Things to Do in Bonaire

Q: What can you do in Bonaire without diving?

Snorkeling from the beach, kayaking through the mangroves, windsurfing at Sorobon, spotting flamingos and donkeys, hiking in Washington Slagbaai, seeing the salt flats and visiting the village of Rincon. And eating and drinking in Kralendijk.

Things to Do in Bonaire: The Best Attractions on the Island

Bonaire is small, but there is a surprising amount to experience. From an uninhabited island just off the coast to pink salt flats, flamingos and the oldest marine park in the Caribbean. Whether you are after an active holiday or pure relaxation, this island has both.

We at La Cantina sit right in the heart of Kralendijk, a short walk from the harbor. A nice spot to start or end your day. In this guide we share the best things to do in Bonaire, with practical tips so you can head straight out.

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The 14 best attractions in Bonaire

1. Klein Bonaire

Right across from Kralendijk lies Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited islet with white sand and clear water. The water taxi gets you there in about 20 minutes. Bring your snorkel gear, because turtles and colorful fish swim all around the island. No Name Beach is the perfect place to lay down your towel. There is no food or drink out there, so pack your bag beforehand.

2. Washington Slagbaai National Park

In the north you will find the oldest nature park of the Dutch Caribbean. Over 5,000 hectares of cacti, quiet bays, flamingos and iguanas. You drive through it in your own (rental) car along a short or long route. Set aside half a day to a full day, bring plenty of water and check the opening hours in advance.

Good for: snorkeling and diving. Access: stairs from the road.

3. The pink salt flats

In the south, the salt flats turn bright pink. That color comes from tiny algae and brine shrimp in the water. Bonaire has harvested salt here for centuries, and you can spot the white salt mountains from far away. One of the most photogenic places on the island. Stop along the road for a photo, but keep your distance from the works.

4. Spotting flamingos

Bonaire is one of the few places in the world where flamingos breed. Your best chance to see them is at Pekelmeer in the south and Gotomeer in the north. Come early in the morning or around sunset, when they are most active. Watch from the road and keep your distance so you do not startle them.

5. The slave huts

Along the south coast stand small, low-built huts in white, ochre and red. Until 1863 these housed the enslaved people who worked the salt flats. A moving place that makes you pause and reflect on the island’s history. The huts sit right by the sea, so you can easily combine them with a beach stop.

6. Kralendijk

The capital of Bonaire is small and colorful, with cheerfully painted facades along the water. Stroll the boulevard, pop into a local shop or grab a terrace. You will also find La Cantina right in the center, so you are never far from a cold beer or a fresh meal. On Tuesdays the weekly market is well worth a visit.

7. Rincon

Rincon is the oldest village in Bonaire, tucked away among the hills in the north. It breathes calm and authenticity. Wander past the colorful houses, visit the old church and taste real island life, far from the tourist crowds.

8. The mangroves of Lac Bay

On the east side lies Lac Bay, with an extensive mangrove forest. Hop into a kayak or join a tour and paddle through the narrow green tunnels. Young fish and seahorses swim in the clear water. A surprisingly quiet and green side of the island.

9. Sorobon and Lac Bay for watersports

Lac Bay is the place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The water is shallow and the wind is almost always good, ideal for beginners and advanced riders alike. At Sorobon you can rent gear and take a lesson. Not keen to hit the water yourself? Lie on the beach and watch the surfers with a drink in hand.

10. Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire

In the south lies a sanctuary for more than 700 donkeys. You drive through the grounds in your own car while the curious donkeys come right up to your window. Fun for all ages, and you support a good cause at the same time.

11. Seru Largu, the best view

From the Seru Largu hill you look out over Kralendijk, the sea and Klein Bonaire. The view is stunning, especially at sunset. A short drive from the center and one of the best photo moments of your holiday.

12. Gotomeer

This saltwater lake in the north is a favorite hangout for flamingos. Drive along the shore, stop at a viewpoint and enjoy the calm. Around sunset the water turns golden-pink, with the silhouettes of the flamingos in it.

13. Cadushy Distillery in Rincon

In Rincon they make the well-known Cadushy, a liqueur from the cactus that grows all over the island. At the distillery you can taste the different flavors in a green, surprisingly cool garden. A fun and typically Bonairean stop.

14. Bonaire National Marine Park

The whole island is surrounded by a protected marine reserve, the oldest in the world. Below the surface lies a colorful reef that you can swim into from almost any beach. Diving and snorkeling is the top activity on Bonaire. Read more about it on our page about the best dive and snorkel sites.

Practical tips for your Bonaire holiday

When is the best time to visit Bonaire?

Bonaire is warm year-round, with temperatures around 27 to 31 degrees Celsius. The island sits outside the hurricane belt, so you can visit almost any time. The drier, slightly cooler months run from December through April. That is high season, so book early.

How do you get around the island?

There is barely any public transport on Bonaire. The easiest way to get around is a rental car or pickup. That makes it simple to reach the parks, beaches and villages in the north and south. Many divers choose a pickup so they can carry their gear.

Money and language

On Bonaire you pay in US dollars, not euros. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere. The main languages are Papiamentu and Dutch, and nearly everyone also speaks English. You will be understood just fine.

Respect the nature

Bonaire’s nature is protected, above and below the water. Planning to snorkel, dive or swim? Then you need the STINAPA nature fee. In 2026 it costs 40 dollars per person for the whole calendar year. Do not touch the coral, do not feed the animals and take your trash back with you.

Discover Bonaire, Then Unwind at La Cantina

After a day of exploring Bonaire’s sights, there’s nothing better than relaxing with great food and drinks. Located in the heart of Kralendijk, La Cantina features a cozy beer café at the front and a surprisingly beautiful hidden courtyard in the back. We brew our own signature beer, Bonaire Blond, and serve fresh fish caught by our local fisherman. Just back from Klein Bonaire or Washington Slagbaai National Park? Pull up a chair, unwind, and end your day on a delicious note.

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Frequently asked questions about things to do in Bonaire

On Bonaire you can dive and snorkel along the protected reef, spot flamingos, see the pink salt flats, take a water taxi to uninhabited Klein Bonaire and drive through Washington Slagbaai National Park. Windsurfing at Lac Bay, the donkey sanctuary and colorful Kralendijk are also well worth it.

About a week covers the main attractions. Divers and snorkelers often stay longer, because there are dozens of spots to explore. A long weekend shows you the highlights, but you miss the calm that makes the island so special.

Plenty. Think of snorkeling from the beach, kayaking through the mangroves, windsurfing at Sorobon, spotting flamingos and donkeys, hiking in Washington Slagbaai, seeing the salt flats and visiting the village of Rincon. And of course eating and drinking in Kralendijk.

Yes. The water is calm and shallow at many beaches, ideal for snorkeling. The donkey sanctuary, the mangrove tours and the water taxi to Klein Bonaire are fun for the whole family. The island is small and safe, so you are never far from anything.

Bonaire is a great destination year-round, because it sits outside the hurricane belt. December through April is a little drier and cooler, and also high season. Want more calm and lower prices? Go in the low season.

Things to Do in Bonaire