Bonaire Sightseeing

Our in-house excursion desk organises excursions from the hotel to all of the following places of interest. For questions, you can visit the excursion desk daily from 8am to 12 am and from 3pm to 5pm.

Washington Slagbaai National Park

In the northwest part of Bonaire lies a protected natural area, named Washington Slagbaai National Park. The park comprises the entire North Point of Bonaire (6,000 hectares) (14,826 acres) and is among the most beautiful spots in the Antilles. The park was opened to the public in 1969 as the Antilles' first national park. The park has a diverse array of landscapes: beautiful bays, vast plains of blooming ball cacti, dunes by the bays, salt lakes, wells and mountainous areas, tree-like Kadushi cactus and gorgeous overgrown ridges. Starting from the park entrance, several walking paths are laid out.

Bonaire National Marine Park

One of Bonaire's greatest treasures is located underwater. The coral reefs lying from just off the coast of Bonaire to a depth of 60 metres are among the most beautiful in the world and have as a result grown to become one of the most popular diving destinations on earth. The Caribbean Sea here is crystal-clear and you can see the bottom up to a depth of 30 metres. The area includes 2,600 hectares (6424 acres) of coral reef, sea grass and mangrove vegetations. The picturesque Lac lagoon is also part of the underwater park.

Little Bonaire

The name says it all: Little Bonaire is a small island off the coast of Bonaire, measuring approximately 700 hectares, (1729 acres) that since 2001 has been designated a legally protected natural reserves. The island supports 76 species of plants (all low-growing plants), approximately 55 animal species, and several saltpans where flamingos forage, and is surrounded by a magnificent coral reef. The beaches on the north and west sides are important nesting areas for sea turtles. The island is accessible by boat for divers, snorkellers and day visitors.

Lac

The Lac is a lovely shallow lagoon of approximately 700 hectares (1729 acres) in the southeast of Bonaire and is unique for its sea grass and mangroves. Lac is part of the protected underwater park and has various functions: resting and breeding ground for various species of birds and shellfish, an incubator for reef fish and feeding grounds for the green sea turtle.

Lake Pekel and the Flamingo Reserve

Lake Pekel (800 hectares) and the Flamingo Reserve (1976 acres) are part of the large water region at the southwest of the island. This area is well known for its saltpan harvesting and is the most important breeding ground for flamingos in the entire Caribbean region. Depending on the season, the area plays host to between 2,000 and 7,000 flamingos! The flamingo is the island's symbol and Bonaire actively protects the peace and habitat of this species.

Saliñas

Saliñas are saltpans or bays that have become closed off from the sea by a dam of dead coral. They capture and filter rainwater, which helps protect the reef from damage caused by nutrients and bits of soil floating into the reef. Saliñas are also important feeding grounds for many types of aquatic birds.

Caves

Bonaire has dozens of caves. In the Boca Onima caves, you can see rock paintings that are more than 500 years old. These are the drawings of the Caquetio Indians, the island's original inhabitants. The paintings appear to be related to those of Indian tribes along the Orinoco River in Venezuela. The paintings probably related to initiation rites for young men. Some of the caves also serve as the home to bats and the blind Typhlatya shrimp.

Willemstoren Lighthouse

At the southernmost point of Bonaire stands the Willemstoren Lighthouse, the first and oldest lighthouse on the island. The lighthouse was erected in 1837 and was built in the shape of a Doric column. On 24 August 1838, the birthday of King William I, the lighthouse was lit for the first time and named in honour of the king.

Brandaris

At a height of 241 metres (790 ft.), Brandaris is Bonaire's tallest mountain. From here, visitors have a spectacular view of the entire island, and in clear weather, one can even see Mount Christoffel in CuraÁao and the mountains of Venezuela.

Rincon - Mangasina di Rey

In the village of Rincon - the oldest settlement on the island - stands one of the island's oldest stone buildings: the Mangasina di Rey (or Storehouse of the King). Years ago, the building was used to store food, but has now been turned into a museum. It is certainly worth a visit.