Hike Bonaire – Washington Slagbaai National Park Trail Descriptions & Local Hiking Guides
Overview of Bonaire hiking in Washington Slagbaai National Park:
The park has a varied and diverse terrain that includes flat sections as well as hilly sections. There are areas of low-growing shrubs and trees, dry desert-like areas including rocky sinkholes as well as beaches, rocky limestone shorelines and some amazing views of crystal clear water…
Plenty of birds, including Parrots, flamingos and parakeets can be seen in the park, along with iguanas and many other species of reptiles. The protected area includes beaches where 4 species of sea turtles lay their eggs.
There are two dirt roads that circle through the park. Vehicles with high clearance (and a spare tire) are recommended for these rough roads.
- The shorter route is about 15 miles (24km) long, and takes you to a variety of attractions, including the trailhead of the Branderis Trail (tallest peak on Bonaire), as well as a great bird-watching location – Put Bronswinkel, where fresh water attracts the birds.
- The longer loop is approximately 22 miles (35km) in length and takes about 2 hours to cover 20 attractions including Seru Bentana, the northernmost lighthouse on the island as well as great bird-watching locations such as Boca Bartol and Pos Magel, where the birds are attracted to the fresh water well.
Local Guides / Tour Operators are listed below…
The three official Bonaire hiking trails of Washington-Slagbaai National Park are well-marked with pink stones:
The Subi Branderis Trail:
- Time required: 1 – 2 hours round trip
- Degree of Difficulty: 6 out of 10
- Elevation: Approximately 784 feet (241m)
- Distance: About 2.5 miles (4km) round trip
- Guide Required: Recommended – The trailhead and trail itself are fairly well marked. That said, a guide is valuable as they can highlight the local flora and fauna, making the hike more enjoyable. You also don’t have to worry about accidentally wandering off and getting lost on some random side trail.
The trailhead can be found at a parking lot off the northern part of the short road that runs through the park. The trail starts out as a distinguishable trail, however as you climb in elevation, the terrain turns rockier and onto a ridge where boulders mark the trail. Maybe you’ll get lucky and see some local animals… Regardless, you will always be rewarded with spectacular views – You can see most of the island from here as well as Curaçao on a clear day. You may even be able to see some of the mountainous regions of Venezuela.
The Kasikunda Trail:
- Time required: 1 – 2 hours round trip
- Degree of Difficulty: 5 out of 10 (fairly steep in places)
- Elevation: Just under 300 feet (90m)
- Distance: Just over a mile (2km) round trip
- Guide Required: Recommended – The trailhead and trail itself are fairly well marked. That said, a guide is valuable as they can highlight the local flora and fauna, making the hike more enjoyable.
The trail starts at the Visitor Center of the Park, 3 miles (4.5km) north of Rincon. The trail takes you to the top of a volcanic hill, with signs providing information about your natural surroundings, along the way. There are some fairly steep sections, however the views of the Park and north end of the island make it all worth while.
The Lizard (Lagadishi) Trail:
- Time required: 1 – 2 hours round trip
- Degree of Difficulty: 4 out of 10
- Elevation: Negligible
- Distance: Just over a mile (2km) round trip
- Guide Required: Recommended – The trailhead and trail itself are fairly well marked. That said, a guide is valuable as they can highlight the local flora and fauna, making the hike more enjoyable.
The trail starts at the Visitor Center of the Park, 3 miles (4.5km) north of Rincon. The trail takes you through desert-like terrain to a coastal limestone plateau with views of salt pans/lakes, mangroves and sand dunes. You might get lucky and spot some flamingos at the salt flats.
Be safe and sure with a local hiking guide or tour operator to show you the way. To Hike Bonaire, these local Tour Operators will take good care of you (Click on a Tour Operator name below for more details):
- Outdoor Bonaire
- Custom Guided Hiking Tours
- Flow Bonaire
- Custom Guided Hiking Tours
- H2O Visions Bonaire
- Adventure Makers Bonaire
- Washington Slagbaai National Park Tour – Dirt Road Sightseeing Tour featuring Multiple Park Attractions / Optional Branderis Hike available
On a monthly basis, National Park Rangers lead guided tours of the three trails above, as well as to other sites.
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