Caves
Discover the caves of Bonaire
Discover the caves of Bonaire
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 best-kept secrets of the island and offers a unique adventure that you will not experience in this way anywhere else in the region.
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 fragile nature remain protected. We would love to take you along the highlights of this underground paradise.
Two faces: the difference between dry and wet caves
The caves in 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 pearls of the island. These caves are connected to the groundwater. Here you can snorkel in water so crystal clear that it almost seems invisible. It is a serene experience to wander through these flooded chambers in complete silence.
Which caves can you visit on Bonaire?
Although there are hundreds of caves, we have listed four unique caves, each telling a different story:
Hilltop Cave: The ideal place for those who want to see both worlds. After descending via a ladder, you explore the dry rooms before taking 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.
Barcadera & Sabadeco: In these caves, you see the impressive root systems of the Wayaká trees. It is also the place where bats, the essential pollinators of our cacti, have their resting place.
Boca Onima: A must for culture lovers. Here you admire ancient rock drawings of the Arawak Indians, the original inhabitants of Bonaire.
Spelonk: Located near the lighthouse on the rugged east coast. This cave is grand and impressive, providing a beautiful contrast to the wild sea you meet outside.
Safety and preservation of nature
Many of the caves on Bonaire can be visited on your own, 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 tell you everything 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. In the wet caves, it is also not allowed to wear sunscreen or body lotion, so the water remains 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 hassle-free. Our staff in the Sea & Sense shop will inform you about the different routes and will gladly assist you in booking a tour.
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