Bonaire might be known as being a diver’s paradise, but there are MORE things to do on this island than you might think!
From relaxing to adventuring and exploring, below are some ideas to help you build out your Bonaire Island itinerary.
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 or WINDSURF in Sorobon
On the other side of Lac Bay you’ll find a different set of experiences for relaxing, hanging out, eating and drinking OR finding some adventure.
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).
Race around a track LANDSAILING
This is not only a very unique experience, but 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.
Very popular in the South is Pink Beach, but many people go to Klein Bonaire (or “Little Bonaire”) for a VERY remote experience. There are no amenities (no restrooms) or stores, restaurants etc. It requires a 25 minute water taxi to take you there OR a tour.
The challenge? It’s not necessarily a superior beach and snorkeling experience vs. other places on the main island of Bonaire.
My top recommendation to hangout on the beach and snorkel is 1,000 steps.
The reef isn’t so deep that a snorkeler has A LOT to see and although the beach is coral pieces (not sand), it truly is a beautiful spot for wading in the water and relaxing.
Don’t forget to pack THIS!
There’s nothing worse than forgetting something important on your vacation! Year after year I travel to Bonaire and THIS is the specific pack list I use for this island.
Get a free printable pack list and save yourself the headache!
Visit Washington-Slagbaai National Park
Located on the North side of the island, it’s not a quick trip to visit the National Park. Depending on where you’re at in the park it is one way roads that are NOT paved. A truck is preferred, but there is no way a scooter (and if it’s been raining) or a regular car would make it.
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!
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.
Checkout the food scene!
There are so many amazing restaurants, food trucks and beach clubs on Bonaire. If there is one I go to again and again, it’s Ocean Oasis Beach Club.
Checkout this blog post to read more about top places to eat in Bonaire or checkout the full video below!
Bonaire Cruise Port
Are you coming in by cruise and stopping at Bonaire Cruise Port? There is a LOT to do in the port area and a lot to explore beyond it! Want some key tips? Check out the full video below!
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.