Discover the caves of Bonaire

While you enjoy the Caribbean sun above, beneath your feet lies a hidden network of an estimated 400 caves. This impressive cave system is one of the island's best-kept secrets and offers a unique adventure that you won't experience elsewhere in the region in this way.

Although the island is dotted with entrances, a select number of these caves are open to the public. This ensures that the ancient formations and the delicate nature are preserved. We would be happy to take you along the highlights of this underground paradise.

Two Faces: The Difference Between Dry and Wet Caves

The caves on Bonaire offer completely different experiences, depending on the type you visit:

• The dry caves: Here you walk through impressive limestone chambers. You will find huge stalactites, stalagmites, and the gnarled roots of ancient trees growing down through the ceiling.

• The wet caves: These are the hidden gems of the island. These caves are connected to groundwater. Here you can snorkel in water so crystal clear it seems almost invisible. It is a serene experience to wander through these flooded chambers in complete silence.

Which Caves Can You Visit on Bonaire?

Though there are hundreds of caves, we have listed four unique caves, each telling a different story:

1. Hilltop Cave: The ideal place for those who want to see both worlds. After descending via a ladder, you explore the dry chambers, followed by a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear freshwater lake. And the funny thing is, if you sit very still, shrimp will come to your feet.

2. Barcadera & Sabadeco: In these caves, you see the impressive root systems of the Wayaká trees. It is also the place where bats, the indispensable pollinators of our cacti, have their resting place.

3. Boca Onima: A must for culture lovers. Here you can admire age-old rock drawings of the Arawak Indians, the original inhabitants of Bonaire.

4. Spelonk: Located near the lighthouse on the rugged east coast. This cave is grand and impressive and forms a beautiful contrast with the wild sea you see outside.

Safety and Conservation of Nature

Many of the caves on Bonaire can be visited independently, but we highly recommend going with a certified guide. The caves can be warm and humid, and the paths are often uneven and sharp. A professional guide knows the safest routes and can also tell you all about the unique geology and the animals that live there.

Remember that you need a valid digital STINAPA Nature Fee for access to these natural areas. To protect this fragile ecosystem, we ask you not to touch the formations; they grow only one centimeter per hundred years. Additionally, in the wet caves, it is not allowed to wear sunscreen or body lotion to keep the water pure for the rare fauna.

Your Adventure Starts at Plaza Resort Bonaire

At Van der Valk Plaza Resort Bonaire we are happy to help you discover this hidden world without worries. Our staff at the Sea & Sense shop will inform you about the different routes and are happy to assist with booking a tour.