhabitants, the large number of shore diving possibilities and by the almost untouched maritime nature.

8.1 Diving schools

If you want to dive during your vacation on Bonaire and if you want to get your diving certificate, you are on the right island. Take a look at for example:

• Wannedive
• Dive Friends Bonaire
• GOOODive

8.2 Boat dives

Since you are on an island, a boat dive is a very nice alternative for the multiple shore dives. Especially because there are several coral reefs and wrecks further offshore. There is a choice of thirty-five boat dives. The diving schools mentioned above also offer these trips.

8.3 Snorkeling

The overwhelming underwater world is also easy to discover without diving bottles. Because there is already quite a lot of colourful life to be seen in the shallows, you look out of your eyes from behind your glasses. On Bonaire you can go to seventeen official snorkel sites. Great places to go on the water include 1000 Steps Beach, Donkey Beach, Washington Slagbaai National Park and Klein Bonaire. Keep in mind that you have good equipment and put on enough oil. Of course you can put on your mask, put on your fins and go exploring by yourself. As said, there are plenty of beautiful spots. We recommend to go at least once with an organized snorkeling trip. This way you will get to know the most beautiful spots and also more about the underwater life.

Enjoy a day of sailing and snorkelling with the Chill & Grill Catamaran Tour or one of the other relaxed trips from Epic Tours Bonaire.

9. Thousand steps Beach

One of the famous spots is this famous diving beach. It owes its name to the limestone steps you have to descend to get there. Although the name may sound a bit intimidating, the stairs only consist of about 67 steps. However, if you get up after a sunny day on this peaceful beach and you have to go up again, it can feel like a thousand steps... The beach consists of white sand and bleached pieces of coral. The bay is surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is great for both diving and snorkeling, as you will often encounter turtles here in the shallow, turquoise waters.

10. Klein Bonaire

This mini tropical island of six square meters lies about 800 meters off the coast of Bonaire and is a clear example of a bounty beach. The so-called Dry Forst consists of around 34 tree species and 42 plant species. The reef island is also home to 54 different species of reptiles, birds and other animals. Klein Bonaire is also known for being a popular breeding ground for sea turtles. Of the seven species that are still alive worldwide, five species deposit their eggs on Bonaire. The warana, leatherback turtle, green sea turtle, tadpole and hawksbill turtle.

Turtles always return to the place where they were born to lay their eggs. This could be 30 years ago. Therefore it is very important that Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) pays attention to the breeding places of these animals.

10.1. Snorkeling and windsurfing Klein Bonaire

There are several providers that organize a snorkel trip to the small island. We recommend WoodWind because you sail relaxed with their catamaran and they give a lot of information about marine life. Including the importance of coral and the conservation of the sea turtles. They also make beautiful shots of the snorkeling trip!

10.2. Jibe City

The part where you experience real island life is Jibe City at Lac Bay. Here you will find the relaxation that life can offer. Definitely a must for a not too complicated meal and a refreshing drink. Lac Bay consists of an eight square kilometer lagoon located on the southeast side of Bonaire. It is located between a northern mangrove forest and the eastern coral dam. Also here the conservation of nature is very important, especially because thousands of surfers come to the bay every year.

Here the wind is always landed, which makes it perfect for surfing. Not only for hobbyists but also the various competitions that are held regularly. Next to Jibe City you can also spend some time at Sorobon Beach.

11. Capital Bonaire, Kralendijk

The capital of Bonaire is Kralendijk and therefore the most lively part of the island. The city centre consists of a boulevard (Kaya Craane) and a shopping street (Kaya Grandi). Here you will find several shops, restaurants and bars where you can have a great time. Most of Bonaire's restaurants are located on the waterfront and pier. The cuisine varies from Kryole (local) to international. Enjoy the wonderful view and the setting sun.

Bonaire is not known for its vibrant nightlife, but certainly houses a number of cozy bars and cafes where you can enjoy your cocktails. In addition, there are also snack bars on the island. These small bars sell drinks for more local prices. When you think of the Caribbean, you also think of a nice cool drink in your hands. To enjoy the cozy local music, it is definitely recommended to go to the happy hours. Famous Happy Hours include:

• Carels' Bar
• Spice Beach Club
• Coconut Crash Beach Club

Coconut Crash Beach Club is located at the Plaza Beach Resort where you can also book an all-inclusive holiday to Bonaire.

12. Miniature golf, transport and other facts

Already familiar with Karin and Hans ten Bohmer who participated in the programme Ik Vertrek in 2016? Since 2018 it has been possible to defy the eighteen holes of their constructed miniature golf course. Flamingo Adventure Golf consists of several themes and gives the opportunity for a cosy family day. Bonaire is so small that you can walk a lot. In order to explore the island well, however, a motorized vehicle is recommended. Especially when you go on a tour in one of the parks.

It just depends on what you plan to do during your vacation on Bonaire. Do you especially want to drive from beach to beach? Or do you want to explore the island? That's why you should consider renting an all-terrain vehicle, for example. Because there is not much traffic on the road, you can consider renting a scooter for your vacation on Bonaire. These are very popular, cost little in gasoline and will take you to most places. We recommend that you arrange your car before you go on vacation. This will give you immediate mobility and you won't have to search for the best car rental company after a long trip. Book for example at AB Carrental, Bon4Rent or Bonaire Rent a Car. For scooters you can contact these three landlords on the island: Scooters Bonaire, Macho Scooters and Smiley Rentals. These can also be booked in advance.

12.1 Oldest settlement of Bonaire

The oldest settlement of Bonaire and the Netherlands Antilles was founded by Spanish settlers in 1527. It lies in a valley northwest of the island and is surrounded by beautiful hills. Take a look at 'Altamira Ujo'. Here is a stone bench and you have a fantastic view over the village. On April 30th Rincondag (Dia di Rincon) is celebrated on Bonaire. A feast that can be compared to a combination of Carnival and King's Day. The streets are filled with frivolous dancers and musicians that reflect the typical country (kunuku) lifestyle.

Two weeks before the start, the 'Festival Criolla' will also be organised. Among other things, elections will be held at which the party song of Rincondag will be chosen. When you go to the island around this period, you won't escape the festivities!

12.2. Flag of Bonaire

The Bonairean flag was created on December 11, 1981 in cooperation with the entire population. The six-pointed star stands for a compass, the red for survival force, the yellow for the sun and beach, the white for peace and the blue for the sea.

13. Book a holiday to Bonaire: compare providers and accommodations

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