Best Things to Do in Bonaire

11/03/2023

For those interested in learning all about the island’s history, nature and culture, the Bonaire Museum is an absolute must. Located just a short stroll from the center of Kralendijk, it has loads of artifacts, exhibits and archaeological findings for you to examine.

Originally built by a wealthy Venezuelan plantation owner, its bright orange townhouse dates to 1885. Exhibiting some fine traditional architecture, the museum contains not just corals and fossils but old tools used in town and Indian artifacts too. Well-done displays also cover various parts of its culture and the ecosystems found around Bonaire.

The small museum’s enthusiastic owner is only too happy to explain more about everyday life on the island as well as the history of its politics and indigenous peoples. It also has a thrift store where you can pick up some souvenirs or handicrafts made by local artists.

11/03/2023

One of the most fun and memorable things to do in Bonaire is to kayak about all its amazing mangroves. Counting among the best-preserved in all the Caribbean, these tangled trees, shrubs and waterways are captivating to explore.

Lying at the northern end of the large Lac Bay are vast swathes of resplendent mangroves to paddle about. Part of the massive Bonaire National Marine Park, they hide away all kinds of exotic plant and fish species. These include not just conches and seahorses but rays, sea turtles and waterfowl too.

From the Mangrove Center, you can take tours about the enthralling ecosystem with an experienced guide. They’ll point out various fishes and plants and explain more about how the mangroves act as a natural filtration system. If you fancy a swim, snorkels are also available for rent.

11/03/2023

An incredibly beautiful morning stroll on the beach captured by one of our guests. 😍

📸 - nicandhowardmccoy

11/03/2023

11/01/2023

At the southernmost tip of the isle is an important collection of colourful buildings that shed some light on a sad part of Bonaire’s past. Here amidst the inhospitable confines of the Orange Pan, slaves toiled beneath the scorching sun, harvesting salt from the surface.

Erected in 1850, the dozen or so tiny yellow huts were used for just over a decade before slavery was thankfully banned throughout the Antilles in 1863. Despite their small size, five or six poor enslaved people would pack in here each night to sleep.

Next to their very basic living quarters are a couple of tall prisms. These indicated to ships offshore where they should dock and load up the salt. Dotted about too are a few plaques that provide more information on their lives and the harsh conditions they endured.

11/01/2023

10/29/2023

Located near the international airport is the brilliant Te Amo Beach. Very popular with locals and tourists alike, its fine white sands and turquoise waters are among the best in Bonaire.

Also bordering the entrance to the harbor, the beach offers incredible views of both cruise liners sailing by and planes passing overhead. Its calm, shallow waters are wonderful to snorkel in with a reef lying just offshore. Here you’ll see vast shoals of fish flit about its otherwise rather dull corals.

Other than sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling, you can also try out its two food trucks. Kite City in particular is known for its fresh fish, wraps and burgers. Sunsets here are magical as all the waves are painted a mesmerizing mix of vivid colors.

10/23/2023

Even more colourful still are all the flocks of beautiful birds and sparkling saltwater flats found at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary. Sprawling across the south of the isle, its untouched landscapes can be reached in just twenty minutes from the capital.

One of just four designated flamingo breeding grounds in the world, the sanctuary was established in the seventies to protect its important ecosystems. During the breeding season from January to July, over 6,000 of the brightly-colored birds migrate here from around the Caribbean.

Although salt is still extracted here, it is illegal to approach or disturb the flamboyance of flamingos. As such, it’s best to bring binoculars so you can spy some wading about in the distance. Along with the attractive hues of its lagoons, their pretty pink shades make it quite a special spot to visit.

10/23/2023

We’re enjoying spectacular autumn weather here on Galveston Island! ☀️😎💙

📆THIS WEEKEND: Don’t miss out on ARToberFEST this Saturday and Sunday on Postoffice Street between 20th and 23rd streets.🎨

Learn more at https://www.visitgalveston.com/events/artoberfest1/

📷Taken October 18, 2023

10/23/2023

📍Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, USA