A small island with a desert landscape, Bonaire is not for everyone – but it is for divers and snorkelers who want to immerse themselves in that vibrant world under the sea. The beauty of Bonaire is that the coral reef, designated a national park, is just a few feet from the shoreline. Dozens of exceptional dive sites are easily accessible from the shore and teeming with life, making this island an independent diver's (and snorkeler's) paradise.
Above the surface there's world-class windsurfing on Lac Bay and excellent kayaking among the mangroves. Biking trails wind through the arid hills, while driving routes show off the island's historical and natural sights. Classy but low-key resorts and a few enticing restaurants complete the picture – perfect for travelers who prefer their adventure with some amenities.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Bonaire.
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Bonaire National Marine Park is the island's star attraction, a unique and precious resource that allows divers and snorkelers to explore miles of pristine coral reef. The protected area covers the entire coast of the island, including Klein Bonaire, to a depth of 200ft (60m). Between the two islands there are now more than 100 named dive sites, many of which are accessible from the shore. Look for the painted yellow rocks.
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Comprising almost 20% of the island's area, this vast desert landscape is a fantastic place to explore on foot, by bike or by car (preferably 4WD). Stop at the visitor center, at the entrance, to pick up a map and see exhibits on the park's ecology and history. From here, two driving routes and two hiking trails show off the park's diversity, including salt ponds, seascapes, remote beaches, mangroves, volcanic hills and amazing desert vistas. And cacti – lots of cacti.
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About 1km off the coast of Kralendijk, this little deserted island is where you'll find the region's most attractive beach: No Name Beach. There are no facilities, aside from the marked dive sites and a couple of shade structures. But this is a popular spot for cruisers and other beach bums, who come over to snorkel the turquoise waters and lounge on the white sands. Caribe Water Taxi or Epic Water Taxi can give you a lift across the sea.
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This small museum provides an overview of the history and archaeology of Bonaire. There's an assortment of artifacts, accompanied by audio clips that put a voice to the historical narrative. In the front room, an impressive timeline and video demonstrate how peoples have moved around the Caribbean region over the centuries.
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Drinking a cactus sounds like a prickly affair, but it's not as scary as it sounds. Pay a visit to this small-scale distillery to see how the prickly green plant is turned into the delicious 'Spirit of Bonaire' known as Cadushy. Sample it in the shady courtyard, surrounded by blooming gardens and squawking parrots. Or visit the new shop in Kralendijk.
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Bonaire's most beloved bird is the yellow-throated Amazon parrot, but the loquacious lora (as she is locally known) is threatened with extinction: there are fewer than a thousand birds living on the island. Learn about Echo's efforts to preserve the parrot's habitat, rehabilitate injured birds and save the lora. Located 2km west of Rincon.
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Located about 1.5km east of Rincon, the second-oldest stone building on Bonaire used to be a storehouse. Every week, enslaved people made the arduous 10-hour journey from the salt pans in the south to this village in the north, to see their families and to get their provisions from the storehouse. Now it contains a small museum about the nature, geology and history of Bonaire, as well as island culture and how it evolved during and after slavery.
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Ever feel like you're surrounded by jackasses? You will in Bonaire, because the animals live free and wild on the island. The vast Donkey Sanctuary offers safe haven for 700 of the gentle creatures, along with a few rescued flamingos and tortoises. Visitors can view newborn donkeys in the special-care unit, observe the droves from the watchtower, and drive the circuit to meet resident jacks and jennies. Bring some carrots and you'll make friends for sure.
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Everything you ever wanted to know (and more!) about organic gardening, permaculture and medicinal plants. Manuel Vargas' gardens are a delightful maze of lush greenery, flowing fountains and whimsical artwork. The 1½-hour tour is followed by a complimentary cup of herbal tea. Located about 7km southeast of Rincon.
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