BONAIRE
Bonaire
An untouched paradise by design, Bonaire has a magnetic pull that leaves visitors feeling rejuvenated and reconnected with the natural world. We tighten our swimming goggles, slip on our flippers, and get ready to dive headfirst into all this opulent oasis has to offer
WRITER: LAUREN KANIA | PROJECT MANAGER: ALFIE WILSON
In a sight no different from one pirates and ocean navigators sailed up to centuries ago, approaching the turquoise shores of Bonaire reveals a panorama like no other. Vibrant coral reefs teem with a kaleidoscope of aquatic creatures, powdery white sands extend beyond the shimmering horizon, pink flamingos are dotted across the coastline like flamboyant one-legged guardians, and curved palms sway lethargically in the sweet Caribbean breeze.
Bon bini na Bonaire – welcome to Bonaire.
In order to really get to know the island, you must be ready to leave the modern world behind. Prepare to feel the hustle and bustle of daily life fade away as you adjust to a new, tranquil pace that charms even the most steadfast of busybodies.
Although the municipality is often overshadowed by its flashier neighbours, Aruba and Curacao, Bonaire exudes a secluded and romantic charm all its own. A true ecological marvel, the island’s ability to connect man with nature is both a part of its rich history and modern appeal.
The first Blue Destination in the world – meaning it
makes sustainable use of ocean resources for growth, well-being, and jobs, whilst protecting the health of the ecosystem – Bonaire prides itself on maintaining a perfect synergy between nature, culture, and the economy. The island is home to some of the world’s most fragile and important habitats, and protects these locations and creatures by being the only destination surrounded by a designated marine park.
So, when you explore one of 85 dive sites beneath the glistening waters that the island is famous for, you’ll find yourself gliding amongst thriving reefs home to over 350 species of fish and 57 types of coral. Strap on your snorkelling gear and reef-safe sunscreen to explore the twisting and coiling mangroves, saying hi to rainbowcoloured juvenile fish, gigantic yet timid queen conchs, soaring spotted eagle rays, minuscule seahorses, and so much more.
Or lose yourself in the romance of the Caribbean lifestyle and friendly multicultural setting, as the island is as precious above water as it is below. Don’t overlook this opportunity to find personal paradise in one of the last unspoiled places on earth.
Kralendijk
ALTHOUGH THE island’s capital is small enough to be explored entirely on foot, Kralendijk is filled to the brim with brilliantly colourful buildings, thriving art galleries, cosy cafes, arching arcades, intriguing street art, award-winning restaurants, and a rich culture at every bend.
This enchanting city boasts a plethora of fascinating historical sights, so signing up for a walking or trolley tour is a phenomenal way to learn from the people who live there.
You can visit Fort Oranje, a bright yellow military fortress built in 1639, which now resides as the island’s courthouse; the stunning Pasangrahan, a neoclassical marvel built as a private residence now situated as Bonaire’s Parliament House; or Bestuurskantoor, the former residence for the island’s governor which is now the principal governmental building, painted in the island’s signature ochre and white.
Equally, don’t forget to visit the Welcome Seat – a long
bench built in 1923, where locals would sit and wait for boats from Curacao bringing friends and family. If you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy, Kaya Grandi is the place for you. As the main shopping street, it is lined with storefronts for diving equipment, beach-ready apparel, and handmade souvenirs to remember your trip. The street is also perfect for practising your photography skills, as the restored neoclassical buildings are adorned with bright colours and artwork.
Kralendijk’s Terramar Museum is the perfect spot to learn more about the island’s rich history and multicultural influence. With archaeological exhibits and historical documents on show, the museum features a timeline of the
entire Caribbean region dating back millennia, in addition to a whole upper level dedicated to telling the poignant stories of the slavery era that darkened the island’s history during the 17th to 19th centuries.
After spending the day exploring the roots of the city, it’s time to feast on Kralendijk’s distinctive and mouthwatering cuisine. Uniquely influenced by Caribbean, Dutch, and Spanish cultures, the dishes commonly feature goat and seafood like the invasive lionfish. If you want a special treat, try Tekibon – a local spirit made from distilling the native yatu cactus.
No matter what type of journey you are looking for, Kralendijk packs a big punch in a small package.
Bonaire National Marine Park
THE ISLAND’S star attraction, the Bonaire National Marine Park, was established in 1979 as a protected area that covers a whopping 6,672 acres and a depth of 200 feet. Encircling the entire island, the park’s mission is to protect and manage the land’s natural, cultural, and historical resources, whilst allowing ecologically sustainable use for the benefit of future generations.
This resource is not only unique but extremely precious, consisting of 2,700 hectares of coral reef that juts and twists like modern art, fluttering seagrass beds, tangled mangroves, and flocks of colourful and teeming reef fish.
As a result of Bonaire’s nearly 50 years of protective measures, the flora and fauna and wildlife in the park are some of the healthiest in the region, alongside the coral reefs, which are the least degraded in the entire Caribbean. The park is also home to endangered species, such as sea turtles, conch, and sharks, alongside globally threatened ecosystems, making the area’s marine biodiversity unanimously recognised as having outstanding universal value.
Additionally, the park is a heaven-like oasis for divers and snorkelers looking to explore an underwater nirvana
bursting with marine life. From massive, slinking morays to the tiddly yet eye-catching Flamingo Tongue Snail, to spiny and scuttling lobsters, the Bonaire National Marine Park is an underwater playground that offers unforgettable encounters.
As the ecosystem is so precious, conservation is taken seriously. Before you strap on your oxygen tank and fall backwards into the turquoise waters, divers new to Bonaire must partake in an orientation and head to a designated dive shop to get familiar with weights, conditions, and park rules.
This is to ensure the waters remain a safe haven for marine life that bubble and glide within, as reefs in particular take millennia to grow and only seconds to carelessly destroy. The future of those who call the park home depends on the care and diligence of those visiting.
RECOMMENDS
Eat:
FOR AN AWARD-WINNING TASTE SENSATION...
Typically fully booked months in advance, CHEFS Bonaire is a gastronomic experience like no other. With the chefs themselves personally accompanying visitors to their seats, the restaurant prides itself on only using the finest ingredients to create the most exquisite dishes, served within an intimate, personal setting where the roles of chef, host, and waiter are effortlessly blended into one.
FOR FOOD THAT MAKES YOUR TASTEBUDS DANCE...
Kite City – an iconic food truck nestled between the sands of Te Amo Beach – is an unmissable destination for any food enthusiast visiting Bonaire. Every dish is cooked with the utmost passion and made with freshly caught local fish, along with quality ingredients that you’ll dream about long after your holiday ends.
Do:
FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO THE EXTRA MILE...
Bonaire Tours & Vacations
FOR A BRAYING-GOOD TIME...
Committed to providing a safe home and protection for all donkeys on the island, the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire has been helping sick, injured, and orphaned donkeys for over 30 years. With more than 800 braying animals on the premises, visitors can stop by to interact with the donkeys and support the Sanctuary’s mission.
Sleep:
FOR A MODERN RESORT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY...
Consisting of 12 intimate accommodations, All Seasons Apartments is a recently built, low-rise complex within walking distance of the city centre of Kralendijk – Bonaire’s capital. Offering a serene retreat with immaculate grounds, a saltwater swimming pool, and even storage for diving gear, this accommodation has it all for those looking to make the most of their trip.
FOR A COMBINATION OF AUTHENTICITY AND CARIBBEAN CHARM...
Boasting unspoilt nature, shimmering waters, and unbeatable hospitality, Blachi Koko Apartments Bonaire is a true paradise for an unforgettable stay on the island. With five small-scale accommodation complexes, travellers can enjoy the perfect mix of tranquillity, comfort, and nearby amenities.
Surrounded by a gated tropical garden, the accommodation offers the best of Bonaire right at your fingertips.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Bonaire is a municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• It is part of the ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
• The country is considered the shore diving capital of the world, with more than 50 shore diving sites along the coastline.
• Bonaire International Airport (BON) is nicknamed Flamingo Airport because the island is home to over 10,000 of the pink birds.
• Its currency is the US dollar.
• Bonaire does not observe daylight savings time.
• Tap water on the island is primarily desalinated seawater and is not only safe to drink, but especially delicious.
• The official language is Dutch, but visitors will hear many languages, including Papiamentu – a native language that combines Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and English.
• The population of Bonaire is approximately 26,000.
• The Bonaire flag has a six-pointed star that resembles a compass, not only symbolising six original villages on the island but also the people of the island being excellent fishermen and sailors.
Landmark Attractions
Seru Largu
Seru Largu, meaning large hill, is a stunning lookout point from which hikers can overlook the city of Kralendijk and the majestic coral island of Klein Bonaire. This short but impressive venture not only allows you to experience panoramic views from a breathtaking elevation, but also visit the famous religious Millennium Monument, which is inscribed with ‘Kristu Ayera Awe Semper’, meaning ‘Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Forever’ in Papiamentu.
Echo Bonaire Parrot Sanctuary
With fewer than 1,000 left on the island, the beloved yellowthroated Amazon parrot – locally known as the lora – is being threatened by extinction. That’s why the Echo Bonaire Parrot Sanctuary, located only two kilometres west of Rincon, offers a conservation centre that allows visitors and bird lovers alike to learn more about the charismatic creature and embark on tours through the facilities and Bonaire’s dry forest to meet rescued and released parrots.
No Name Beach
Right next to the beautifully uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, No Name Beach is a striking stretch of coast with slowly lapping waves of aquamarine, powdery white sand that makes for the perfect place to relax in the sun, and popular snorkelling spots swarming with a kaleidoscope of aquatic creatures and extensive reefs. Prepare for a day of beachside picnicking, where you can bask in the Caribbean sun and swim with sea turtles.
Getting There and Around
WHEN PLANNING YOUR visit to Bonaire, it’s important to note that all travellers are required to pay a tourist entry tax of USD$75 per person, per visit. This fee and the funds it raises allow the island and its residents to invest in initiatives to support local education, infrastructure, tourism, development, and sustainability throughout the municipality.
No entry visa is needed for the majority of countries – just a passport that still has at least six months left on its expiry date. Most travellers will arrive via BON, also known as Flamingo Airport, which – as insinuated by its name – is pink, petite, and surrounded in droves by the long-legged birds.
Once you arrive at the airport, getting to the city centre of Kralendijk
is a breeze. With plenty of taxis at the ready, it is only a 10-minute drive to the heart of the island’s cultural hub. It is highly recommended to rent a car whilst travelling around the island, as public transportation is minimal and does not extend to some of the more remote places many yearn to visit. Specifically, as the best adventures and views lie off the beaten path, hiring a 4x4, jeep, or SUV is your best option for reliable transportation.
With endless sunshine year-round and no major storms due to the island residing just outside the hurricane belt, there is no right or wrong time to visit Bonaire. Regardless of the
season, you can roll out of bed and head straight to the beach for a day out.
Typical peak season is between December and March, as this is when snowbirds flock to the island to escape the colder temperatures up north. So, if you’re looking for a quieter time of year to visit, April to October would be the most ideal.
