10 Ultimate Bucket List Things To Do in Bonaire
Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway without the crowds? Pack your suitcase and head to Bonaire. With these 10 ultimate bucket list things to do in Bonaire, your holiday will be awesome, guaranteed!
Bonaire might be the least known of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao). However, it is world-famous among divers and is known as “diver’s paradise”.
Do not miss out on Curacao’s best highlights!
Diving is not the only bucket list thing to do on this stunning island. Some other unique activities and attractions make Bonaire well worth visiting for non-divers, too!
So, keep reading to discover our selection of the ultimate bucket list activities in Bonaire.
Dive into Underwater Paradise
It is no surprise that the first ultimate bucket list thing to do in Bonaire is diving. Bonaire is a diver’s paradise boasting some of the best shore diving on the planet.
The Bonaire National Marine Park is the first Blue Destination in the world. The reefs are so healthy because of strictly enforced protective protocols.
Extra Tip:
All visitors must pay a Bonaire National Marine Park fee to enter the waters. It is 40 USD per person and gives free access to the Washington Slagbaai National Park. Note that cruise passengers do not have to pay this fee.
Explore the Capital Kralendijk
The next bucket-list thing to do in Bonaire is explore its capital Kralendijk. Kralendijk means coral dike. It is a tiny town, and you can easily cover it on foot. There are numerous colorful shops, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, etc.
Stroll along the charming main street (Kaya Grandi), visit the Fort Oranje, or go shopping. Savor local delicacies in one of the many amazing restaurants, or grab a cold Dutch beer and enjoy the harbor views.
Spot Flamingos
One of the top things to do on the island of Bonaire is watch flamingos if you love birds.
There are two main spots on the island where you can watch flamingos. Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is where you will find the largest colony.
You will also see them dotted around other parts of the island like at Goto Meer (Goto Lake). We went to Goto Meer as part of our day excursion.
The islanders love and protect the flamingos. Actually, they are Bonaire’s official national bird, and even the island’s airport is named after this cute pink bird.
If you are traveling on a budget, spotting wild flamingos is one of the best free things to do in Bonaire.
Extra Tip:
Bring a smartphone or camera with a good zoom lens. To increase your chances of taking a great shot having a good zoom lens is crucial.
Fun Fact:
Eating pink brine shrimp is what makes flamingos pink. These shrimp give flamingo feathers that stunning pink or scarlet hue.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling like diving is a must-do in Bonaire. It was my second time snorkeling, and what a delight it was! If you snorkel in Bonaire, you will likely get addicted to snorkeling.
There are plenty of superb snorkeling spots around the island, many right offshore. Grab your snorkel and get ready to discover sea turtles, rays, and diverse fishes in all shapes and colors.
Discover Rincon
Another must-do thing in Bonaire is visiting its oldest settlement – Rincon. It was established in 1527 by the Spanish and is one of the two towns on the island.
Stroll around this unique town and learn about its history. Rincon is where the slaves who worked the salt pans would return to for the weekend. It is now considered the cradle of local culture.
The biggest festival of Bonaire, Dia di Rincon, takes place every year on 30 April in Rincon. Must-visit sights when in Rincon are the San Ludovico Beltran Catholic Church and the Cadushy Distillery where you can try unique liquers.
Take a Boat Tour and Explore Klein Bonaire
Klein Bonaire is an uninhabited island off the coast of Bonaire. It is an ideal location for snorkeling and diving.
You can take a water taxi to this tiny island or try a cruise that passes Klein Bonaire too. Hop on a catamaran for exciting snorkel trips, sunset cruises, and more.
Alternatively, try a glass-bottom kayaking tour to witness the abundant marine life without snorkeling. You can book the kayaking or boat tours beforehand on Tripadvisor.
Extra Tip:
There are no facilities on Klein Bonaire, so make sure to bring refreshments and do not forget about sunscreen.
Take a Tour Around the Island
Water-related activities are what draw the crowds to Bonaire. However, there is plenty worth exploring on land, too. This unique Caribbean island holds all kinds of surprises and terrestrial treasures.
A great way to discover these treasures is to drive around or book an organized tour. Our tour, for example, was well-organized and fun.
During the 4-hour tour, we visited the Washington Slagbaai National Park, spotted flamingos at Gotomeer, passed through Rincon, stopped at the salt pans and slave huts, and much more.
Another fun way of discovering these gems on land is taking an open-air tuk-tuk. The advantage of these tuk-tuks is that you can take pictures without window glare.
Visit the Salt Pans and Slave Huts
On the southeastern coast of Bonaire, you will find pink salt These salt pans and the pyramids made of salt make one of the most unique of Bonaire’s tourist attractions.
The island’s colonial history was linked to salt production. But even today, Bonaire continues to be a leading salt exporter and is home to Minessota-based global food corporation Cargill.
Sample the Local Cuisine
Trying local delicacies is another bucket list thing to do. Bonaire’s cuisine is fresh and flavorful.
Sample Bonaire’s delicious cuisine, from kadushi (cactus soup) and kabritu stoba (goat stew) to kokada (coconut candy). Kadushi sounds interesting, right? It is a nourishing soup seasoned and flavored with local seafood and meats.
For those with a sweet tooth, kokada is a must-try. It is a type of coconut candy mixed in with other subtle flavors.
One of the most unique Bonaire tourist attractions is its artisanal spirits. Head to Cadushy Distillery in Rincon to taste delicious gin, rum, and liqueurs.
Practice Windsurfing and Learn Diving
Learning to windsurf and scuba dive are among the ultimate bucket-list things to do in Bonaire.
Are you new to windsurfing? Head to Lac Bay situated on the southeastern coast of Bonaire. It offers some of the world’s best conditions for windsurfing. Constant winds and shallow waters provide an ideal setting for beginners.
Bonaire is a great place to get your PADI scuba diving certificate. Check out all PADI dive shops in Bonaire here.
