Bonaire – the tiny island with so much to offer

Welcome to the beautiful island of Bonaire!

Situated in the southern Caribbean Sea, this island is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Bonaire is a small island located just off the north Venezuela shores, part of the so called ABC islands along with Aruba and Curaçao.

It’s a special municipality of the Netherlands, so you’ll find a unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean culture here. The island is known for its clear waters perfect for all watersports’ enthusiasts as well as for the most extensive and well-preserved coral reefs in the Caribbean and rich marine life welcoming underwater life explorers from all over the world.

For those who prefer to stay on land, Bonaire offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Trekking and bike paths pass through ancient rock formations and historical landmarks. Bonaire is also home to numerous species of birds, lizards, and other wildlife.

Looking for a more relaxing experience?

Bonaire has plenty of beautiful beaches to soak up the sun and enjoy the warm Caribbean breeze. Pink Beach is especially loved from Bonaire visitors – a secluded stretch of sand with stunning pink-hued sand and crystal-clear water.

Bonaire is also known for its delicious food and drinks. Be sure to try some of the island’s local specialties, such as Keshi Yena (stuffed cheese) and fresh seafood caught right off the coast. And of course, no trip to Bonaire would be complete without trying some of the island’s famous cocktails, like the Bonaire Rum Punch or the Blue Ocean.

 

Moving around the island

Bonaire offers a plethora of transportation options for those looking to explore the island. Whether you prefer the comfort of four wheels, the excitement of two wheels, or the relaxed pace of being transported, there’s something for everyone.

Driving on Bonaire is easy and safe, with the island following international road signs and maintaining low speed limits to ensure the safety of all travelers. Visitors can rent a car from a reputable agency, with options ranging from pick-up trucks to jeeps, allowing them to see much of the island. Taxis are also available for those who prefer a more traditional mode of transportation.

For those who want to feel the wind in their hair, there are a variety of rental options available, including motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, and bicycles. With hundreds of kilometers of off-road trails, rugged mountain bikes are a popular choice for those seeking adventure. Reservations are recommended for all rentals, and a valid driver’s license and credit card are required.

Finally, those interested in a day trip to Klein Bonaire can take a ferry to the island. Multiple operators offer varying schedules and fares, making it easy to plan a fun-filled day on the water.

 

Bonaire’s festivals

If you want to get closer to local people, you should take part in the many vibrant and colorful festivals throughout the year, reflecting the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Some of the most popular festivals on Bonaire are:

1. Carnival – the biggest and most popular festival on the island is the Carnival or the Karnaval of Bonaire. Celebrated in February, the festival is a time for parades, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes. The festivities culminate in a grand parade on the final weekend of Carnival.
2. Dia di Rincon – celebrated on April 30th, Dia di Rincon is a traditional festival that honors Rincon, the oldest town on Bonaire. The festival includes a colorful parade, traditional food and drinks, and music.
3. Bonaire Dive Festival – this festival is a celebration of the island’s world-renowned marine life and diving culture. Held in June, the festival includes dive competitions, underwater photography workshops, and diving excursions.
4. Bonaire International Sailing Regatta – the Bonaire International Sailing Regatta is a week-long sailing competition held in October. It attracts sailors from around the world to race in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.
5. Bonaire Heineken Jazz Festival – the Bonaire Heineken Jazz Festival is a two-day festival held in August. It features local and international jazz musicians performing in an open-air setting.

 

Bonaire’s cuisine

The island of Bonaire’s cuisine offers unique culinary experience.

The dishes are well-seasoned and flavorful, featuring plenty of seafood and the much-loved and preferred goats that thrive in the arid climate. You’ll often find them served with funchi, Bonaire’s equivalent of polenta, or with fried plantains. Many places to eat can be found on the island, from street food vendors to restaurants, you’ll have a lot of chances to try the local cuisine.

This charming island offers a small-town feel despite the steady flow of tourists, and its cuisine is a delicious blend of local ingredients and historic Spanish and Dutch influences.

Here are some can’t-miss local foods to try during your visit:

1. Pastechis – the flaky pastries stuffed with shrimp, meats, or poultry are the island’s universal snack and can be found everywhere.
2. Keshi Yena – meats stuffed in hollowed-out Edam cheese and then baked, this showcase dish is served with ceremony and is a memorable experience.
3. Sopi Kadushi – cooked with candle cactus and flavored with cured meats or seafood, this traditional soup is perfect after a rugged ATV ride.
4. Guiambo – this is soup with okra and local seafood, this signature dish of the island resembles gumbo and is worth a try.
5. Sopi Piska – a fish soup loaded with shellfish and other local fish, this deeply flavored broth is a must-try for seafood lovers.
6. Kabritu Stobá – a stew made with goat meat simmered in seasoned sauce based on tomatos, this hearty dish is perfect for those who love goat meat.
7. Piska Kriyoyo – Creole-style grilled or pan-seared fish, served with a spicy, flavored tomato sauce on funchi or rice, this dish often features the invasive lionfish.
8. For the Daring – if you’re feeling adventurous, try the iguana soup, goat liver and brain cooked together, or the intestine soup.
9. Cocada – a coconut sweet with a hint of rose and vanilla, this local candy is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth.
10. Baka Stobá – Bonaire’s version of beef stew, this authentic, flavorful dish is perfect for those who can’t quite bring themselves to eat goat.
11. Pika Siboyo – a condiment made of marinated in peppers and vinegar onions, this bold accompaniment adds flavor to the island’s rich dishes.
12. Tekibon – the tequila-like yatu cactus distilled spirit is used for cocktails all over the island.

 

Island’s outdoor adventures

Bonaire is a paradise for those who love the outdoors and want to reconnect with nature. Blessed with warm trade winds and endless sunshine, the island offers a variety of eco-adventures for every type of traveler.

Biking enthusiasts can explore over 300 kilometers of trails on two wheels, with guided tours through Washington Slagbaai National Park and Rincon.

Birdwatchers can observe over 200 species of birds, including flamingos, Caribbean parakeets, and yellow-shouldered parrots.

Caving tours offer a unique opportunity to explore over 400 caves and discover ancient stalactites and stalagmites.

Hiking in Washington Slagbaai National Park provides breathtaking views of the island and the Caribbean, while golfers can play on a completely native 18-hole course at Piedra So.

Horse riding and photography tours offer more leisurely ways to explore the island’s natural beauty, while rappelling and rock climbing are perfect for thrill-seekers.

For those who prefer more gentle pursuits, there are opportunities for tennis, landsailing, walking tours, and buggy tours. No matter how you choose to spend your time on Bonaire, you’re sure to reconnect with the natural world and create unforgettable memories.

 

Watersports

From boating to kayaking, kitesurfing to windsurfing, sport fishing to snorkeling, the possibilities to the sea lovers are endless.

To help maintain the pristine beauty of Bonaire and the surrounding seas, visitors are asked to purchase a Nature Tag of $40 for all water activities. All funds go toward preserving the island for generations to come.

Sailing the Caribbean Sea is the ultimate romantic adventure. Take to the waters around Bonaire and experience the thrill of white sails catching the wind or enjoy a sunset dinner on the water. Snorkel off the side of your sailboat, picnic on Klein Bonaire, or explore the coastlines of the island. There are endless opportunities to enjoy the Caribbean’s natural beauty from a sailboat or motorboat.

Kayaking is an excellent way to explore Bonaire’s tranquil waters. Glide over the calm surface of the waters and explore the coastlines on both sides of the island. On the windward side, you’ll discover the breathtaking Lac Bay, a lagoon surrounded by mangrove trees that form stunning natural tunnels and wildlife. If you’re up for a real adventure, rent a kayak and head to Klein Bonaire, the nearby deserted tropical island.

With nearly 365 days of ideal wind conditions, Bonaire is a kitesurfer’s paradise. Head to the southwest tip of the island to experience the thrill of kitesurfing over crystal-clear waters. Follow the brightly colored kites soaring through the air to find the kitesurfing area.

Bonaire’s blustery trade winds and crystal-clear waters make it one of the world’s most idyllic windsurfing destinations. Join professional windsurfers at Sorobon, one of Bonaire’s crown jewels, and enjoy steady winds and warm shallow waters all year round. Take windsurfing classes for children and adults at all levels and witness windsurfing competitions held on the island every year.

Bonaire offers world-class sport fishing experiences. Book a fishing charter with one of the many fishing boat operators on the island, and enjoy a day of sport fishing in the Caribbean sea.

Explore the world under the sea close to the beach, in just a few meters. Snorkeling is the perfect way to experience Bonaire’s spectacular reefs without committing to SCUBA diving. Spot turtles, rays, tropical fish, and seahorses at various snorkel sites all around the island. Follow the yellow roadside stones along the coast marking each site, or inquire with the many snorkel operators for the best spots.

Wakeboarding, waterskiing, tube riding, and many other water activities await visitors to Bonaire. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced boarder, the Caribbean sea around Bonaire offers endless fun for all.

Bonaire is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors, marine life, and Caribbean culture. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, this tiny paradise is truly a traveler’s dream come true.

With cuisine, distinct from the rest of the Caribbean for its blend of Spanish, Dutch and Creole tastes, with the numerous colorful festivals, endless outdoor adventures, and mild warm climate, not affected by hurricanes, Bonaire welcomes tourists from all ages and all interests.