The island of Bonaire is known for its world-class diving due to its heavily protected reefs and easy shore diving around the island. If you’re not a diver, don’t write Bonaire off just yet. Although underwater life is certainly the island’s main attraction, there’s plenty to see and do above the surface for those who prefer to stay dry on vacation.
Here are ten ways to enjoy the Caribbean’s best-kept secret, above the surface.
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Kayak the mangroves
Mangrove forests are globally endangered ecosystems, but the ones at Lac Bay in Bonaire are some of the best-preserved in the Caribbean. You can take a one-hour or two-hour kayak tour of the mangroves; I recommend the two-hour tour because then you have time to hop out and snorkel to see what lies below the surface. These are important habitat for juvenile reef fish, Queen conch, rays, lobster, and seahorses, so you’re bound to find something exciting!
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Drive through the national park
The Washington Slagbaai National Park is located in the northern end of Bonaire and covers just under 14,000 acres of the island. It features a museum, hiking trails, and is a safe habitat for many endangered species including parrots, flamingos, parakeets, and iguanas. Did you know that Bonaire is also home to 210 different bird species? The national park is the best place to watch for them! Afterward, cool off with some cliff jumping into the crystal clear blue waters of the island.
Try some cactus liqueur
I bet you’ve never tried drinking a cactus before. This small island is home to a pretty unique liqueur, made from the cactus plants that cover the landscape. At the Cashudy distillery, you can learn how the liqueur is made and try some for yourself! The liqueur is also sustainably sourced and made by artisan professionals, so it makes a unique and authentic Dutch Caribbean souvenir to bring home.
Search for Flamingos
Second only to diving, Bonaire is known for its flamingos – the airport is even called “Flamingo Airport”! The island is home to the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary which is one of only four areas in the world where flamingos breed. The Caribbean flamingo is the most colourful of all species of flamingos and 10,000 of them call Bonaire home. Even if bird watching isn’t your thing, I promise that flamingo watching will be. I was in awe by how vibrant these creatures were; I went searching for them several times during my trip! I highly recommend bringing binoculars as the sanctuary is closed off to tourists, but you can easily spot flamingos from the nearby road.
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Visit the Donkey Sanctuary
The second animal sanctuary on the island exists to offer a sheltered and protected life to all the donkeys of Bonaire. You can do guided tours of the donkey sanctuary to learn more about the history of Bonaire’s donkeys and the work done at the sanctuary to protect them. You’re even able to purchase some carrots to feed the donkeys!
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Check out the salt pyramids
For centuries, Bonaire has been at the front of the Caribbean’s salt industry. One of the islands most notable features that greet arriving visitors is a distinctive line of white salt pyramids at the southeastern end of the island. The creation of the island’s most-prized export begins when saltwater from the ocean is drawn into a series of evaporation ponds. Over the course of 12-months, the salinity of the brine increases which results in stunning pink-coloured flats that cover about one-tenth of the island’s total surface area. Once washed, the salt crystals are stacked into 50-foot tall pyramids that contain approximately 10,000 metric tons of salt.
Eat
Of all the Caribbean islands I’ve visited, Bonaire’s food was by far the best. You’ll find cheap, local eats at food trucks all along the beaches on the west coast that serve fresh catch of the day and ice cold beer. I recommend food truck hopping in the afternoon – definitely try the Lionfish burgers at Blue Cactus! For dinner, head to one of the island’s stunning waterfront restaurants to enjoy some more freshly caught seafood while watching the sunset into the ocean.
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Stoll through downtown
Kralendijk, the capital city of Bonaire, is vibrant, lively and filled with tons of island shopping. Year round you can stroll through the streets enjoying the Caribbean architecture while shopping the main street of Kaya Grandi and the smaller stories around it. From November to April there are cruise ships docking at the North or South Pier. On those days there is a market on the Wilhelmina square with beautiful, island-made products for sale.
Watch windsurfers at Lac Bay
Lac Bay, also known as “Windsurf Place” is home to steady trade winds and a beautiful, shallow beach that provide the perfect conditions for catching some wind in your sail. You’ll find dozens of windsurfers here at any given time, gracefully cutting through the water on their boards. It’s quite a remarkable sport to watch; if you’re feeling brave, one of the local shops can even teach you how to become a windsurfer yourself!
Check out the island’s wind farm
I’ll admit, this one is a bit nerdy, but the row of wind turbines along Bonaire’s coast are super rad and at least make for a great Instagram shot if nothing else. Bonaire is leading the Caribbean in the transition to renewable energy thanks to these guys – they’re responsible for producing over 40% of the island’s energy! The island is working towards becoming 100% renewable (and entirely self-sufficient!) by 2050 through the use of wind, solar, and biomass to produce energy in place of fossil fuels.
