Bonaire offers a wide variety of things to discover side by side: caves and geological formations, protected coastlines, hiking trails and water sports destinations. When planning your trip, it’s worth first considering which of these you want to shape your days.
Caves, Coastline and Protected Waters
Barkadera on Bonaire has a high concentration of sinkholes and caves, including dry and water-filled caves. The area is also home to bat maternity roosts and offers opportunities for cave snorkelling. Local art and speleothems such as stalactites and stalagmites add to its natural features.
The coastline is also an important part of the island’s natural environment: Bonaire’s entire coastline is protected as the Bonaire National Marine Park, as are all coastal waters. Most, but not all, areas are open to recreational users. Restrictions may vary by location; temporary closures are also possible. Be sure to check local notices before visiting.
Lac Bay on the southeast coast is a shallow bay with an offshore coral reef, seagrass beds, mangrove forest and sandy beaches. It is also a lagoon on Bonaire’s windward side, surrounded by mangroves. Pekelmeer is home to one of the most important Caribbean flamingo breeding colonies. Washington Slagbaai is also a stopover for migratory wetland birds and a breeding area for terns and snowy plovers.
Trails and Scenery in Washington Slagbaai National Park
Washington Slagbaai National Park covers almost a quarter of the island. At 241 metres, Mount Brandaris is Bonaire’s highest point. An experienced-mountain-biker route runs for 34 kilometres through the park, with long flat stretches by the sea as well as steep climbs and descents between the hills. Rough terrain and high temperatures are among the described route conditions; conditions may vary.
The two named hiking trails also differ considerably in difficulty rating and duration. The Lagadishi “Lizard” Walking Trail is rated easy and takes two hours. The Kasikunda Climbing Trail is rated moderate and takes 45 minutes. The stated times and ratings are a guide; trail conditions may vary.
A route through Washington Slagbaai National Park described in the park brochure takes about two hours and leads to 20 highlighted points. These include birdwatching spots, beaches, salt flats, blowholes and historical sites. Check the current park brochure before setting out. The park’s west coast also has beaches that are well suited to exploring. Washington Slagbaai and the Pekelmeer Sanctuary are cited as birdwatching destinations on Bonaire.
Windsurfing, Diving and Other Activities
Sorobon is on Bonaire’s eastern side, in a large protected bay with steady winds and warm, shallow water, and is considered a windsurfing destination. There is a kitesurfing area at the island’s southwestern tip. These two locations offer different opportunities for water sports; conditions on site may vary.
Bonaire has more than 85 dive sites, 54 of which are easily accessible from shore. The number of dive sites may change. The island also has more than 300 kilometres of routes for cycling, from goat paths to unpaved roads; the total length of this network may also change. The Bara di Karta hiking trail is another way to explore Bonaire on foot.
Culture and History
The Mangazina di Rei Museum presents Bonaire’s history and geography. The Tanki Maraka Heritage Park offers a different historical perspective: this open-air museum focuses on the Second World War and highlights the site of a US military camp from 1942 to 1947. Together with caves, parkland and coastline, these attractions offer a selection that brings together nature and history without requiring the same daily itinerary.
When looking for a holiday rental, you can base your choice on your own priorities, such as water sports, hiking and cycling routes, birdwatching or cultural history.
Discover more destinations: Kralendijk
Go to the main travel overview: Bonaire.
