Bonaire is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax. In this 7-day itinerary, I will guide you through the island’s best spots, from rugged national parks to vibrant beaches, and introduce you to local flavours and culture. Whether you’re hiking, snorkeling, or sipping a unique cactus liqueur, you’ll experience the best Bonaire has to offer. Take this guide as a starting point, and add any
Day 1: Explore Washington Slagbaai National Park
Kickstart your trip with a visit to Washington Slagbaai National Park, a nature reserve filled with rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical landmarks. This park features mostly different landscapes to explore, including the ‘blow hole’, a v-shaped cliff where the waves blow the water upwards in the air. However, there are also some diving and snorkelling spots that are worth checking out, such as Wayaka I and Wayaka II.
- Start Early: Arrive when the park opens to avoid the heat.
- Activities: Hike the trails, visit the lighthouse, and snorkel at Wayaka II Beach.
- Wildlife: Spot flamingos, parrots, and iguanas in their natural habitat.
- Tip: Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water for the best experience.
Day 2: Surfing and Lounging at Sorobon Beach
Sorobon Beach, located on Lac Bay, is perfect for windsurfing and relaxation. You can take windsurfing lessons from one of the surf schools and surf along the shallow water. Since the water is relatively shallow but there is almost always wind blowing from the sea, it is an ideal place to learn how to windsurf. If you’re just tagging along to watch someone else take lessons, there are more than enough beach bars where you can hang out with a drink or have lunch. When a cruise boat visits the island, the bars can get a bit crowded. If you want to snag a day bed, it’s best to come a bit early.
- Windsurfing: Try a lesson from one of the local windsurf schools.
- Lounging: Chill at Sorobon Beach Resort, famous for its shallow, turquoise waters.
- Dining: Have a beachside lunch at the Hang Out Beach Bar.
- Tip: The calm waters make this ideal for beginners learning to windsurf.
Day 3: Kayaking Through the Mangroves
Explore the pristine mangrove forests on a guided kayak tour. A guide will take you along the shallow waters of the mangroves, where plants that can take the salty water grow. It provides a unique ecological structure where plants and animals use each other’s features. You can opt to take a one or two hour tour. Bring clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet, put on sunscreen and bring mosquito repellant, since mosquitos love the shallow waters.
- Activity: Book a tour with the Mangrove Info Center for an eco-friendly experience.
- Wildlife: Spot juvenile fish, sea turtles, and exotic birds.
- Snorkeling: Many tours include snorkeling in the crystal-clear mangrove channels.
- Tip: Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Day 4: Discover Kralendijk’s Charm
Spend a day exploring Bonaire’s colorful capital, Kralendijk. Both along the boulevard and the main street (Kaya Grandi), there are several shops to explore. Although there are several ice cream shops, the best remains Gio’s Gelateria, located on the Kaya Grandi. Flavours differ from day to day, but if there’s pineapple, you should definitely try it. Pro tip: Gio’s doesn’t close until 10 pm, so if you’ve had dinner close by, you can skip desert and grab an ice cream there.
- Shopping: Browse local boutiques for souvenirs and handmade crafts.
- Gio’s Gelateria: Treat yourself to Bonaire’s best ice cream.
- Dining: Try local cuisine at restaurants like At Sea or It Rains Fishes.
- Sightseeing: Walk along the waterfront and take in the vibrant pastel buildings.
- Tip: Visit the Bonaire Arts & Crafts Market for unique gifts.
Day 5: Visit the Cadushy Distillery
Take a tour of the Cadushy Distillery, where you can learn about the island’s unique distillation process. Although it may not look like much when you first step through the gate, there is an impressive amount of craftsmanship that goes into transforming the cactuses that grow on the island into a liquor. Even though I don’t really drink alcohol, I still enjoy listening to the enthusiasm that the distillery displays when talking about their products.
- Tour: Discover how the local cactus, the kadushi, is used to make Bonaire’s signature cactus liqueur.
- Tasting: Sample a variety of locally made spirits and learn about their flavors.
- Shop: Pick up a bottle of Kadushi Liqueur as a unique souvenir.
- Tip: The tour is informative and offers a taste of Bonaire’s local craftsmanship.
Day 6: Relax on Klein Bonaire
Take a boat trip to Klein Bonaire, a small uninhabited island perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing. Find Karel’s Bar along the Boulevard in Kralendijk. Outside, there will be a sign displaying the ferry’s departure times for that day and the next day. You could also opt to rent a boat yourself and sail to Klein Bonaire yourself. Be mindful that Klein Bonaire is uninhabited and that it features protected plants and wildlife.
- Getting There: Take the water taxi from Kralendijk.
- Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant coral reefs at No Name Beach.
- Relaxation: Bring a picnic and enjoy a beach day on the pristine white sands.
- Tip: There are no facilities on the island, so pack accordingly.
Day 7: Mix & Match – Choose Your Final Adventure
On your last day, revisit your favourite spot or try something new:
- Tip: Plan a relaxed evening to reflect on your unforgettable trip.
- Diving: Bonaire is a top diving destination – try a guided dive.
- Sunset Sail: Book a catamaran sunset cruise for a romantic evening.
- Spa Day: Unwind with a massage at one of Bonaire’s wellness centers.