Bonaire Attractions and Things to Do

Bonaire attractions include diving and snorkeling because the waters off the coast of the island have been legally protected as a marine park since 1979. But there is plenty more to do on the island itself.


The park is known as one of the better snorkeling experiences in the Caribbean. A narrow fringing reef starts near the shoreline and extends nearly 1,000 feet offshore. Nearly 60 species of coral can be seen in the reef.

Willemstoren Lighthouse; © BigStockPhoto.com

The lighthouse, an historical landmark, is located on the most southern point of the island. The facility was built in 1837.


The desert-like Washington/Slagbaai National Park has hikes through spare landscapes of cacti, iguanas and divi-divi trees. The park was the first nature sanctuary of the Netherland Antilles (Aruba, Bonaire) created in 1969. Wildlife includes parrots, flamingos, parakeets, iguanas and all four species of Caribbean nesting turtles. The visitors' center includes a museum and walking trails. The landscape includes dry forest, mangroves, beach and sand dunes.


This snorkel and dive site on the north side of Bonaire is reachable by boat or car. Anyone who drives there actually will take 67 steps to reach the beach.


The longest beach on the island has fine pink sand. It is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. The beach has been featured on the cover of Caribbean Travel and Life magazine has named it as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.


The sanctuary is a non-profit foundation that provides care for the donkeys on Bonaire. The animals greet visitors when they arrive at the park, which is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It is located south of Kralendijk below the airport. $$


Salt pans are flat expanses of ground covered with salt that has evaporated from sea water. Bacteria change the salt into various colors. Bonaire is one of the world's major exporters of salt because of the salt pans, which also have become something of a tourist attraction on the island. The salt pans also are an ideal site to view flamingos.


The farm is open from Tuesday till Sunday. Opening hours are from 9 am till 5 pm. Take the road from the church in Kralendijk to Sorobon (Kaya Nikiboko Zuid) After leaving Kralendijk you will see the sign on the left. Turn to the left in the direction of Lac Cai and you will see the signs to the garden. $$


Bonaire is about 24 miles long and about 4 miles wide on average, making it small enough for fit visitors to tour the island by bike. Visitors also can see the countryside on horseback via the Horseback Riding Academy Club at Kunuku Warahama.


The beach is located within a protected bay and is becoming well known for windsurfing thanks to steady trade winds.