Best Bonaire Beaches for Cruise Visitors

Bonaire has 22 named beaches. © Tourism Corporation Bonaire

Bonaire makes it easy for cruise visitors to find a beach with 22 of them scattered around this small island and several near the Kralendijk cruise port.

Most of the beaches are on the western side of the island, which is where Kralendijk is located as well. Unfortunately, decent beaches aren't within normal walking distance. Visitors will need to get to them via taxi, rental car or excursion bus.

Almost all Bonaire beaches are public except for Sorobon, a clothing-optional beach in a private, nudist resort where non-guests pay $10 for admission.

Otherwise, be aware that nude bathing is illegal throughout the island and offensive to the locals.

Beaches Close to Kralendijk

The nearest beaches include Coco, Bachelor's, Te Amo and Flamingo, along with one of the most unusually named beaches in the Caribbean. It is called Chachacha.

Shore excursion operators offer a quick island tour plus a visit to Coco Beach for about $45. Coco, one of the best on the island for cruise visitors, is less than two miles north of the cruise port. It's at least a 30-minute walk for moderately fit people. Otherwise, a taxi is the best option.

Bachelor's Beach is a small beach three miles south of the cruise terminal at Port Bonaire. The beach lies below a 10-foot cliff, according to Tourism Corporation Bonaire.

Te Amo is a white-sand beach near Bonaire's airport, which gives visitors a chance to see planes departing and landing from a close vantage point.

Flamingo is at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort to the north of the cruise port and a 10-minute walk from the center of Kralendijk.

Chachacha, named after a local woman, is a small beach with a wooden pier. The waters are calm and ideal for families with young children.

Other Bonaire Beaches

Pink 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. Life magazine named it one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. A bus goes there throughout the day.

Washington-Slagbaai National Park has three major beaches -- Boca Cocolishi, Boca Slagbaai and Playa Funchi.

Boca Cocolishi on the north coast is not well-suited for swimming because of the strong surf. But it is a black sand beach with lava-formed pools that make it appealing for hikers.

Boca Slagbaai, popular with the flamingos, is a good swimming and snorkeling site. It has facilities and refreshments for sale. Some of the buildings there date back to 1869.

Playa Funchi is a highly recommended snorkeling site because of coral formations, attractive fish and calm waters. It has no sand or facilities, although it is likewise popular with flamingos.

Other recommended beaches include Playa Chiquito, although swimming is forbidden because of the strong, dangerous surf. But the location is beautiful and ideal for sunbathing.

Boka Bartol, located in the Marine Park, is a good diving location with attractive coral formations.

1000 Steps is a snorkel and dive site on the north side of Bonaire and reachable by boat or car. Anyone who drives there actually will take 67 steps to reach the beach.

Lac Bay is a good swimming location with an attractive stand of mangroves. Bands play there each weekend for locals and tourists.

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