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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Aruba Bonaire And Curacao

Nearby Destinations

Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island just offshore from Kralendijk, is the most popular and accessible nearby destination for a day trip. It is a protected area within the Bonaire National Marine Park.

Regular water taxis, like Water Taxi Caribe and Bonaire Marine Park, depart from Kralendijk daily. The trip takes around 20-30 minutes. Dive operators also arrange trips to Klein Bonaire for diving and snorkeling.

Trip Types

  • Independent Travel: A water taxi journey provides flexible snorkeling and beach time. Bring your own Snorkeling gear, water, and snacks.
  • Organized Tours: These excursions often include multiple snorkel stops, lunch, and drinks, for a more structured journey.
  • Time Required: A half-day or full-day visit to Klein Bonaire is suitable.
  • Suggested Itinerary: Spend time snorkeling along the reefs, relaxing on No Name Beach, and exploring the unspoiled coastline. Drift snorkeling is popular.

Island Adventures

Bonaire itself features a wealth of natural escapes that resemble dedicated day trips, all on the main island.

Natural Escapes

Washington Slagbaai National Park, while on Bonaire, has vastness and diverse ecosystems that warrant a full-day excursion. Explore its beaches, cliffs, cactus forests, and salt flats.

Scenic Drives

  • Drive through the southern part of the island, past the striking salt pans and rugged southern coast.
  • Explore the rugged north past Rincon, where the terrain turns hilly, offering elevated island views.
  • Flamingo viewing opportunities at Goto Lake and Pekelmeer, especially after the rainy season (October-January).

Cultural Excursions

A half-day trip to Rincon is a fine way to immerse yourself in Bonaire's history.

Village Exploration

  • Visit Mangazina di Rei, the old church, and local eateries for traditional Bonairean dishes.
  • Rincon features insight into Bonaire's rural heritage and traditional way of life.
  • Bonaire does not feature widely recognized pilgrimage sites.

Multi-Day Extensions

Nearby Islands

  • Aruba or Curaçao are often combined with Bonaire for a multi-island Caribbean experience.
  • Flights between these islands are short and frequent, making island hopping convenient.
  • A common route includes flying into one of the larger international airports (Aruba - AUA or Curaçao - CUR).
  • Then take short inter-island flights to Bonaire, and then to the third island before flying out of another international gateway.

Aruba Highlights

  • Aruba features extensive white-sand beaches.
  • Larger resorts and a more developed tourism infrastructure are found there.
  • Its focus leans towards leisure and entertainment.
  • Inter-island flights are by regional airlines like Divi Divi Air and EZ Air.

Book Your Adventure

Note for Visitors

Pristine white sand beach of Klein Bonaire and underwater views of coral and fish are popular photo opportunities.

Visuals of Discovery

A glimpse into the beauty and adventure awaiting you.

No Name Beach, Klein Bonaire

A perfect spot for relaxation and snorkeling with crystal-clear waters.

Underwater Marvels

coral reefs and diverse marine life beneath the surface.

Washington Slagbaai Park

Explore rugged landscapes, diverse flora, and captivating wildlife.

Unique Terrestrial Flora

Bonaire's landscapes, from beaches to hills, are home to unique plant species.

Explore the Diversity

  • Discover towering cactus forests.
  • Encounter various unique desert plants.

Island Wildlife Encounters

The island teems with a variety of wildlife, both terrestrial and avian.

Spotting Opportunities

  • Wild donkeys roam freely.
  • Colorful birds, including flamingos, inhabit various areas.
  • Observe unique reptiles native to the island.

Travel Essentials

Essential items for island exploration:Sunglasses
Sun protection recommendations:Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Footwear for exploration:Hiking Sandals
Hydration during outdoor activities:Reusable Water Bottle
Camera for capturing memories:Waterproof Camera
Local maps and guidebooks:Bonaire Guidebook

Island Exploration Tip

  • Consider a jeep or 4x4 rental for navigating unpaved roads in Washington Slagbaai National Park.
  • Carry sufficient water and snacks, as facilities are limited outside Kralendijk.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for hiking trails.
  • Check park hours and entry requirements in advance.
  • Respect designated protected areas and wildlife.

Island Connectivity

Staying connected in Bonaire remains straightforward with various options for mobile and internet access.

Mobile Connectivity

Digicel and Flow are the main mobile providers on Bonaire. Purchase local SIM cards at their stores in Kralendijk or at the airport.

SIM Card Usage

Internet Access

Internet access and Wi-Fi are widely available in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cafes. Many accommodations feature complimentary Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi & Alternatives

  • Speed and reliability vary by provider and location, generally good for basic browsing.
  • A Portable WiFi device like Solis Wi-Fi is an option for constant connectivity.
  • A post office locates in Kralendijk for standard international postal services.

Language & Phrases

Dutch serves as the official language. Papiamentu, a creole language, is spoken by locals. English and Spanish are common in tourist areas.

Translation Tools

  • The Google Translate app may prove useful for Papiamentu or Dutch phrases.
  • Consider Rosetta Stone for deeper language learning before your trip.
  • Using basic Papiamentu phrases shows respect and may enrich interactions.

Papiamentu Essentials

Phrases & Pronunciation

  • Hello: Bon dia (bon dee-ah)
  • Thank you: Danki (dahn-kee)
  • How are you?: Kon ta bai? (kon tah by)

Financial & Travel Details

Expect many businesses to be closed or feature reduced hours on public holidays. Plan your errands accordingly.

Business Hours

Shops generally open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Many smaller shops in Kralendijk close for lunch, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Restaurants vary. Dive shops open early morning to late afternoon.

Banking & ATMs

Banks generally open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. ATMs are widely available in Kralendijk and at larger resorts, providing access to United States Dollars (USD).

Seasonal Closures

Some smaller businesses or restaurants may close for a few weeks during the low season (e.g., September/October) for holidays or renovations. Check in advance when traveling during these months.

Travel Advice

A telephone pole with numerous wires and colorful street art represent the everyday life in Bonaire.