If you’re not a scuba diver what can you do on Bonaire Island and is it even worth going there?
This is a top question that people ask and spoiler alert: YES, you should go to Bonaire even if you DO NOT scuba dive.
Bonaire might be known as being a diver’s paradise, but there are MORE things to do on this island than you might think!
Bonaire is an island that caters to all types of adventurers, especially those who love being in or around the water.
From relaxing to adventuring and exploring, below are some ideas to help you build out your Bonaire Island itinerary.
Bonaire Scuba Diving is GREAT, but so is the SNORKELING
If you’re looking for other great snorkeling spots, 1000 Steps is a popular one.
However, while the beach is lovely, you’ll find that the reef is a bit farther from the surface of the water, making it harder to see marine life up close if you’re not free diving.
For me, Salt Pier remains one of the best snorkeling spots, as it offers not only easy access getting in and out of the water but also a chance to spot a variety of sea life.
Many things pass through at Salt Pier. So you can expect anything from eagle rays to baby turtles to schools of fish!
Another tip: consider snorkeling directly from one of the island’s many beach clubs. They make it easy to access the water, and you can grab some food or a drink afterward.
One thing to consider? A REALLY fun version of snorkeling with e-snorkels!
I found this hidden gem through Mount. It means instead of snorkeling in a small area (even if I can cover more ground using fins), now I have an underwater scooter that can take me over a LARGE amount of space and I can see way more while I’m snorkeling.
You can see what that looks like in this instagram post by clicking here!
You have options to go on a guided tour with the e-scooters or you can rent one for the day and take it with you!
Visit Klein Bonaire for a SECLUDED day
If you love snorkeling, Klein Bonaire should be on your list! While Bonaire is famous for diving, its snorkeling is just as incredible.
Typically, most people go to visit (the popular) 1000 Steps, but where the fish, reef and coral are at – are FURTHER AWAY from the surface than on Klein Bonaire.
For this reason – the snorkeling is a superior experience on Klein Bonaire because there is a LOT of fish and you can get really close to all the action.
See Klein Bonaire in the photo below on the right side of the photo…
How do you get to Klein Bonaire?
You can DIY by taking the water taxi over ($25 per person round trip with a set schedule) or you can go via a privately charter boat or via a tour.
Personally I got to try a REALLY fun adventure – drift snorkeling tour(!!) with Aqua Fun Bonaire. I found them (and so many of my travel adventures) through Mount, which helps me to discover hidden gems around the world.
Find more hidden gems with Mount!
Mount helps connect travelers with hidden gems around the world. While traveling Bonaire, I discovered several unique experiences through Mount. Be a smart traveler and more about them today!
After a quick 5-10 minute boat ride, you arrive at this untouched island with a reef right off the shore—perfect for close-up snorkeling. Aqua Fun Bonaire provides all the gear you need, plus water and snacks, so you can just show up ready for fun.
The best part? Drift snorkeling lets you float effortlessly with the current while the boat follows along to pick you up.
You don’t even need fins, and life jackets are available for those who aren’t as confident swimming in the water.
They also take underwater photos during the snorkel (like the one below by Lerissa of AquaFun!), so you can capture your experience without needing a camera.
For a relaxed, scenic snorkeling adventure, Klein Bonaire is the spot!
Kayak and snorkel in the MANGROVES
Experience a different side of Bonaire by getting ON the water in a kayak and then IN the water to snorkel amongst the mangroves in Lac Bay.
Kayaking the Bonaire mangroves is unlike other places in the world in that it’s FULL of baby fish and animals in the water. Unlike other mangroves where you’ll see something here and there, in Bonaire you are guaranteed going to see A LOT.
It’s a fantastic place to snorkel and poke your head amongst the plants to see what’s hiding there.
(Btw, if you’re looking for the TOP places to snorkel on Bonaire island, don’t miss this video!)
I went on a 3 hour guided tour with the Mangrove Info Center, but I think reviews are VERY important, so these are other tours you can check out for kayaking on Viator.
During the tour you’ll kayak amongst the mangroves and out into Lac Bay. Depending on the time of day you are there, the water color becomes an intense bright green/turquoise and is absolutely stunning.
Back in the mangroves you’ll snorkel and find baby fish, baby rays, and MANY upside down jelly fish.
Hangout and chill in Sorobon and Lac Bay
If you want a change of pace from diving and snorkeling, head to Sorobon and Lac Bay. This is the perfect spot for relaxing in shallow, turquoise water that stretches out as far as the eye can see.
There are a LOT of different kinds of adventures you can have here – from snorkeling, kayaking, wind surfing, and more. OR you can just relax and hangout.
One of my favorite things is grabbing a kayak and heading out to the snorkel amongst the corals!
In Sorobon you’ll find great places to relax or play. Whether you grab a bite to eat at Sebastian Beach Restaurant (they also have a location on the West side of the island) or at Jibe City Hang Out Beach Bar, you’re guaranteed to have a great view of the beautiful bay.
One thing that is unique about Lac Bay is the water is waist deep just about ALL the time.
Unlike other islands (like Zanzibar), Bonaire doesn’t have extreme tides.
This means the water stays at a consistent level and luckily, there are almost NO rocks or sea urchins. This means you can wade out very far distances and if you fall off your board and can’t figure out how to windsurf back.. well.. you can walk back.
For this reason, it makes Bonaire a very easy place to learn how to windsurf.
Want to SEE all these experiences? Check out the video below!
Get up close with DONKEYS at the Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary
One thing you are guaranteed going to see on this island are donkeys. There are over 1,000 donkeys on Bonaire roaming around. They were originally brought by the Spaniards to help with work and transportation, but now they’re not needed.
The Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary is a team of volunteers that cares for donkeys that are sick or in need.
No reservation needed, you can visit any time they are open (10-5pm) everyday and cost $9 per person. It’s located very close to the airport (a 6 minute drive) and cruise port (a 10 minute drive).
After a tour around the main area, drive to the observation tower where you can see the entire property!
The donkeys are friendly… VERY friendly and will come up to you (in case you happen to have a carrot).
Try Blokart racing aka LANDSAILING
This is not only a very unique experience, but this hidden gem I found through Mount is one that ANYONE can do and it’s incredibly fun and easy to learn.
If you love go karts this will take your experience to a totally new level because instead of using gas or electricity to power your kart, you are using the WIND with your sail.
Find this experience at Bonaire Landsailing Adventures! When you arrive, husband and wife Andrew and Donna will welcome you and teach you everything you need to know about how to operate (and stay safe!) driving a Blokart.
How does it work?
While sitting in the kart, you are using a rope to tighten or loosen the sail which will in turn determine how FAST you are going. So at any point if you feel afraid, simply let go of the rope and your kart will.. well.. come to a slow and then a stop.
If you’re feeling fast and furious then yank on that rope tight and expect to reach speeds up to 30-40 kph in good wind or 60 kph stormy conditions.
The team stands on the track to help you out in case you’re like me and you’re not very good at turning and catching the wind.
Want to SEE it in action? Checkout the video below!
Lounge and relax at the beach!
There are MANY places to hangout on the beach in Bonaire that are absolutely stunning. Below is a round up of a few, but here’s something you should know first…
Helpful to know: it’s VERY WINDY in Bonaire, so bringing a beach umbrella is kind of impossible.
The alternative? Go to beaches with trees!
Pink Beach
Very popular in the South is Pink Beach. It has soft sand, trash cans, and palm trees to provide (a little bit) of shade. The entry into the water is relatively calm and sandy compared to beaches in this area.
1000 Steps
This is a very popular place to hangout. Note that it gets busy, it’s very far North on the island (about a 15 minute drive from the Downtown area) and there are very few parking spots.
The beach is NOT soft sand – it’s coral pieces. Wearing water shoes is key! Although luckily, it’s NOT actually 1,000 steps (it’s less than a hundred), but the stone steps will lead you from the parking area down to the beach (and the view is fantastic).
Visit Washington-Slagbaai National Park
One of the top places to explore on Bonaire is Washington Slagbaai National Park. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but it’s worth it. The park is home to secluded beaches, rugged landscapes, and some of the best diving and snorkeling on the island.
It’s also a fantastic place for birdwatching, with plenty of unique species to spot. As you drive through the park, you’ll see the landscape change dramatically, from desert-like terrain to lush coastal areas. It’s a beautiful way to spend the day, and packing a picnic for a day-long adventure is highly recommended.
Even better, go with a tour that will take you around!
What’s there to see?
Read the full blog post below or see the full video!
Take a SCENIC DRIVE around Bonaire Island
If you prefer a more relaxed exploration, Bonaire is full of scenic drives that allow you to take in the island’s beauty from the comfort of your car.
Start by heading south to Salt Pier and the salt mountains, where you can see huge salt flats stretching out into the horizon. Continue driving down toward the southern tip of the island, and you’ll eventually reach roads so narrow they turn into single lanes, offering stunning views of the coastline.
Alternatively, drive north toward 1000 Steps, where you’ll be treated to more beautiful coastal views. At one point, the road becomes one-way, but even before that, the drive is scenic and peaceful. If you’re thinking about renting a vehicle, opt for an air-conditioned car. The heat on Bonaire is no joke, and driving around in comfort is a must.
Want to see what DRIVING around the island is like? See more in the Bonaire Driving Youtube video by clicking here!
Even though it’s a ONE way road all the way around, you may consider being CONNECTED while you’re out there. I always use eSIM cards like Sim Local to help me stay connected when I travel!
Explore the Bonaire Caves
Learn about the history of Bonaire over THOUSANDS of years by exploring the caves! Bonaire is one BIG coral reef and it’s fascinating to be INSIDE of the coral while on this tour.
I went with Dirk of Cave Tours on Bonaire, he’s very knowledgable and a TON of fun.
Relax, eat and drink at a Beach Club!
Bonaire’s beach clubs are the perfect way to relax while still having access to great food and the ocean.
Spend the day lounging on sunbeds, grab a delicious meal at the club’s restaurant, and finish it off with some snorkeling right off the pier. Other great beach clubs include Grand Windsock and Ocean Oasis. Each offers food, drinks, and sunbeds, making them great spots for a full day of fun in the sun.
Enjoy AMAZING restaurants with talented chefs!
When it comes to dining, Bonaire offers a surprisingly diverse range of options. There’s fresh seafood everywhere, and many restaurants serve dishes using local ingredients. My personal favorites include Sebastian’s, especially their Town location, and Chefs, where everything is prepared in front of you at a communal table. For something unique, Brass Boer at Delfins offers creative dishes that push culinary boundaries.
Want more? Read the full blog post on where to eat on Bonaire Island by clicking here! Or see the full Youtube video by clicking here!
Bonaire Cruise Port
Are you looking for tips SPECIFIC to coming into Bonaire by cruise? Then don’t miss out on the Bonaire Cruise Port travel tips blog post by clicking here!
Bottom Line
While Bonaire is a destination for scuba divers (these are my top Bonaire diving tips), there is A LOT to do on the island if you’re a non-diver or are looking for something to do when not diving.
Bonaire offers a rich variety of activities, whether you’re snorkeling at Klein Bonaire, relaxing at a beach club, or exploring the national park.
The island’s unique combination of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination. Pack your snorkel gear, rent an air-conditioned car, and get ready to explore everything this beautiful island has to offer!
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