Fun Things to Do in Bonaire – Pink Flamingos, White Salt Mountains & So Much More
Bonaire is a small island in the southern Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, situated about 25 miles (80km) north of the Venezuelan coast – The island is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Unlike most of the Caribbean, Bonaire is safe from hurricanes and has a truly amazing climate, relatively warm and dry for most of the year. Famous for it’s pink flamingos and white mountains of salt, the island has plenty to offer sight-seeing travelers. There are plenty of things to do in Bonaire if you know where to look… Our Personal favourites include:
Explore Bonaire Nature in Washington-Slagbaai National Park
Washington-Slagbaai National Park covers close to 14 thousand acres at the northern tip of the island. Established in 1969, this was the first nature sanctuary in the Netherlands Antilles. The Park is a protected area for sea turtles and birds – including parrots, flamingos and parakeets, as well as iguanas and many other reptiles. Washington-Slagbaai is a land of contrasts, from it’s mostly desert terrain to a couple of RAMSAR recognized wetland areas. A trip to the Park usually includes a visit to their museum and an off-road drive on one of the three main roads to explore what the park has to offer. There’s a number of interesting sites to see, inland as well as along the coast. Visit salt lakes, animal watering holes, a lighthouse, the island’s tallest hill and perhaps you’ll want to spend some time on a quiet beach.
FYI – For more nature outside of the Park, Bonaire Botanical Gardens offer guided tours of their desert plantation. The Garden is located on the north-east coast, just south-east of Washington-Slagbaai National Park.
For more information, along with tour operators who can get you in and around the park, check out our Things to do in Bonaire – Land Excursions page
Bonaire Bird Watching and Flamingo Viewing
A visit to Echo’s Dos Pos Conservation Centre at the north end of the island will give you the best opportunity to see some of Bonaire’s parrots. Guided tours will take you through a dry forest environment, satisfying your bird watching desires with educational information as well as quiet time to observe the birds.
While you may get lucky and spot a flamingo on a drive around the island, the best place for you to view the large colourful birds is at Bonaire’s north end, at a saltwater lagoon observation area called Goto Meer. It’s interesting to note that the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, located at the south end of the island, is not open to tourists. That said, upwards of 10 thousand flamingos along with a large variety of other birds, can be viewed in the salt lake sanctuary with binoculars from the nearby road (EEG Boulevard) or even Pink Beach.
For more information on one of the more popular things to do in Bonaire, including tour operators who will help you see Bonaire’s iconic birds, click on our Things to do in Bonaire – Land Excursions page
Bonaire Sight Seeing – Main Towns & Attractions
On the west coast of the island you’ll find the capital of Bonaire, Kralendijk (pronounced ‘Kral-An-Didjk’). The quaint town-centre is full of colourful homes and buildings and there’s plenty of shopping on and around the main street Kaya Grandi. For the history buff, Terramar Museum is in the center of town, featuring exhibits showcasing seven thousand years of Caribbean and Bonairean history.
Mangazina di Rei Museum is housed in the second oldest stone building on the island – It’s located in Rincon, at the north end of Bonaire. Tours are available of a local Monument along with the museum’s indoor / outdoor “historical & cultural” displays. While you’re there… The Cadushy Distillery is also located in Rincon. The distillery produces rum, vodka and whisky, however it’s main products are colourful local fruit based liqueurs – One dedicated to each of the Dutch Caribbean Islands.
For more information, along with tour operators who provide island tours, click on our Things to do in Bonaire page
Bonaire Sight Seeing – Island Attractions & Great Views
Seru Largu is an easily accessed look-out located on a 330 feet (100m) hill. It’s not a huge hill, however as the island is predominantly flat, you’ll be treated with spectacular views of the island and Caribbean sea. The Look-out is located 4 miles (7km) north of Kralendijk.
Bonaire’s Slave Huts & Obelisks mark the location where slave labour was used to collect and load salt on to old sailboats. The four Obelisks were used as navigational beacons for the incoming ships. This site is at the south-west end of the island near the salt ponds.
Bonaire’s first lighthouse, built in 1837, Willemstoren is located on the south-east tip of island.
For more info, along with tour operators who provide island tours, check out our Things to do in Bonaire – Land Excursions page
Enjoy Bonaire’s Roads and Trails…
Various tour operators on the island offer Quad/ATV or Dune Buggy based off-road excursions. Have fun driving around the desert terrain, taking occasional breaks to explore a cave, view the island from a hill-top look out or check out one of the many attractions in the Bara di Karta region of Bonaire.
Sad that you left your hog at home? You can get on a Harley Davidson for a few hours to explore the island in style – Either as part of a Motorbike Tour or Motorbike Rental. Seriously!
If you’re looking for a more quiet and slower natural experience, try horseback riding on Bonaire – There are two great stables to choose from.
Check this out – For the really adventurous, give Land Yacht Sailing a try. Think of a large go-cart, powered by the wind. Yes, that’s a thing in Bonaire!
For more information, along with tour operators who will get you moving, click on our Things to do in Bonaire – Land Excursions page
Have Fun and Explore Bonaire by Sea
There are also a number of ways for you to explore the island by sea. You can take a Glass Bottom Boat tour to get a view of the island’s underwater beauty without getting wet. Perhaps a private motor-boat or speedboat tour is more your speed. There’s plenty of sea-faring options in Bonaire.
Larger motorboats and sailboats are available for a variety of ocean tours – Enjoy Dinner at Sea, a Sunset Cruise or perhaps a Party Boat cruise… There’s something for everyone!
For more information, along with boat operators who will get you on the Caribbean Sea, click on our Things to do in Bonaire – Ocean Excursions page
Enjoy!
ACT Staff
If you’re looking for more of a physical adventure, check out our Bonaire Adventure Activities blog
For more information on the amazingly diverse island, take a look at our Bonaire Vacations page
