Klein Bonaire
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Lac Bay
Horse Ranch Bonaire
Washington Park
Mangazina Di Rei
Jibe City
Donkey Sanctuary
At Sea
Bonaire Musts
The tiny, uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, which lies just half a mile off the coast of Bonaire, is an untouched natural paradise. The island remains undeveloped, despite many attempts at development over the years, thanks to the work of the Foundation for the Preservation of Klein Bonaire, and is a wildlife haven, serving as a nesting ground for turtles and sometimes flamingos. The trip to the island is a definite must do for nature lovers and others alike.
Bonaire is home to one of the Caribbean’s most amazing and well-preserved mangrove forests, known as Lac Bay. Visitors can travel through this serene forest on a kayak or even in a solar boat. The scenery of the lush vegetation around you and crystal water below is simply stunning. In addition to the boating offered at Lac Bay, there are also some great places for snorkeling and windsurfing.
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For an absolutely unforgettable experience, schedule a visit to Horse Ranch Bonaire, where you will discover the beauty of the island and its beaches on horseback. As you ride along the beaches and other spectacular terrain, you can even guide your horse into the water and go for a swim, on horseback!
In the northern part of Bonaire, you will find an incredible national park known as Washington Park. The park was established as a protected area in 1969 on the land that was previously used for two major plantations known as Washington and Slagbaai, which supplied salt, aloe extract, charcoal, goats and other products for export to Curacao and Europe. Today, Washington Park provides a spectacular natural habitat to be enjoyed by the people of Bonaire and visitors to the island.
One of the most unforgettable experiences, and a definite must do is to visit Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire-home to over 400 donkeys. These friendly donkeys have made Bonaire their home for hundreds of years, and in 1993 the Donkey Sanctuary was established to provide a safe home for the island’s donkeys as well as a source of enjoyment for visitors to island.
Bonaire’s Butterfly Garden is truly a sight to behold and an experience that should be enjoyed by all visitors to the island. Walk through the picturesque gardens and take in the beauty of these magical creatures as they flutter about in the air and undergo the incredible transformation process from caterpillar to butterfly. The garden’s scenic pools are also home to some spectacular Koi carp.
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Butterfly Garden
For a wonderful dining experience, with incredible ocean views, visitors will definitely want to check out At Sea, located right on the boulevard of Bonaire. The restaurant is located in a quaint little Bonairian house, which dates back to 1912 making for an authentic feel and great ambience. The food is absolutely delicious as well!
History lovers and others alike will not want to miss Mangazina di Rei, the second oldest stone building in Bonaire, which was originally used during the time of slavery on the island to hold provisions for the enslaved and is now an open air museum complete with a series of historic houses and a picturesque botanical garden. The importance of the Mangazina to the history of the island and its people, as well as the sheer beauty of the site, make this an absolute must do.
Experienced windsurfers and those looking to try this incredible sport for the first time must check out Jibe City, a relaxed windsurfing center on the eastern coast of Bonaire. The center rents out top-of-the-line windsurf boards and offers lessons from experienced instructors. Words cannot describe the thrill you will feel gliding across the surface of the clear blue sea with the wind at your back.
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Rooi Lamoenchi Reserve
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One of the lesser known jewels of Bonaire, famous for coral reefs, mangroves and pink flamingo, is the Rooi Lamoenchi Reserve. The privately owned reserve bears testimony to the unspoiled wilderness of the island. Take an afternoon off from surfing and enjoy the quiet beauty of the nature trails amidst the cactus and aloe vera plantation.