You may be going down your bucket list destinations right now trying to decide where to go next. You might be thinking of a ski trip to the Alps for a winter getaway, an exhilarating tour of Europe for a food trip, or an all-inclusive stay in the Caribbean for the ultimate relaxation.
One destination that deserves to be on your list is Bonaire Island. This small island tucked among the bigger islands in the Caribbean is known for its crystal waters, rich marine life, and a year-round warm climate.
More people are finding out about this island and falling in love with it, some even making Bonaire their new home. With its laidback vibes, lush natural beauty, and the promise of peaceful island life, it is easy to see why.
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Here are some places you have to check out while you’re there:
Kralendjik, Bonaire Island
Bonaire is known as a diver’s paradise, and with good reason. The entire coastline of the island is protected as part of the Bonaire National Marine Park and boasts 85 diving sites.
You can take your pick from a range of diving adventures through the diving centres in Kralendijk. Some of the diving resorts there offer all-inclusive packages. For a more private and personalized stay, Sunwise Bonaire lists over 50 luxury villas in the region that you can rent to have all the rooms, pools, kitchens, and entire day all to yourself.
Klein Bonaire
If you want to visit a protected uninhabited island, take a boat to Klein Bonaire. Its dazzling white sand and amazing corals and fish are begging to be enjoyed, and people answer this call with day snorkelling trips.
You can take the water taxis which travel back and forth throughout the day. You can also go on guided snorkel trips. If you are considering Bonaire as a honeymoon beach destination, you can even charter a yacht yourself for a romantic meal onboard or picnic on the island.
Sorobon
Get a dose of adrenaline with watersports in Sorobon. The calm shallow waters and strong winds are a great combination for windsurfing. Sorobon Bay is known as a training ground for some of the top professional windsurfers in the world.
You can stay right on the beach in your chalet, or book private apartments a few minutes away from the beach. You can borrow gear and even get lessons from the windsurfing centres, and you might even get to hear some tips from one of the professional windsurfers when they come to train!
Lac Bay
For a calmer above-water activity, check out one of the best-preserved mangrove forests in the Caribbean. In Lac Bay, you can explore the nurseries and learn more about marine life preservation.
You can book your guided tours at The Mangrove Information Center Bonaire and take the kayak or a solar-powered boat. There are also other private tours you can take. Some tours even let you snorkel!
Rincón
Washington Slagbaai National Park in Rincón is a national park and ecological reserve covering around a fifth of the island. Here, you can find hundreds of species of flora and fauna, including endangered sea turtles and bird species.
You can choose different trails throughout the park and explore via hiking, biking, or car-riding. If you still crave more water fun, you can also snorkel, dive, or kayak. You can even book a stay at one of the historical houses in Slagbaai.
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Pekelmeer
In Bonaire, you can get to see thousands of flamingos in one place. The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is one of the only four breeding sites for the Caribbean flamingo. During the breeding season, you can see up to 10,000 flamingos.
To preserve the sanctuary, tourists are not allowed inside, but there are plenty of viewing areas you can access by island bus tours or your own car. You can head to the Pink Beach and take your binoculars out or camera with a long telephoto lens for the best views.
