The Best Things to Do in Bonaire
Bonaire is laid-back by design: Large chain hotels have been kept out and eco-preservation enforced since the 1970's, keeping the local dive sites some of the best in the world. The island’s relaxed and slow pace which helps maintain the island’s chief attributes: its national park, and legendarily pristine wilderness, both above and below the surface. Adventure sports abound, too: diving, caving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, wind surfing, and cliff jumping, to name a few. The culture contains layers of Amerindian, Spanish, African, Dutch, and British influences. In fact, you’ll hear traces of the languages of all of the above (plus some French and Portuguese) during any given conversation in Papiamento, the creole language spoken. You'll find you can get by just fine with a few key phrases: por fabor, danki, and bon dia—all of which mean exactly what you think they do. Warning: Bonaire may become your new favorite spot.
Encircling the entire island of Bonaire—and the neighboring islet of Klein Bonaire—Bonaire National Marine Park is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving you’ll ever do. Thanks to long-standing protective measures...
As healthy as the majority of local corals may be, the staghorn and elkhorn varieties have been disproportionately affected by hurricanes and other forces. To help repair the island's reefs, and have some fun in the process, join the Bonaire...
Rivaling the colors you’ll see below the sea on the coral reefs of Bonaire, the rainbow of Dutch-colonial buildings that line the streets of downtown Kralendijk—and especially Kaya Grandi, i.e., Main Street—will be worth your...
Rincón—Bonaire's oldest village—is a near-perfect distillation of the island's history: Established by 16th-century Spanish colonialists, the settlement was eventually populated by former slaves and later became famous for a...
The stunning 5,600 hectares (14,000 acres) or so that you'll find at Washington-Slagbaai today grew out of the Netherlands Antilles' first national park—born in 1969 when then-owner "Boy" Herrera bequeathed his property to the government...
A sprawling one-stop shop for all things local—including the aloe and sea salt that were once drivers of the island's economy—the Bonaire Art & Craft Market sits right by the cruise-ship piers, which means minimal schlepping....
When a South African woman and an Italian man met each other—and Bonaire—through their work on cruise ships, beautiful things ensued. Not least, the handmade glass jewelry at the shop the pair opened here several years ago. Check out,...
Do a deep dive into Bonaire's sea-salt heritage at this sodium-centric shop. Whether you're looking for the kind to sprinkle on food, rub on skin or add to a hot bath, local options abound here.
One of the most romantic hideouts on Bonaire, La Balandra is designed to make you feel like you’re dining on an old Spanish ship when, in fact, you’re ensconced in the Harbour Village Beach Club. Cruise passengers have two options...
Though fish don't have to travel far to reach your plate on Bonaire, Karel’s Beach Bar cuts the distance to nearly zero: This beloved institution sits on a platform in the sea. Try the signature seafood kebabs or the (very garlicky) lobster...
