Bonaire Hiking – Hit the Dusty Trails

Bonaire is a small southern Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles, situated about 25 miles (80km) north of the Venezuelan coast, and 50 miles (80km) east of Curacao. The island, along with Aruba and Curacao, are special municipalities of the Netherlands. Safe from hurricanes, Bonaire has a truly amazing climate, consistently warm and dry for most of the year. Famous for it’s pink flamingos, renowned coral reefs and white mountains of salt, there’s plenty of Bonaire hiking trails to satisfy travelers seeking an active vacation.

Bonaire offers opportunities for some easy relaxing walks as well as a couple of intermediate – difficult hikes. Official trails on the island are all marked with pink stones on the ground!

Bonaire Hiking – Washington-Slagbaai National Park

Perhaps the best Bonaire hiking can be found in the Park at the north end of the island. This 14 thousand acre (56 sq km) sanctuary was the first in the Netherlands Antilles. The National Park has a varied and diverse terrain that includes flat sections as well as hilly regions. Brandaris, the highest peak on Bonaire at 784 feet (241m), is located within the Park.  There are areas of low growing shrubs and trees, dry desert like areas, rocky sinkholes, rough limestone shorelines and some great sandy beaches.  From the hill-tops you’ll get some amazing views of the island, as well as the crystal clear water of the Caribbean Sea…  Plenty of birds, including parrots, flamingos and parakeets can be seen in the park, along with iguanas and many other species of reptiles.

There are three main hiking trails in the Park:

The Subi Branderis Trail – An intermediate level hike with some fairly steep sections.  The trail is about 2.5 miles (4km) round trip, requiring an hour or two to complete, although you may not want to leave Bonaire’s highest peak – On a clear day you can see Venezuela!

The Kasikunda Trail – An easy / intermediate level hike with a fairly steep region.  The trail is just over a mile (2km) round trip, taking an hour or two to complete.  Once you’ve climbed the volcanic hill, you’ll be rewarded with great views of the island.

The Lizard (Lagadishi) Trail – An easy hike just over a mile (2km) round trip that you can enjoy for an hour or two.  This is a diverse trail with great views, including flamingos!

While you’re there, check out the Park’s museum and enjoy some off-roading on one of the three main roads that meander through the park. There’s a number of interesting sites to see in Washington-Slagbaai National Park, including salt lakes, animal watering holes, a lighthouse, along with some great rocky coastal views and quiet beaches.

For more information, including hiking guides to show you around the Park, click on our Hiking Bonaire’s Washington-Slagbaai National Park page

Bonaire Hiking – Trails Elsewhere on the Island:

At the north end of the island, south of the National Park and just east of Rincon, you’ll find three more great Bonaire hiking trails:

Montana Trail – This easy 2 mile (3km) hike takes less than two hours to complete.  You’ll climb a small hill that has great views of Goto Meer Lake and the Caribbean Sea.

Roi Sango Trail – This easy hike includes some sections of the trail in partial shade, covers about 1.5 miles (2.5km). A small hill provides surprisingly rewarding views of the surrounding area, including the sea and some interesting rock formations.

Dos Pos Trail – This easy 2.5 mile (4km) loop trail takes an hour or so to complete.  The trail travels through a rural setting bordering Washington Slagbaai National Park, with views of Goto Meer Lake.

There’s also a couple more trails on the east side of island:

Bara di Karta Hill Trail – This short easy hike takes less than an hour to complete.  The highlight of the hike is a small (200 feet / 60m) hill with spectacular 360 views of the island – Believe it or not!

Red Hill Trail – This easy 1.5 mile (2km) loop trail takes a couple of hours through desert-like terrain accompanied by soothing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

For more information, including hiking guides and tour operators who will get you on the trail, click on our Bonaire Hiking – Other Trails page

Have Fun (and wear a hat and bring plenty of water)!

ACT Staff

If you’re looking for other exciting activities to experience, take a look at our Bonaire Adventures blog

If you’re looking to explore the island at a more relaxing pace, check out our Bonaire Attractions blog

For an overview of the beautiful island of Bonaire, click on our Bonaire Vacations page