What to See in Bonaire: 7 Ultimate Highlights

Bonaire, also labeled as “the diver’s paradise”, is a petite island offering many ultimate highlights worth exploring. 

Bonaire is a captivating island in the southern Caribbean. Alongside Curaçao and Aruba, Bonaire constitutes the ABC Islands. 

We did a 14-day cruise in the Caribbean and visited all ABC Islands. Read all about the best highlights of Curaçao.

We debarked at 6 a.m. and had to be back onboard at 1:30 pm. Despite this, we had sufficient time to explore the capital-Kralendijk, snorkel, and take an excursion around the island covering its main highlights.

From its world-renowned coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life to the rugged beauty of its untamed landscapes, Bonaire captures travelers with promises of unparalleled beauty and adventure.

Enjoy the azure skies, sun-kissed shores, and abundant diving and snorkeling opportunities. Bonaire offers a wealth of natural beauty, rich marine life, and unique cultural experiences. Here are the seven ultimate highlights of Bonaire.

Fun Fact About Bonaire: Bonaire is an interesting island. It is a special municipality of the Netherlands, but its official currency is USD. 

Bonaire National Marine Park

The first highlight of Bonaire is the BNMP. One of the island’s most prized possessions, this marine park is famous for its pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life.

Bonaire Marine Park comprises the waters around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire (a small uninhabited island off the coast of Bonaire). Bonaire Marine Park consists of 2700 hectares of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves.

It offers exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities, with over 85 dive sites accessible from the shore. You will find tropical reefs exploding with color from more than 57 species of coral and more than 350 species of fish.

Flamingo Sanctuary

The next highlight you must add to your Bonaire itinerary is the Flamingo Sanctuary. Bonaire is home to one of the largest flamingo breeding grounds in the Caribbean.

The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary hosts thousands of flamingos, creating a breathtaking sight against the island’s salt flats. Observe these elegant birds from a distance or through guided tours.

Charming Kralendijk

Explore Bonaire’s capital and main port. Kralendijk is a charming town. Here you will find pastel-colored buildings, a bustling waterfront, and vibrant local culture.

Visit historic sites, shop for local crafts, or indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. The choice is yours! 

Washington Slagbaai National Park

Do not miss the chance to visit another amazing highlight – Washington Slagbaai National Park. This protected area covers a significant portion of the island.

The national park showcases Bonaire’s diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, cacti, and rocky cliffs. It offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Salt Flats

There are vast salt pans on the southern coast of Bonaire. They are a testament to the island’s historical significance in salt production. 

The striking contrast between the azure waters and white salt pyramids creates a surreal landscape, especially during sunset.

Slave Huts

Near the salt flats, visitors can find the iconic slave huts, small stone structures that once served as shelters for enslaved workers during the salt mining era. 

These huts provide insight into Bonaire’s dark history and are a reminder of its past.

Cultural Festivals

Bonaire boasts a rich cultural heritage. There are various festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most famous is the annual Carnival. 

During the Carnival, you can enjoy colorful parades, music, dance, and traditional cuisine.