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Bonaire’s commitment to sustainability can be seen throughout the island, with wind energy powering nearly half of the island and bio-diesel fueling the rest. In addition, Bonaire works hard to protect its sea turtle and parrot population.
Do your part by taking your plastics and trash back with you, leaving the shells where they lie and wearing eco-friendly sunscreen. You can also volunteer during the island’s annual beach cleanups.
Eco Adventures
Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, also known as the “BES islands,” comprise the trio of Dutch territories called the Caribbean Netherlands. Known to attract nature lovers and eco-tourists, all three islands boast excellent opportunities for diving, swimming, snorkeling and hiking.
Bonaire, located just off the north coast of Venezuela, near Curaçao and Aruba, is famous for its pioneering conservation efforts. Much of the island is protected, and its marine park offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean. Bonaire’s diverse ecosystems include cactus-cloaked hills, saltpans, mangroves, coral reefs, and sun-baked beaches.
Bonaire Biking
A popular way to see the island. There are over 300 kilometers of trails on Bonaire, consisting of goat paths and unpaved roads. Using the blue painted rocks to mark bike paths, cyclists can explore on their own or on a guided tour through Washington Slagbaai National Park, Rincon and Kralendijk. Many local bike shops and hotels offer rentals, sales repairs, as well as guided tours.
A popular way to see the island. There are over 300 kilometers of trails on Bonaire, consisting of goat paths and unpaved roads. Using the blue painted rocks to mark bike paths, cyclists can explore on their own or on a guided tour through Washington Slagbaai National Park, Rincon and Kralendijk. Many local bike shops and hotels offer rentals, sales repairs, as well as guided tours.
Bonaire Birdwatching
Bonaire is a favorite for birdwatchers. With over 200 species of birds living on the island, Washington Slagbaai National Park and Pekelmeer are two of the most popular locations to spot Bonaire’s two legged feathered friends. Bonaire’s birds can be classified into three categories: shore birds, seabirds and land birds The best place to watch Bonaire’s feathered symbol, the flamingo, is at the island’s salt ponds in the National Park, at Goto Meer or at the southern end of the island at the Pekelmeer Sanctuary. The flamingos can be seen from the road, it is important to keep your distance and not disturb the birds.
The Caribbean parakeet and the yellow-shouldered parrot are two tropical birds found only on Bonaire. Bonaire is a critical breeding ground for the survival of this species. Parakeets are more numerous; they can be seen anywhere on the island where there is vegetation. The best places to see parrots are in the cactus fields of the north and in fruit-trees. The parrot is endangered with an island population of only 800 +/-. Below is a video by Echo Bonaire which specializes in parrot conservation and research. Watch the video here.
Bonaire Birdwatching Operators
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Echo Conservation Centre
Tel: +599 701 11 88info@echobonaire.org - http://echobonaire.org
Bonaire is a favorite for birdwatchers. With over 200 species of birds living on the island, Washington Slagbaai National Park and Pekelmeer are two of the most popular locations to spot Bonaire’s two legged feathered friends. Bonaire’s birds can be classified into three categories: shore birds, seabirds and land birds The best place to watch Bonaire’s feathered symbol, the flamingo, is at the island’s salt ponds in the National Park, at Goto Meer or at the southern end of the island at the Pekelmeer Sanctuary. The flamingos can be seen from the road, it is important to keep your distance and not disturb the birds.
The Caribbean parakeet and the yellow-shouldered parrot are two tropical birds found only on Bonaire. Bonaire is a critical breeding ground for the survival of this species. Parakeets are more numerous; they can be seen anywhere on the island where there is vegetation. The best places to see parrots are in the cactus fields of the north and in fruit-trees. The parrot is endangered with an island population of only 800 +/-. Below is a video by Echo Bonaire which specializes in parrot conservation and research. Watch the video here.
Bonaire Birdwatching Operators
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Echo Conservation Centre
Tel: +599 701 11 88info@echobonaire.org - http://echobonaire.org
Bonaire Caving
While vacationing on Bonaire, visitors will want to take advantage of the opportunity to discover the island’s cave system, consisting of an estimated 400 caves. Since their formation, the caves have played an important role in the island’s overall ecosystem. Some caves are open for guided tours. Explore ancient formations of stalactites and stalagmites that took thousands of years to form. While adventuring through select caves, continue through the cavern and find a small opening of water where visitors can snorkel. Climb through the opening with your flashlight, mask and snorkel, and snorkel through crystal clear water that is a mix of fresh and salt. It is important that when visiting the cave it should be with a Certified cave guide & operator.
While vacationing on Bonaire, visitors will want to take advantage of the opportunity to discover the island’s cave system, consisting of an estimated 400 caves. Since their formation, the caves have played an important role in the island’s overall ecosystem. Some caves are open for guided tours. Explore ancient formations of stalactites and stalagmites that took thousands of years to form. While adventuring through select caves, continue through the cavern and find a small opening of water where visitors can snorkel. Climb through the opening with your flashlight, mask and snorkel, and snorkel through crystal clear water that is a mix of fresh and salt. It is important that when visiting the cave it should be with a Certified cave guide & operator.
Bonaire Hiking
Bonaire provides some stunning scenery for hikers. The Washington Slagbaai National Park is one of the best spots on island to hike. It offers both hiking and walking trails. The park terrain is varied and those who are ambitious enough to climb some of the steep hills are rewarded with majestically sweeping views. If preferred, guides can be arranged through a local provider offering hiking tours.
Bonaire provides some stunning scenery for hikers. The Washington Slagbaai National Park is one of the best spots on island to hike. It offers both hiking and walking trails. The park terrain is varied and those who are ambitious enough to climb some of the steep hills are rewarded with majestically sweeping views. If preferred, guides can be arranged through a local provider offering hiking tours.
Bonaire Kayaking
The calm waters surrounding much of Bonaire makes kayaking a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of the island. On the windward side, kayaks are available to explore Lac Bay, a lagoon, which is a nursery for fish life. The mangroves also create a wonderful set of tunnels in which to see beautiful wildlife. On the leeward side of the island, several dive shops rent kayaks as means to peacefully view the coast or to visit the small island of Klein Bonaire.
The calm waters surrounding much of Bonaire makes kayaking a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of the island. On the windward side, kayaks are available to explore Lac Bay, a lagoon, which is a nursery for fish life. The mangroves also create a wonderful set of tunnels in which to see beautiful wildlife. On the leeward side of the island, several dive shops rent kayaks as means to peacefully view the coast or to visit the small island of Klein Bonaire.
Bonaire Golfing
Imagine playing golf in a complete natural existing environment, with no grass grown fairways, but fairways with the sparse local vegetation and “browns” existing from local soil. “Piedro So”, the only golf course on island, has one objective, to keep the course as natural as possible. This 18 hole golf course is perfectly shaped into the eco environment of Bonaire, which gives the course a unique ecologic vibe.
Imagine playing golf in a complete natural existing environment, with no grass grown fairways, but fairways with the sparse local vegetation and “browns” existing from local soil. “Piedro So”, the only golf course on island, has one objective, to keep the course as natural as possible. This 18 hole golf course is perfectly shaped into the eco environment of Bonaire, which gives the course a unique ecologic vibe.
Horseback Riding
Bonaire’s best known places for horseback riding are Rancho Washikemba on Bonaire’s eastern side, and the Horse Ranch Bonaire, on the western side, located only a short drive from Bonaire’s capital Kralendijk. At both of these facilities, guests can schedule horse riding lessons at the ranch, or explore the island on a horseback trail ride. There are two options available when signing up for one of their trail rides; lagoon tour or kunuku-tour. The trails are catered for riders of all skill levels to enjoy.
Bonaire’s best known places for horseback riding are Rancho Washikemba on Bonaire’s eastern side, and the Horse Ranch Bonaire, on the western side, located only a short drive from Bonaire’s capital Kralendijk. At both of these facilities, guests can schedule horse riding lessons at the ranch, or explore the island on a horseback trail ride. There are two options available when signing up for one of their trail rides; lagoon tour or kunuku-tour. The trails are catered for riders of all skill levels to enjoy.
Bonaire's Other Activities
Other Activities Operators
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Beach Tennis Bonaire
Tel: + 599 700 86 77http://www.beachtennisbonaire.com -
Bonaire Landsailing Adventures
Tel: +599 786 15 72Bonaire@landsalingadventures.com - http://www.landsailingadventures.com/home-bonaire
Other Activities Operators
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Beach Tennis Bonaire
Tel: + 599 700 86 77http://www.beachtennisbonaire.com -
Bonaire Landsailing Adventures
Tel: +599 786 15 72Bonaire@landsalingadventures.com - http://www.landsailingadventures.com/home-bonaire
Photography Tours
We’ll visit the most beautiful places of Bonaire like 1000 Steps, Goto lake, Washikemba, Eastcoast, Rincon (oldest place on Bonaire),Slave huts and the Salt pans. I’ll explain a lot of things while we’re on the road. We also have a big chance on seeing the local Warawara, Osprey, Iguana, Hummingbirds and more interesting animals. Depending your wishes, we’ll set up a time schedule. Light is very important on Bonaire.
All types of camera’s are welcome.
Photography Tours Operators
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Bonaire Photography tours
Tel: +599 777 45 67info@casperdouma.com - http://www.nature2experience.com
We’ll visit the most beautiful places of Bonaire like 1000 Steps, Goto lake, Washikemba, Eastcoast, Rincon (oldest place on Bonaire),Slave huts and the Salt pans. I’ll explain a lot of things while we’re on the road. We also have a big chance on seeing the local Warawara, Osprey, Iguana, Hummingbirds and more interesting animals. Depending your wishes, we’ll set up a time schedule. Light is very important on Bonaire.
All types of camera’s are welcome.
Photography Tours Operators
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Bonaire Photography tours
Tel: +599 777 45 67info@casperdouma.com - http://www.nature2experience.com
Rappelling & Rock Climbing
For adventure seekers who cannot live without altitude and the need for adrenaline, Bonaire offers cliffs to climb and rappel down. There aren’t many high mountains on island, but Bonaire has some great limestone walls, which are perfect for rock climbing and rappelling off. One of the easier mountains to climb is Brandaris Hill in Washington Slagbaai National Park. Once reaching the top of the mountain, “breathe” in the panoramic view of almost the entire island.
For adventure seekers who cannot live without altitude and the need for adrenaline, Bonaire offers cliffs to climb and rappel down. There aren’t many high mountains on island, but Bonaire has some great limestone walls, which are perfect for rock climbing and rappelling off. One of the easier mountains to climb is Brandaris Hill in Washington Slagbaai National Park. Once reaching the top of the mountain, “breathe” in the panoramic view of almost the entire island.
