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Things
To Do
Scuba
Diving
 When scuba divers dream,
they dream of Bonaire. The island is one of the finest
dive spots on the planet. It has crystal-clear water and
colorful reefs that begin almost as soon as you step into
the sea. Underwater visibility can reach 150 ft/45 m.
Read More...
Snorkeling
If you do not scuba dive but you can swim, you can still
enjoy the incredible underwater world of Bonaire. Snorkeling
is great entertainment for all member of the family no
matter what the age. Many operators offer special snorkeling
trips, or just find a nice beach, and enjoy. With coral
formations found so close to the shoreline aroun Bonaire,
you can enjoy the amazing varities of colorful fish, without
a tiring swim.
Water Sports
 Visitors to Bonaire
will soon find that not all the activities are confined
to just under or in the sea. There are many more water-related
activities that are being discovered by today's active
traveler. As a windsurfing location, the island is becoming
well known for our steady tradewinds and protected areas
with onshore winds. Other water sports include both ocean
and sea kayaking as well as sailing.
Fishing
Bonaire is a great destination for fishing. Whether you
are inshore, fly fishing for bonefish, or headed offshore
for sailfish, marlin, tuna, tarpon, wahoo or dorado, you
will experience a fun and exciting day on the water. Read More...
Sightseeing
Bonaire's land-based attractions can't match its underwater
wonders (and the nightlife is very, very low-key), but
they can make for interesting sightseeing -- flamingos
and wild donkeys give the island a surreal quality.
Washington/Slagbaai National Park
Washington/Slagbaai National Park, in particular, is an
excellent place to admire the dry, desertlike landscape
-- it's strikingly different from the lush greenery most
associate with the Caribbean. This pristine 13,500 acre
natural park offers an excellent introduction to the landscape
and vegetation of Bonaire. Covering almost one-fifth of
the island, the park offers hills with scenic  vistas, vast saline
plains, beaches and trees filled with exotic birds. Animal
life includes wild donkeys, goats and iguanas. There are
also spots that offer excellent snorkeling and diving.
Depending on the amount of time visitors have to explore,
they can choose different routes through the park. There
are two driving trails, the shorter, green route of 28
km (17 miles), which takes about two hours to travel,
and the longer, yellow route of 45 km (28 miles), which
takes about four hours. These are rugged dirt roads, and
only four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. In the
center of the park, there is also a walking trail up to
Brandaris, the highest hill of Bonaire which offers a
wonderful view of the island, and only takes about three
hours round trip. The park is open daily from 8 am to
5 pm except on official holidays.
Bonaire Museum (History)
The museum exhibits artifacts such as fishing gear, musical
instruments and models of the slave huts to give visitors
an understanding of Bonaire's earlier life and customs.
Peckelmeer Lagoon (Wildlife)
Flamingos favor this lagoon as it is filled with brine
shrimp.
Saltpans (History)
Historically, the saltpans have been a great industry
for Bonaire. In earlier times slaves harvested the salt,
but today the site is modernized and uses only environmentally
friendly means of production.
Cabaje (History)
These waist-high stone huts housed slaves who mined the
salt flats in the 18th C. A salt obelisk stands at the
site, originally a marker for arriving ships.
Rincón (History)
Rincón is Bonaire's oldest settlement, founded
by the Spanish in the 15th C. Today it is a town coulored
by its many pastel cottages.
Onima (Prehistoric Cave)
The red petroglyphs adorning the walls of this limestone
cave were made by the Caiquetio Indians five centuries
ago.
Goto Meer (Wildlife)
This saltwater lake is home to the Bonaire's flamingo
population. They are especially abundant during the breeding
season between January and July.
Sorobon - Lac Baai (Boating - Water Sports)
Small peninsulas provide Lac Baai with smooth waters but
a steady wind, which makes it a good spot for both beginner
and more advanced windsurfers.
Other Topside Activities
Other topside activities that are being enjoyed by visitors
are cycling and nature tours through the "kunuku"
or outback.
Bird watching has always been a rewarding past time here.
More and more visitors are enjoying the thrill of catching
glimpses of some of our almost two hundred species of
birds including our signature bird, the pink flamingo.
Beaches
Playa Funchi, on the west coast of the island, was the
harbor for Washington Plantation. The pier's stone foundations
are still visible. The water is so clear that visitors
standing on the low cliffs above the  bay
can see the colorful coral and parrotfish below. The beach
has no current, so even small children can play in the
water.
Boca Slagbaai, a little farther south, is ideal for swimming
because there is no coral on the right side on the bay.
The fine sand also makes Boca a good place for sunbathing.
Buildings dating back to 1868 still stand on the beach,
testifying to this harbor's historic importance. They
include the home of the manager of Slagbaai plantation,
a customs office and a warehouse (magasina) for storing
salt.
Playa Bengè is considered one of the finest snorkeling
spots on Bonaire. Swimming north from the center of the
beach, divers pass over a series of coral ridges and alternating
sand channels. Among the many fish in this area are jewelfish,
mahogany snappers, and large tiger groupers.
Playa Chiquitu, on the east coast near the park's entrance,
is deceptive. The beach is beautiful, but the water has
a strong undertow. Swimming is highly discouraged.
Horeseback Riding
There are several stables located on Bonaire for a unique
experience and a slower paced view of the countryside.
Scooters
Rent a scooter or moped and tour the island. Discover
the landscapes, lighthouses, desrted beaches and more
at your liesure.
Casinos
There are two casinos located on Bonaire. Try your luck!
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