Bonaire island is a tropical destination that you may not have heard of before. Bonaire of the Caribbean Netherlands is a part of the ABC Islands north of south America. Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire are a part of this chain of islands surrounded by tropical water, coral reefs, and beautiful resorts to wash away your worries.
While Aruba and Curacao are more popular for large resorts, Bonaire island only allows two story boutique hotels, making it special to visit. On this blog post you will learn about all the things to do on the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands what to expect, and my takeaways!
10 Epic Things To Do In Bonaire
1. Visit The Salt Flats:
Bonaire is home to salt flats, now owned by Cargill. If the weather is right, the salt flats boast a beautiful pink lake next to it, making it quite special to photograph. If the rainy season is there, most likely the pink colors won’t be visible. Salt mountains on the island are nearly 50 feet high!
2. 1000 Steps
Aptly named 1000 steps because it feels like 1000 steps if you’re wearing scuba diving gear, this beautiful beach area on the island of Bonaire shows stunning cliffs and shorelines. While there aren’t actually 1000 steps here, it is worth stopping by and hanging out at the beach. Bring your snorkel and get into the ocean. You won’t have to swim far to see beautiful fish.
3. Flamingo Sanctuary
The island of Bonaire is home to many flamingos, and if you’re lucky to see them all at once it sure is a treat. Regardless just past the salt flats are waterbeds that are home to the flamingos. It is important to note that there is no droning allowed in this area as it can distrust the livelihood of the flamingos.
4. Slave Huts
Bonaire Caribbean Netherlands brought salves to the island from Africa to work the salt pans and harvest gold at the time. Slavery on the island was abolished in 1863, while the huts were built in 1850 out of coral stone. Two to six adult men would sleep in the huts, which are extremely small. The slave huts of Bonaire were repainted and are left as a reminder of the history of the island. On Bonaire island there are white and yellow slave huts that you’re able to visit by car.
5. Donkey Sanctuary
When the dutch colonized the island of Bonaire Caribbean Netherlands, they brought donkeys to work the salt pans after slavery was abolished. Since then, there is an abundant amount of donkeys on the island which are now homed at the Donkey Sanctuary. It is open 7 days a week from 10-5 and is $9 for adults. You’re able to drive your own car through the sanctuary and can buy a bucket of grass pellets for $2.50 to feed the donkeys. Want to assist the sanctuary? Adopt a donkey for $175 a year.
6. Scuba Dive
Bonaire island is known for being home to some of the best scuba diving in the world. It is especially popular because shore diving is so accessible, making it easy to take a rental car to a dive site and walk right into the water. Want to learn how to scuba dive? Plan your trip in advance and rent all your gear from Buddy Dive, a dive shop that gave us a great experience.
7. Volunteer with Coral Gardeners
Reef Renewal Bonaire is a project that focuses on resorting coral reefs along the shoreline of Bonaire. Coral reefs are at risk of becoming extinct due to climate change, so the reef renewal project helps by growing new corals and planting them. Support them by assisting in cleaning the corals, donating, and adopting corals. Book a reef renewal dive and go with a team member that will take you to the site and you’ll assist in cleaning and maintaining the garden.
8. Washington Slagbaai National Park
One of the most unique parts of Bonaire island is the national park that sits on the island. When visiting Bonaire, each tourist pays a tax of $45 dollars that includes entrance to the park.
There are hiking trails inside of Washington Slagbaai National Park. Unfortunately, during our visit the island was getting an unlikely amount of rain-closing the National Park for cars as the roads were underivable. The park includes iguanas, parrots, flamingoes, parakeets, and many other species of birds and reptiles. Moreover, the beaches of Washington Slagbaii National Park are important nesting areas for sea turtles on the island.
Volunteer With STINAPA
When I was there we volunteered with STINAPA- the national parks foundation of the island of Bonaire. If your looking to volunteer on Bonaire with STINAPA, be sure to contact them before your trip and let them know. If your able, donate additional funds on their website!
Camping At Washington Slagbaai National Park
If your lucky enough to snag a reservation at one of the three historic cabins on Washington Slagbaii National Park on Bonaire, do it! While it is a rustic experience, it’s going to add an adventure to your experience on Bonaire by sleeping over the water on the quietest side of the island.
9. Take A Boat to Klein Bonaire
In an inexpensive trip in water taxi, Klein Bonaire (dutch for “Little Bonaire”) is a small island, home to beautiful sandy beaches and some of the best dive spots. Since 1999, when the island was purchased by World Nature Fund of the Netherlands, native trees are being replanted in an effort to return the island to its natural state.
10. Take Scuba Diving Lessons
Visiting a tropical destination is the perfect place to learn how to scuba dive. Especially on Bonaire Island, where the coral reef and dive sites are some of the best in the world. I suggest Technical Diving Services, located inside of the Captain Don’s Habitat on Bonaire. Be sure to get in touch with the dive shop before you travel to Bonaire to ensure your on the schedule.
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