Top Things to do in Bonaire
What to do and see in Bonaire, Bonaire: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Are there more flamingos than people on Bonaire? It's possible, and it's part of this unspoiled island's appeal. Bring your binoculars and your scuba gear to make the most of Bonaire's natural charms: more than 200 different species of birds live here, and the island itself draws divers from around the world to its reef-lined coast, a National Maritime Park.
Restaurants in Bonaire
1. Aletta's Goat Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Sometimessara - Selbyville, United States
While my husband was off diving one morning, I took the opportunity to head to Aletta’s for a tour. When I arrived Aletta was surprised to have a solo visitor and explained she didn’t have any help that day but I was welcome to tag along while she tended the goats. She was in the middle of milking and let me have a go at it as well. I’m sure I was a tad annoying, peppering her with questions, but I learned a lot about what it takes for her to operate the goat farm. After the bulk of the morning chores were done, Aletta brought me under the canopy of a large tree and provided a tray of goat milk, goat yogurt, goat cheese and lemon balm iced tea for me to try. Wow! The goat dairy products taste far better fresh than store bought! The goats were in the yard at this point and one particular goat took a fancy to me. Aletta shared her plans for the permaculture she envisions at the farm. She told of the challenges and accomplishments she’s experienced thus far. I was truly impressed with her conservation efforts and how she works with other businesses on the island to reduce not only her overhead, but island waste. Being around goats makes your heart smile and mine was smiling exceptionally big by the time I departed, with a jar of goat cheese of purchased to enjoy with my husband. I will definitely come back next year, with my husband so he can experience it as well.
2. Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Salt water flats in southern Bonaire.
Reviewed By LaraKZ - Prague, Czech Republic
The trip to Pekelmeer is just breathtaking especially on a sunny day with the pink salt ponds on one side and so many shades of blue in the sea just cross the road. The southern lagoon gets yet other intriguing blue-green shades and if you are lucky to see flamingos they will do a wonderful color contrast with the water. It`s a place to stop and just take in all this color palet, part natural part man made. Recommend renting own transportation as the drive south is very scenic. Drive a bit further when the road turns east to see more of flamingos after you passed the yellow slave huts and the light house, than once the lagoon finishes recommend returning still on the west coast for the views or stops to snorkel. It`s a must see of the island for sure.
3. Hilma Hooker
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By wilsonw202 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Bonaire is an awesome place to dive because most dives are accessible from the shore after a short dive. Its an easy walk in from the shore and a short (50m) swim on the surface to the shot line buoy. The wreck is just passed this buoy in the middle of a double reef. the fore and aft of the wreck are marked with their own marker buoys - so navigation to and from the wreck under water is fairly easy. The wreck is in good shape. There are the regular culprits of Bonarian marine life at the wreck. The underside of the wreck also has a number of large Tarpon hiding in the shadows. What is also good about the dive is that it slopes away so the top of the wreck is at about 18 metres, but the lowest part is at about 30 metres. Water is clear and warm - we dived in shorts and a rash vest. Try and get there early, as it can become quite crowded during the mid morning with dive concerns converging on the wreck.
4. Bari Reef
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 415 reviews
Great place to spot exotic sealife.
Reviewed By U8493WYmarkb - Harrisburg, United States
Second year in a row visiting the site. Shore entry is pretty easy. Bari Reef is well known for having a great diversity of marine species. We used it as a drift dive down to Eden Beach.
5. 18 Palms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Dive area featuring a steep drop-off with a terrace covered in thick formations of Fire Coral and regularly visited by several large Tarpon.
Reviewed By EdwardS874
Nice dive site with easy entry and light currents. When the dive is over you can stop at the beach bar and have a cocktail
6. Jibe City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Reviewed By 267nickd - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Very good windsurfing gear, top notch service, great crew helping select sails and boards to match the conditions. We came here every day we were in Bonaire as the service was always great, our waiter at the Hang Out Beach Bar knew us by name and we had great service. On days that were super busy you can order your food and drinks at the bar and will deliver to your chair, it just depends how busy things get. The food quality was fantastic and the people were very nice. Great place to sail and relax in a safe on-shore wind, protected lagoon.
7. Cultural Park Mangazina di Rei
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
The Mangazina di Rei (1824) was used by the Dutch government to store provisions for the slaves. This second oldest stone building on Bonaire now forms part of our Cultural Park where visitors can see, feel & taste the culture of Bonaire. A guided tour includes history to experience, instruments to play, great views to enjoy and a traditional beverage that's worth to taste.A fascinating way to soak the local culture. You will never forget it!
Reviewed By Tagr73t
Great fixed exhibition, I really got a wonderful and insightful glimpse into the history and culture of the island. The exhibition covers a large variety of elements on the island from Geology, Flora and Fauna, Local Musical Instruments, interesting facts about Bonaire just after WW II and a look into the unique fusion of cultures that created the architectural designs on the island. A must to visit if you on the island! It will enrich your experience and understanding of Bonaire.
8. Seru Largu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By reedmangreg - Chicago, United States
It seems like every island has that one underrated spot or simply one that does not attract the masses and yet provides something amazing that people miss out on :) Great vistas and although not personally tested I bet an amazing sunrise and sunset spot - it's high, providing all around the island view including open ocean to the east and Klein Bonaire to the west. TIP: easy drive from either Kralendijk or Rincon, passenger car will get you here as it's all paved road TIP: there is also a spot with 2 white benches (recently renovated it appeared) that have also a great view and provide even more relaxation, almost adjacent to the monument as you go down the hill
9. Tanki Maraka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By majshanman - Winnweiler, Germany
Just when you are on the way to Rincon at nearly full throttle a sign will flash by. Homemade. Letters not centered...fading. You’ll focus back on the road and think...”that was a US flag on the sign...why?” Here’s where you should allow yourself to explore. Find a safe spot and turn around. I’ve no doubt you’ll be fascinated. On my second visit to Bonaire I finally stopped and turned down the dusty road with the strange sign with a USA flag...and I’m glad I did. The park seems like it isn’t visited enough but it tells a great story. Clearly a lot of research and work went into creating it. Each story board helps you learn more and more about an aspect of the 2nd World War you may have never known about. Relics litter the ground allowing you to easily imagine the Soldiers going about their daily tasks. As a bonus, the trails have benches and picnic tables at various spots which were donated by local businesses, the Bonaire Veterans, and families. Do stop, explore, and learn about this small base and what it meant to the ABC islands.
10. 1000 Steps
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By NevadaBeachBum - Reno, United States
Beautiful spot. Coral beach not too much sand. Off road parking available. Good snorkeling right off the beach. Steep stairs to the beach, but not 1000.
