Nature on Bonaire - Discover the island above water
Bonaire is much more than coral reefs and dive sites. Above water, a surprisingly diverse landscape awaits, with flamingos, cacti, mangrove forests and quiet beaches. Discover the island’s most beautiful nature and sights here.
Active or relaxed, something for everyone
Bonaire offers fantastic nature you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean. The island has a dry, desert-like landscape with impressive cacti, rock formations and salt lakes where thousands of flamingos live. In the north lies the rugged Washington Slagbaai National Park, while in the south you’ll find the historic salt pans and slave huts.
The great thing about Bonaire is that you can discover everything at your own pace. Rent a car or scooter and drive along the coastal road past deserted beaches and panoramic viewpoints. Or hop into a kayak and glide through the mangrove forests at Lac Bay. For those who want to take it easy, there are plenty of quiet little beaches where you won’t come across anyone all day.
From Casa Trankilo in Kralendijk, you can reach all the sights within half an hour’s drive. The island is compact enough to explore fully in a few days, yet varied enough to keep you busy for an entire holiday.
Bonaire at a glance
The key facts about the island at a glance
Language
Dutch, Papiamento, English and Spanish
Climate
Tropical, 27-33°C year-round
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Travel time
~9 hours direct from Amsterdam
Washington Slagbaai National Park
Washington Slagbaai National Park is located in the northwest of Bonaire and is one of the oldest nature reserves in the former Netherlands Antilles. The park covers almost a fifth of the island and offers an impressive landscape of hills, salt lakes, rocky coastlines and quiet bays.
The park is home to thousands of flamingos, large groups of iguanas, wild goats and more than 200 bird species. Two driving routes wind through the park: a short route of 24 kilometres and a long one of 34 kilometres. Along the way you’ll pass viewpoints, natural swimming spots and deserted beaches where you can snorkel in complete peace and quiet.
The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. In bad weather the park may be closed, check the Facebook page for up to date information. Bring plenty of water and allow at least two to three hours for the short route. A car with high ground clearance (SUV) is recommended for the unpaved roads.
What can you do on Bonaire?
From snorkelling and diving to windsurfing and exploring nature, Bonaire offers activities for every traveller
Diving
Kitesurfing
Nature & more
About Bonaire
Restaurants and bars
Windsurfing
Sights and activities in nature
From spotting flamingos to visiting the donkey sanctuary. Don’t miss out.
Spotting flamingos
Bonaire is one of the few places in the world where you can see flamingos in the wild all year round. The largest population lives near the salt pans in the south and at the Gotomeer in Washington Slagbaai. Early morning and around sunset are the best times to photograph them.
Donkey Sanctuary
The donkeys on Bonaire descend from animals brought over by the Spanish centuries ago. The Donkey Sanctuary provides a safe home for more than 400 sick, injured and orphaned donkeys. The sanctuary is free to visit and is especially popular with children. The donkeys roam freely, and you’re welcome to feed and pet them.
Kayaking through the mangroves
A kayak tour through the mangrove forests of Lac Bay takes about an hour and a half and shows you the quieter side of Bonaire. You glide through narrow water channels between the tree roots, surrounded by young fish, starfish and herons. Tours are offered daily from Jibe City or the Mangrove Info Center.
Salt pans and slave huts
Salt production was Bonaire’s biggest source of income for centuries. In the south lie the salt pans of the Pekelmeer, where the water turns pink from algae and flamingos gather. Along the coast stand the 17th century slave huts, small whitewashed cabins where enslaved workers who were used for salt production spent the night.
Beaches and Klein Bonaire
Bonaire has several beautiful little beaches. Te Amo Beach near the airport is a popular sandy beach, and in Washington Slagbaai there are quiet bays where you’ll be almost alone. The uninhabited islet of Klein Bonaire can be reached by water taxi from Kralendijk. No Name Beach offers white sand and crystal clear water for snorkelling.
Lac Cai on Sundays
Every Sunday, local families gather at Lac Cai, a rugged beach at the end of an unpaved road. There’s cooking, dancing and drinking to Caribbean music. Along the beach lie piles of empty conch shells, a leftover from the days when these sea snails served as food. A unique and authentic Bonaire moment.
Frequently asked questions about Bonaire
Where can you see flamingos on Bonaire?
The largest population of flamingos lives near the salt pans in the south of Bonaire and at the Gotomeer in Washington Slagbaai National Park. You can spot them all year round. The best times are early morning and around sunset, when they gather in large groups by the water.
How much does entry to Washington Slagbaai cost?
Entry to Washington Slagbaai is included in the nature fee of $40 per person. This fee also covers the Bonaire National Marine Park and can be purchased online or at the visitor centre. The park is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The last cars are allowed in until 2:30 pm.
Can you kayak through the mangroves on Bonaire?
Yes, kayak tours through the mangrove forests are offered daily at Lac Bay. The tour takes about an hour and a half and is guided by someone who tells you about the ecosystem. Providers include the Mangrove Info Center and Jibe City. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the high season.
Is the Donkey Sanctuary free to visit?
Yes, the Donkey Sanctuary is free to visit. Donations are much appreciated, though, and help with the care of the more than 400 donkeys. The sanctuary is located on the road to Lac Bay and is open daily. The donkeys roam freely, and you can feed them pellets available at the entrance.
How do you get to Klein Bonaire?
Klein Bonaire is accessible by water taxi from Kralendijk. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, and boats depart several times a day. There are no facilities on the uninhabited islet, so bring your own water, food and snorkelling gear. No Name Beach has crystal clear water and is ideal for snorkelling.
