If you are looking for the best activities and places to visit while visiting Bonaire, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled our list of the best things to do on Bonaire, from the Best beaches to the best shopping. You’ll also find out the best places to dive while you’re here.
10 best things to do in Bonaire
The nightlife in Bonaire cranks up to eleven when the sun goes down. You can explore the Kralendijk district, which is home to numerous restaurants and bars. One of the most popular nightspots is Karel’s Beach Bar. This fun locale features salsa, zouk, and a variety of other regional dances.
For those who enjoy snorkeling, Bonaire’s National Marine Park boasts over 86 shore dives. You can also visit the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary and historic slave huts. You can also explore Klein Bonaire, a remote island with little to no human settlement.
The island’s constant winds make it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are also many other activities that you can take part in while on the island. Whatever your preference, there’s something to suit everyone on Bonaire. Here are 10 of the most popular things to do in Bonaire.
You can visit the oldest town on the island. Rincon is the oldest settlement on Bonaire and was established by the Spanish in the 1500s. It’s the ideal place to enjoy local food and drink. The town is full of historical landmarks, including the St. Ludovicus Bertrandus Church, which has a bright red roof.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, the pristine coastline of Bonaire has something to offer everyone. It is home to stunning coral reefs and marine life. Divers have been coming to Bonaire for decades, and the island is one of the best dive destinations on the planet.
Best beaches
While you’re on the island, you’re sure to want to spend some time swimming in the crystal-clear waters around Bonaire. Bonaire is home to over 350 species of fish and 50 species of coral. The corals are so healthy and vibrant, the island was included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Biodiversity sites in 2011. To get a feel for the water’s natural beauty, spend a day at one of the island’s many beaches.
When planning your visit, be sure to bring your swimsuit and some sunscreen. Although Bonaire is close to the equator, it is prone to high winds, and this makes it easy to get sunburned. Be sure to wear a hat with a brim to protect your face, and use reef-safe sunscreen. While most restaurants on the island are relatively cheap, you’ll likely find yourself in a situation where the service is substandard. If you’re not sure whether you’ll be able to communicate with the staff, just remember to speak English, and make sure to bring U.S. Dollars for your purchases.
Bonaire has a number of historic sites and landmarks that are worth a visit. If you’re a history buff, you might want to visit the island’s lighthouses. Many of them were built in the early to mid-1800s. They once helped protect ships from the shallow waters, but today they serve as historical sites and social gathering places for locals. Be sure to take the time to visit Willemstoren Lighthouse, which is small but features beautiful colors.
Best shopping
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, Bonaire has plenty of places to shop. The city’s main shopping street, Kaya Grandi, has plenty of shops and restaurants, but if you’re in the mood for more than just souvenirs, there are several malls in the area.
There are also a couple of markets where you can buy souvenirs made by the island’s locals. In addition to buying postcards, t-shirts, and generic key chains, you can also buy specialty items, like a bone-shaped pot-holder made of Chinese sea salt.
While you’re in the area, spend an afternoon on the beach. You’ll find plenty of beach loungers, a restaurant/bar, and snorkeling equipment rental here. In addition to shopping, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a cocktail or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
Rincon is one of the oldest settlements on the island. It’s also the oldest settlement on any of the Dutch ABC islands. The town was built in a valley so that it would be a safe haven for settlers. It’s also where many of the island’s first slaves lived. These slaves were tasked with working on the salt flats in the south. Rincon is also home to the Museo Chich’i Tan, which is a 130-year-old house that displays the history of Bonaire’s first tools. The museum also showcases the work of local artists and local cuisine.
Best dive sites
Whether you are an experienced diver or just a beginner, Bonaire is a diving mecca. With over 60 officially-registered dive sites, you can easily spend a day on the water. The island’s warm, calm waters are home to colorful tropical fish and other aquatic life. Whether you are diving or snorkeling, you will love the diverse marine life and stunning coral reefs.
A dive on the island’s east coast showcases the island’s best dive sites. Among these is Turtle City and the White Hole, a football-sized pit surrounded by reef walls. The waters around the area are alive with nurse sharks and schools of tarpon. The sandy floor is also home to large conch. Dive guides take divers up the side of the reef, where they can explore the sea fans and observe a wide variety of marine life.
Besides macro life, North Reef is another great site to visit. Divers can observe the huge variety of corals and sea creatures living along the pier. Some of the prominent species here include sea turtles, giant green morays, eagle rays, and giant sea fans.
If you have enough time, try diving on the Hilma Hooker wreck. This 236-foot-long freighter rests on its starboard side at a depth of 95 feet. You can also see the top of the wreck, which is 65 feet deep. This dive site is ideal for beginners because it is protected from currents.
Best national park
If you’re in the mood for a day at the beach, Bonaire’s national park is a great place to explore. The park offers great diving and snorkeling opportunities. A complete list of dive sites can be found on the island’s tourism website. You can also rent a kayak and go snorkeling through mangrove channels. Whether you’re a novice or an advanced diver, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied.
You can also take a tour of the Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire’s terrestrial region. This area is home to huge bannerfish, spotted manta rays, sea turtles, and octopus. The park is also great for hiking and wildlife watching.
There are several hiking trails throughout the park. For a more relaxed stroll, you can take the Lagadishi Walking Trail, which starts at the park visitor center. It’s a two-hour walk that will give you a comprehensive view of Bonaire’s native fauna and flora. You can also hike the Subi Brandaris Trail, which gives you stunning views of neighboring Curacao.
If you’re interested in diving and snorkeling, you can also visit Lac Bay National Park, a mangrove forest in the northern part of Bonaire. The Lac Bay mangroves are some of the most preserved mangrove forests in the Caribbean.
Best place for a wedding
There are a variety of locations that are suitable for a wedding in Bonaire. One popular place to wed is on the beach. While Dutch beaches are usually dingy and gloomy, those on Bonaire are sunny and gorgeous. If you want a more upscale venue, consider a villa on the island, such as La Pura Vista, which offers a romantic atmosphere and a luxurious experience.
Many couples dream of having their dream wedding in a beautiful setting. Perhaps the beach is on their list or they want to tie the knot in a picturesque garden. Regardless of location, a wedding in Bonaire will provide couples with the perfect wedding photos and will make their guests jealous.
Weddings in Bonaire are as unique as the love that couples share. This tropical island offers a romantic and relaxed atmosphere perfect for a wedding. Crystal-clear water splashes against the shore and corals sway with the waves. It is the ultimate tropical setting for an intimate ceremony, with the ability to move as fast or as slowly as you want.
Regardless of the location, getting married in Bonaire is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The beauty of the scenery, water activities, and unique experiences will make your event memorable for all. If you are getting married on the beach, make sure to book the perfect summer day to ensure maximum sun exposure. The weather in Bonaire is always sunny and warm, so your guests will not have to worry about being too cold or too hot.