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.
Bonaire Museum
Folkloric displays and exhibits
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.
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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
Fort Oranje
Kralendijk's protector and beacon
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.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
Address
Fort Oranje, Waterfront Promenade, Fort Oranje Bonaire
Transport
Taxi
Rooi Lamoenchi Reserve
Cactus-flanked Bonairean landscape
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.
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Cost
US$12
Opening Hours
Daily 8am-5pm (last admission 3pm)
Address
Rooi Lamoenchi Reserve, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 717 8489
Slave Huts
History of slavery remembered
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.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Various
Address
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Transport
Taxi or tour operator
Boca Cocolishi
Rugged, hidden sands
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.
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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
Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary
Safe haven for donkeys
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.
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Cost
Donation only
Opening Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm)
Address
Lima z/n, Tera Kora, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 9 560 7607
Bonaire Butterfly Farm
Tropical gardens and butterflies
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.
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Cost
US$12; under-10s US$10
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Address
Lac Cai, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 7856450
Klein Bonaire
Reefs and marine life
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.
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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
Goto Meer
Top birdwatching spot
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.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily 8am-5pm (last admission 2.30pm)
Address
Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire
Telephone
+599 785 0017
