Things to do in Bonaire
Dive into the crystal-clear fish-filled warm waters and protected coral reefs in Bonaire's Washington-Slagbaai National Park where pastel-coloured sponge gardens edge powdery sand. Explore the cactus-hemmed trails in Rooi Lamoenchi Reserve to aloe vera fields and crumbling plantation buildings. For some history, visit Fort Oranje in Kralendijk or witness the rustic Slave Huts from the island's pre-emancipation era, a chastening reminder of the island's salt trade and its resulting social ills.
Museums and Galleries
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1. Fort Oranje - Museums and Galleries
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Built in 1816 in Kralendijk, this former Governor's residence also once served as a prison and, after the addition of a lighthouse, helped guide salt-laden vessels out to sea. Today Fort Oranje houses historical artefacts from Bonaire's past.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening hours
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
Address
Fort Oranje, Waterfront Promenade, Fort Oranje Bonaire
Transport
Taxi
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2. Bonaire Museum - Museums and Galleries
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Bonaire Museum in Kralendijk is housed in a plantation mansion that has been restored to its original splendour. Artefacts depict the era of the enslavement of Caiquetios Indians to the arrival of the cultures living on the island today.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$2
Opening hours
Mon-Fri 7.30am-12pm & 2.30pm-5pm
Address
7, Kaya van de Ree, Sabana, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 717 8868
Transport
Taxi
Attractions
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3. Boca Cocolishi - Attractions
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The resplendent black-sand bay of Boca Cocolishi in Washington-Slagbaai National Park sits on a rocky stretch of coastline and comprises a deep seaward side and a calm, shallow basin, separated by a ridge of calcareous algae, coral and shells.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$10; children US$2
Opening hours
Daily 8am-5pm (last admission 2.30pm)
Address
Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 785 0017
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4. Slave Huts - Attractions
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The simple Slave Huts provide a chastening reminder of the slavery behind Bonaire's once booming salt trade. Located in the south of the island, the shacks once housed slaves in cramped conditions close to salt pan harvesting sites.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening hours
Various
Address
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Transport
Taxi or tour operator
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5. Rooi Lamoenchi Reserve - Attractions
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The private Rooi Lamoenchi Reserve, east of Kralendijk, is a rugged Bonairean Kunuku landscape. The cactus-flanked plantation building sits among aloe vera fields and dam remnants from 1908. Visits are by prior appointment only.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$12
Opening hours
Daily 8am-5pm (last admission 3pm)
Address
Rooi Lamoenchi Reserve, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 717 8489
Transport
Taxi
Special things to do
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6. Klein Bonaire - Special things to do
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In 1999, uninhabited islet Klein Bonaire was incorporated into Bonaire National Marine Park. Located just 805m offshore, it offers world-class diving and snorkelling in pristine, coral-rich waters and is easily reachable and navigable at just 6km square.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$10 for a one-day pass
Opening hours
Daily 8am-5pm (last entrance 3pm)
Address
Bonaire Marine Park, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 717 8444
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7. Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary - Special things to do
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This safe haven for injured, malnourished or abandoned animals provides care for up to 300 donkeys. Visitors can feed and meet the residents in dedicated petting areas. Educational talks and tours are also very popular.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Donation only
Opening hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm)
Address
Lima z/n, Tera Kora, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 9 560 7607
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8. Bonaire Butterfly Farm - Special things to do
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The Bonaire Butterfly Farm near Lac Cai is 400 square metres of butterfly-filled tropical gardens. There are magnificent vibrant blooms, birds and towering palms as well as exhibits and conservation projects relating to more than 80 native Caribbean breeds.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$12; under-10s US$10
Opening hours
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Address
Lac Cai, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 7856450
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9. Goto Meer - Special things to do
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Huge petrol storage tanks herald an unlikely top spot to view some of the island's 5000-plus flamingos in the wild. Head inland to Goto Meer to watch over 100 species feed in the shallows of a pretty saltwater lake at sunset.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening hours
Daily 8am-5pm (last admission 2.30pm)
Address
Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 785 0017
