Does your Caribbean cruise include a port of call on Bonaire? The southern Caribbean island is famous for its spectacular beaches, enchanting landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant underwater ecosystem. But with so many activities and a limited time in port, how can you make the most of your cruise day?
Bonaire is famous for being a diver’s paradise. However, there is more to the island than diving or snorkeling. The island has a nature conservation area, a flamingo reserve, and stunning pink salt parks. Additionally, the capital city, Kralendijk, also has colorful streets and excellent examples of Dutch colonial architecture.
How can you plan a dream cruise day on this stunning Caribbean island? In this article, I’ve reviewed the top attractions and shore excursions for cruise passengers on Bonaire. Please read on to learn how to enjoy the best the island has to offer.
Where is Bonaire?
Bonaire is a small island in the southern Caribbean Sea, 50 miles (80 km) north of Venezuela. Along with Aruba and Curaçao, it forms part of the ABC Islands and the Caribbean Netherlands region. The island is also an overseas territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Bonaire is primarily flat apart from the hilly terrain and sand dunes on the island’s northern part, which features a national park. The south side is flat with salt pans, which attract many water birds. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and undisturbed coral reefs, making it one of the best diving destinations in the world.
The island’s capital and main town is Kralendijk, with a population of around 10,000. The town’s name means “coral reef or dike” in Dutch, reflecting the island’s rich marine life and natural beauty.
Map of Bonaire
Discovering Bonaire
Bonaire offers a range of activities for cruise visitors. The island is relatively small—only 111 square miles (287 square km)—so most attractions and excursion destinations are close to the cruise terminal. Therefore, you can easily plan activities like exploring the pristine beaches, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, visiting historical sites, and spending time in Kralendijk.
Where Is the Bonaire Cruise Port Located?
The Bonaire Cruise Port is on the island’s west side, in the heart of the capital city, Kralendijk. Also called Cruisehaven, it is near Bonaire International Airport (also called Flamingo Airport) and opposite the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire.
Where Cruise Ships Dock in Bonaire
Cruise ships visiting Bonaire dock at one of two piers located in the heart of Kralendijk—the Southern Pier or the Northern Pier. Historically, up to three full-sized cruise ships could dock simultaneously, with larger cruise ships typically assigned to the Southern Pier when two are docked.
Bonaire’s One Ship Policy
To enhance the visitor experience and prevent overcrowding, Bonaire has implemented a “one ship policy.” This policy primarily allows only one large cruise ship to dock at a time. However, small ships with less than 700 passengers are permitted as a second ship. This strategic approach ensures a more intimate and manageable experience for tourists, allowing visitors easy access to local shops, dining, and cultural attractions, all within walking distance from the piers.
Northern pier
The Northern Pier has exit gates that open directly onto the sea promenade, directly opposite the Bonaire Arts and Crafts Cruise Market in Wilhelmina Plaza. Here, you can explore a variety of local souvenirs, crafts, artwork, and authentic handmade items, all set against a backdrop of lively market buzz. Just a 3-minute walk away is the historic Fort Oranje, known as Fort Orange, and the main shopping street, Kaya Grandi, where the island’s rich history and vibrant culture come alive.
Southern pier (Cruisehaven)
Most cruise ships in Bonaire dock at the Southern Pier, which has a small terminal. Harborside Mall in the terminal area has various shops selling handicrafts, authentic souvenirs, art, and crafts. The cruise dock exit opens onto Kaya C.E.B. Hellmund Street. It’s only a short walk to Fort Oranje and downtown Kralendijk.
Amenities at Bonaire Cruise Port
The southern pier at the Bonaire Cruise Ship Dock has limited facilities when disembarking from the ship. It has stalls with clothing, jewelry, gifts, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. You will also find a few restaurants. The terminal area is clean and well-maintained. Chachacha Beach is beside the cruise port.
How to Get Around Bonaire
The best way to explore Bonaire is by taxi. You’ll find plenty of licensed cabs at the cruise terminal exits. It’s important to note that the island has no public bus service. Downtown Kralendijk is beside the terminal, so you don’t need a shuttle bus to get around.
Taxis from the cruise terminal: Taxi services in Bonaire are reasonably priced and reliable. The cabs are not metered, and drivers have set fares to specific destinations. Therefore, check the fare before the journey to avoid getting overcharged. Generally, it costs $25 per cab to get to the north or south of the island.
For those looking for more freedom to explore at their own pace, renting a car, bicycle, or scooter is a fantastic option. Rental services are available near the cruise port, offering a flexible way to discover more remote areas and hidden gems across the island.
Water taxi to Klein Bonaire: Several water taxi operators run regular services if you plan to spend the cruise day on Klein Bonaire. The taxis depart from Karel’s Beach Bar or Nautico Marina, 10 to 12 minutes on foot from the Bonaire Cruise Port. The return fare is $25, and the journey takes 20 minutes.
Spending a Cruise Day in Bonaire
You can enjoy a cruise day in Bonaire on one of the beautiful beaches, where you can relax, swim, and snorkel. Most beaches have bars and restaurants. However, if you want more adventure, there are excursions for hiking, snorkeling, windsurfing, exploring caves, and horseback riding.
You could stay close to the port in Kralendijk and soak up Dutch-Caribbean culture as you explore colonial buildings and parks. Of course, if you are looking for the ultimate relaxation, you can buy a day pass for one of the many luxurious beach resorts on the island.
Best Water Activities in Bonaire
Bonaire is famous for being the top diving destination in the Caribbean, if not the world. However, there are many options for snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or exploring the island on a boat tour. Let’s look in-depth at some of the best water activities in Bonaire.
Explore the Bonaire National Marine Park
Bonaire National Marine Park is a UNESCO-protected marine environment with 2,700 hectares of coral reefs and mangroves. The park includes the waters around Bonaire, including the uninhabited Klein Bonaire. It starts at the high tide water mark and extends to 200 ft. (60 m) deep.
This marine park is home to a diverse range of dive and snorkel sites, showcasing the stunning coral reef ecosystem of the Caribbean Sea. Highlights of the National Park include the following:
- Fifty varieties of stony coral
- More than 350 fish species
- Sea turtle nest sites on Bonaire beaches
- Turtle feeding area in Lac Bay
- Beautiful seagrass beds
- Mangrove forests and lagoons with black, red, white, and button mangroves
According to reports, the coral reefs around Bonaire are the least degraded in the entire Caribbean Sea and contain the most significant number of reef fish.
Scuba diving, snorkeling, boat trips, kayaking, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding are some ways to explore the marine park.
Scuba diving
Bonaire is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world, and for good reason. The island’s crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life make it a diver’s paradise. The entire coastline has a pristine underwater world teeming with colorful tropical fish, dense coral formations, sea turtles, and even sharks.
Several diving operators offer a range of diving excursions for divers of all experience levels. They can take you by boat to the best dive locations, like 1,000 Steps, Hilma Hooker, Salt Pier, Bari Reef, and Karpata. If you want to try diving for the first time, you can try the “Discover Scuba” experience to learn the basics.
It’s important to note that cruise passengers who go scuba diving or snorkeling in the Bonaire National Marine Park don’t have to pay nature fees. All you need to show is your cruise ID card.
Boat trip and snorkeling in the coral reef
Snorkeling in the pristine coral reefs surrounding Bonaire is an unforgettable experience. You get to explore coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove lagoons, where the most extensive variety of marine life in the Caribbean lives. You may see colorful tropical fish, dense coral formations, sea turtles, and stingrays.
Many local operators offer snorkeling boat trips to the best spots on the island, including Klein Bonaire. Depending on the type of excursion, the snorkeling experience could include any of the following:
- Boat travel to one or more snorkeling locations
- Clear bottom kayaking and snorkeling in mangroves at Lac Bay
- All-inclusive catamaran snorkel trips that include grilled seafood and an open bar
- Snorkeling using sea scooters
- Snorkel excursions that include other attractions like the salt flats, private beaches, and swimming in caves
Paddleboarding (Stand Up Paddleboard – SUP)
Paddleboarding in Bonaire offers a relaxing way to explore the crystal-clear waters and stunning marine life. Beautiful bays with calm waters, coral reefs, and gorgeous scenery allow for the perfect SUP experience on your cruise day. Several water sports centers are in Kralendijk, within walking distance from the cruise pier.
Windsurfing at Lac Bay
Lac Bay is the most popular windsurfing spot on Bonaire. It is located 20 minutes from the cruise port and has year-round, ideal wind and water conditions. The large bay has constant onshore trade winds and a shallow, sandy bottom. You can rent equipment and take lessons from local instructors to enhance your skills and enjoy the thrill of gliding across the water.
The best months for windsurfing in Lac Bay are February through August, when wind speeds average 15 to 25 knots. However, at other times of the year, you can enjoy average wind speeds of 10 to 20 knots. The secluded, protected bay with mangroves is also ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking.
Kitesurfing at Atlantis Kite Beach
If you love the thrill of gliding across the water and launching high into the air, kitesurfing at Atlantis Kite Beach is the ideal destination. The island’s southwest shore enjoys perfect wind conditions and crystal-clear, shallow waters. Also, Atlantis Beach is the only approved shore access for kiteboarding on Bonaire.
If you’ve never tried kiteboarding, experienced kitesurfers provide lessons to teach you the basics. They provide detailed instructions and safety gear to ensure you enjoy your cruise day. After your adrenaline-pumping experience, you can unwind on the sandy beach. There are no food or beverage outlets at the beach.
Explore the Caribbean Sea in a semi-submarine
Exploring Bonaire’s marine life doesn’t require getting wet! A ride in the Bon Sea semi-submarine offers a remarkable way to witness the breathtaking underwater world. Partly submerged, this vessel features air-conditioned comfort and spacious interiors, ideal for enjoying views of colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and vibrant coral reefs.
Let’s face it—not everyone wants to get wet on their cruise day. However, the stunning world-class marine world around Bonaire’s National Marine Park is too good to miss. The Bon Sea lets you explore the crystal-clear Caribbean waters without getting in the water.
Take a mangrove kayak excursion
Book a guided kayak excursion at Lac Bay to enjoy the stunning mangrove habitats of Bonaire. Here, you can paddle through the finest mangrove forests in the Caribbean. As you navigate the maze of mangrove tunnels, you will see a diverse array of tropical birds and marine life. You may see flamingos, herons, and other wildlife.
Many mangrove excursions at Lac Bay include snorkeling opportunities to get up close to coral reefs and tropical fish and marvel at the seagrass meadows. You may even see juvenile green turtles that forage in the mangroves. Lac Bay is a 20-minute drive from the cruise pier.
Catamaran excursion around Bonaire
A catamaran excursion is one of the best ways to explore Bonaire’s stunning coastline. In the luxury of a catamaran, you can admire the sandy beaches of the island’s west coast and then be awestruck at the rugged coastline of the east coast. You will see secluded coves, rough cliffs, and natural bridges.
Traveling around Bonaire on a catamaran lets you explore the top snorkeling spots. You can relax on the spacious deck, soak up the warm Caribbean sun, and feel the gentle sea breeze on your face. Many catamaran tours also offer lunch and drinks throughout the journey and a beach break.
Glass-bottom boat reef tour to Klein Bonaire
A tour of the island’s coral reefs on a glass-bottom boat is a relaxing way to spend a cruise day. Experienced guides take you to the famous spots around the island and Klein Bonaire so that you can marvel at vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, colorful coral reefs, and other marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Island boat tours are well-suited for cruise passengers. They typically last a few hours, allowing you to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Bonaire’s coastline. Depending on the tour operator, the tour may include several stop-off points for snorkeling and swimming. However, you can choose to stay dry on the boat.
Spend the day on Klein Bonaire
Klein Bonaire is a small, uninhabited island off Bonaire’s coast, near Kralendijk. The island is famous for its tranquil white-sand beaches, stunning coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters with excellent visibility. It’s a popular spot for snorkeling and has abundant scuba diving opportunities. There are also hiking trails to explore the island’s flora and fauna.
A water taxi takes 15 to 20 minutes to arrive from Kralendijk to Klein Bonaire. The best way to enjoy the pristine beaches is to relax under a cabana or palapa.
Klein Bonaire is also home to turtle nesting grounds. You can book a trip to accompany experts who monitor newly hatched turtles. Whether you choose to unwind on the beach, snorkel in the coral reefs, or watch turtle hatching, Klein Bonaire offers a unique and unforgettable experience on a cruise day.
Deep-sea fishing
Several fishing charters in Bonaire offer 4- to 6-hour deep-sea fishing excursions. The island’s location in the southern Caribbean offers easy access to deep waters teeming with fish. On your fishing trip, you can hope to land marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. You also get the chance to swim and snorkel from the boat.
Depending on the tour operator, the trip may include cold drinks, beer, and snacks. Typically, all rods and fishing gear are included. Many tour guides fillet the fish on board, ready for barbecuing back on dry land. Most fishing charters operate from Kralendijk, so you will find one near the cruise port.
The Best Things to Do on a Cruise Day in Bonaire
Plenty of activities and shore excursions are available if you prefer staying on dry land during your cruise day in Bonaire. The island has a national park, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation centers, and historical villages. One of the most spectacular sites is the salt pans on the island’s south side.
Tour the Washington Slagbaai National Park
One of the popular shore excursions on Bonaire is to explore the beauty of Washington Slagbaai National Park. This protected area covers 23 square miles (59 square km) and is home to diverse ecosystems. Tours of the park include stunning viewpoints, pristine beaches, natural bridges, lighthouses, blowholes, deserted bays, and huge cacti.
Initially inhabited by the Caiquetio Indians, the park is the first nature sanctuary in the Dutch Caribbean. You learn about the island’s cultural heritage, flora, and fauna during your excursion. While touring the park, look out for flamingos, donkeys, iguanas, goats, and local birdlife. Most day excursions include lunch, snacks, and beverages.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding in Bonaire is a popular way to spend a relaxing cruise day. Shore excursions take you along scenic trails through the arid landscapes of the East Coast and end at Lagoon Bay. You can cool off here while riding the horse through the lagoon’s calm waters.
One of the most popular places for horseback riding is Rancho Washikemba, located 5 miles (8 km) from the cruise port. The horseback riding tour goes through picturesque terrain, including sandy beaches, cactus fields, and coastal cliffs. As you ride along, take in the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and the rugged coastline.
Bonaire cave tour
Exploring caves on a cruise day in Bonaire is a thrilling underground adventure. The most famous cave system is in the Karst Natuurreservaat. Entering the caves, you can marvel at the unique limestone formations, chambers, stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. You can also see ancient cave inscriptions and paintings.
The excursion requires some climbing and navigating through tricky terrain, and temperatures can rise underground, so bringing a small towel is advisable. Some tours also offer snorkeling and swimming in the mesmerizing underground pools. Near the caves, don’t miss the ‘Longest Tree of Bonaire,’ stretching an impressive 92 feet (28 meters) in length horizontally, shaped by the constant Eastern Trade winds. This unique growth pattern makes it a standout feature of the local landscape, a testament to the resilience of nature in adapting to harsh environments.
Bonaire bird photography tours
Bonaire is home to a wide range of exotic and tropical bird species. If birdwatching is your thing, the island is an avian paradise.
Bird photography tours to the island’s south coast let you see flamingos, ospreys, herons, egrets, and terns. You could encounter crested caracaras, seabirds, warblers, flycatchers, and yellow-shouldered parrots on birdwatching tours to the north. Even if you don’t have a great camera, the tour guide can photograph birds spotted on the excursion for you to download later.
Land sailing adventures
Blokart land sailing is one of the most exhilarating and fun experiences on a cruise day in Bonaire. The island’s flat, open landscapes and tropical easterly winds make it ideal for land sailing. What’s more, no experience is necessary, as instructions are provided. It’s safe and fun, and you can completely control your speed.
Imagine racing across the sandy beaches, feeling the rush of the wind as you navigate the terrain. Land sailing is a unique way to experience Bonaire’s natural beauty and enjoy an unforgettable adventure during your cruise stop. Bonaire Landsailing Adventures is 7 miles (11 km) from the cruise port on the East Coast.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and exciting activity in Bonaire, consider adding land sailing to your itinerary. It’s an experience you won’t forget and a fantastic way to make the most of your visit to this Caribbean paradise.
Visit the historic Rincon village
Rincon is the oldest village in the former Netherlands Antilles. Dating back to the 16th century, it features a delightful blend of colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and quaint cobblestone streets. Strolling through the village immerses you in Caribbean culture and transports you to a bygone era.
Rincon is in a valley, which gave Spanish settlers a strategic location to avoid pirate attacks. The hills around the village provide superb vantage points to look out over the western and eastern sides of the Caribbean Sea, and you can get spectacular views of the island and the Caribbean Sea here.
Here are some things to do when visiting Rincon:
Visit the Cadushy Distillery: This small but charming distillery is known for producing the island’s famous Cadushy liqueur—the world’s only liqueur made from cactus plants. During a distillery tour, you will learn about the distillation process and sample some of their unique spirits, including spiced rum and Caribbean whisky.
Explore the Mangazina di Rei Museum: Located in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, this small museum offers insight into Bonaire’s cultural heritage. Learn about the island’s history, traditions, and the role of Rincon as the oldest settlement on the island.
Discover Plaza Padu: This central square in Rincon is a vibrant hub of local culture. Stroll along the colorful streets and browse the local market for artisan crafts and fresh produce. You may also be treated to live music and traditional dances.
Visit Echo’s Conservation Center
Close to Rincon Village is Echo’s Conservation Center. This educational center is dedicated to protecting Bonaire’s native charismatic parrots—yellow-shouldered Amazon parrots. Learn about their conservation efforts, observe these beautiful birds up close, and contribute to their breeding program to protect this endangered species.
Donkey Sanctuary
Opened in 1993, the Bonaire donkey sanctuary cares for more than 800 injured, sick, and orphaned donkeys. You can drive among the donkeys and feed them. There is also a garden with flamingos, iguanas, and tortoises, as well as a view over the salt lake. The sanctuary is a 10 minute drive from Kralendijk.
Marvel at the Bonaire Salt Park
Bonaire is famous for its salt flats, with towering pyramids and beautiful pink lakes. Driving 20 minutes south from the bustling cruise port, you see huge white salt pyramids 50 feet (15 m) high. Guided tours tell you about the salt production process and how the salt pans of Bonaire originated.
The lake water turns intensely pink due to microorganisms that flourish in high-salinity waters. The single-cell membranes have red pigments, which give the crystals in the lakes a pinkish-red color. The evaporation process takes 10 to 12 months, leaving behind pure sea salt.
The pink microorganisms are also why Caribbean flamingos that feed at the lakes are the most vibrantly colored species in the world.
Visit the Pekelmeer flamingo sanctuary
Visit the flamingo sanctuary located in Bonaire for a truly unforgettable experience. The Pekelmeer Sanctuary is one of four flamingo breeding grounds in the world. With over 10,000 flamingos, beholding the pink, elegant birds in their natural environment is a wonder. The sanctuary is 10 miles (16 km) south of the cruise port.
It’s good to note that you cannot get up close to the flamingos in the pink lakes. So make sure to bring good binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens to observe the birds. You may also spot cormorants, ospreys, and herons. The best time to see the flamingos is from January through July.
See the slave houses on Bonaire
At the southernmost tip of the island, beside the salt pans and the Caribbean Sea, are small huts that once housed slaves. The African slave huts date from the late 19th century and were for slaves and criminals who worked at the salt pans and plantations. Guided tours tell about this dark chapter in the island’s past.
The slave houses are around 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall with no windows and a tiny door. Sometimes, up to six enslaved people would occupy a single hut. This sobering location gives you a better understanding of the impact of slavery on the island and its people.
The slave huts are in two locations—the white slave huts are 8 miles (13 km) south of the cruise terminal, and the red slave huts are 2 miles (3.2 km) further south. You can combine visiting the houses with the salt pans and the flamingo sanctuary.
Walking Tour of Historical Sites in Kralendijk
If you want to spend your day in the port close to the terminal, Kralendijk has plenty to offer. Many colorful historical buildings are within walking distance of the terminal. You can immerse yourself in the fascinating Dutch-Caribbean culture unique to Bonaire.
Here are some landmarks to include when walking around Kralendijk:
Fort Oranje (Fort Orange)
Turn right along Kaya C.E.B. Hellmund from the South Pier to Fort Oranje. The yellow building dates back to 1639 and is the oldest building on the island. Fort Oranje has a 13-foot (4 m) high wall and four canons, but it was never used as a fort. The iconic stone lighthouse was built in 1932.
Terramar Museum
The Terramar Museum is a 4-minute walk along the promenade from Fort Orange. It offers a fascinating journey through 7,000 years of Caribbean history. This small museum has artifacts from the island’s first inhabitants through colonialism and slavery.
Best shopping close to the cruise port in Kralendijk
After the Terramar Museum, head along Kaya Grandi for the best shopping on the island. You’ll pass colorful green, yellow, orange, and blue buildings on this unique shopping boulevard. It’s also the best place to buy authentic souvenirs and gifts. On your way along the street, look out for the stunning, colorful buildings at nr. 38, 48, and 49.
The Commander’s Residence (Bestuurskantoor)
The Commander’s Residence is a stunning colonial-era building near the cruise terminal in Kralendijk, opposite Plaza Wilhelmina. The colorful building features distinctive Dutch architecture and an impressive staircase at the front. You can admire the building from the lush gardens.
St. Bernardus Church
St. Bernardus Church is opposite Wilhelmina Park (Plaza) in the center of Kralendijk. It stands out with its bright yellow color, triangular roof, and large bell tower at the side of the building.
The Van der Ree House (Bonaire Museum)
The Van der Ree House, also known as the Bonaire Museum of Natural History, offers insight into Bonaire’s prehistoric past. The small museum showcases artifacts from the island’s past, including old tools, shells, corals, and ancient Indian artifacts.
Try your luck in the barefoot casino
Try your luck in the barefoot casino at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort. This unique, laid-back gambling experience is a 6-minute walk from the cruise pier. Playing games at the casino gives you the bragging rights of being in the only barefoot casino in the world.
Located in the heart of Kralendijk, this cozy casino offers a variety of games and a relaxed atmosphere for you to enjoy. Put on your favorite flip-flops and enjoy a day of fun and excitement at the barefoot casino.
Best Beaches on Bonaire
With its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Bonaire is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. Here are some of the best beaches on the island, where you can easily snorkel from the shore and enjoy safe swimming.
Te Amo Beach
Te Amo Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach next to the International Airport. The public beach is a great snorkeling location because coral reefs and tropical fish are close to the shore. A food truck is usually nearby, so you can grab a beer or a light lunch before returning to the ship. Bring your own snorkel gear for a great underwater experience.
No Name Beach on Klein Bonaire
No Name Beach is a stunning, secluded sandy beach on an uninhabited island with crystal-clear turquoise waters. This tranquil beach offers a welcome escape from the cruise crowds, perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun. It’s also a top snorkeling destination. Access the beach by water taxi from Kralendijk.
Sorobon Beach
Sorobon Beach is a popular beach on Bonaire, located 15 minutes away from the cruise dock. It features shallow, crystal-clear blue waters, steady trade winds, and shade from palm trees. Facilities at the beach include showers, restrooms, and WiFi. You can also go snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming, or have a beachside massage.
Lac Cai Beach
Across the bay from Sorobon Beach is the stunning Lac Cai Beach. This is one of the quieter beaches on the southern coast. The shallow, warm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You are also close to the mangroves if you want to explore them during your cruise day beach break.
1,000 Steps Beach
1,000 Steps Beach is a stunning, secluded spot 6 miles (9.6 km) north of the cruise pier in Bonaire. It’s known for its crystal clear waters and 67 limestone steps—thankfully, not 1,000—leading down to the shore. Close to the beach is a fantastic coral reef inhabited by surgeonfish, parrotfish, turtles, and filefish. The beach offers excellent snorkeling opportunities and is a popular spot for sunbathing and relaxing.
Donkey Beach
Donkey Beach is a hidden gem with calm waters and soft white sand, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. This secluded spot offers excellent snorkeling opportunities and stunning almond tree blossoms in the spring. Its name comes from the number of wild donkeys that used to assemble at the beach. This public beach has plenty of shaded areas to enjoy a fun beach break on your cruise day.
Spend a Cruise Day in an Exclusive Beach Club
Spending a cruise day at an exclusive beach resort is one of the best ways to relax and unwind. A day pass lets you indulge in the club’s amenities and facilities. Many offer an all-inclusive menu, snorkeling gear, and beach chairs. Here are some of the best beach clubs close to Kralendijk:
Divi Flamingo Resort
Divi Flamingo Resort offers a luxurious and relaxing experience for cruise visitors to Bonaire. The day pass gives you access to a pristine beach, swimming pool, beach chair, and shower. You must pay extra for food and beverages and snorkel gear rental. The resort is in the heart of Kralendijk, 5 minutes on foot from the cruise pier.
Eden Beach Resort
Nestled along the idyllic shores of Bonaire, the Eden Beach Resort offers a tranquil escape on a cruise day. You can enjoy pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and the swimming pool. Depending on the package, you can have a private cabana. You can also hire snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks.
Ocean Oasis Beach Club
The shabby-chic Ocean Oasis Beach Club is located 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Kralendijk. A day pass gives you access to lounge beds, a pristine white beach, a cabana, and towels. The club also has a restaurant serving fresh seafood and locally sourced produce. Here, you can unwind on the beach or go snorkeling in the turquoise waters.
Sorobon Luxury Beach Club
The Sorobon Beach Club offers cruise passengers a luxurious experience on one of the best beaches in Bonaire. Located on the edge of the stunning Lac Bay lagoon, the exclusive club offers a range of water activities. You can relax in one of the beach houses or enjoy a cocktail or seafood lunch at the Reef Bar. The club also offers massages, kayaking, catamaran trips, and yoga.
Bonaire Cruise Port: FAQs
Are cruise passengers required to purchase the STINAPA Nature Fee for water activities?
Cruise passengers don’t have to pay the STINAPA nature fee for exploring the island’s national parks or coral reefs. All you need to do is show your cruise ID to verify your status. This means you are free to enjoy any water activity on the island.
What is the best time to visit Bonaire?
The best time to visit Bonaire is between April and October during the offseason. During these months, prices are lower, and there are fewer crowds. The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) are outside the Caribbean Hurricane Belt, so severe storms are less likely to disrupt your cruise itinerary.
However, if your cruise also calls at other ports in the Western or Eastern Caribbean, the best time for a Caribbean cruise is during the dry season from mid-December to mid-April. This is when the weather is most pleasant for beach activities and exploring the islands. The temperatures are warm, and there is minimal rainfall during this time.
Which cruise lines call at Bonaire?
Several cruise lines call at Bonaire, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. These famous lines offer amazing cruise itineraries, including ports of call at many beautiful Caribbean islands, such as Bonaire, Aruba, and Curaçao.
Are Bonaire beaches public?
All Bonaire beaches are public. While some may be located near resorts or private properties, all are open to the public for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beautiful Caribbean waters. However, some resorts may still restrict access to areas of the beach.
Is Bonaire an expensive island?
Bonaire is relatively inexpensive, especially compared to other cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Compared to the rest of the ABC islands, Bonaire is the cheapest to visit. However, due to its popularity as a diving destination, some diving excursions can be expensive in the high season.
What language do locals speak in Bonaire?
Locals in Bonaire primarily speak Papiamento, a Creole language that combines elements of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and African languages. However, many locals also speak English and Dutch, as Bonaire is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Communication with tourists is generally easy due to the widespread knowledge of these languages.
What is the currency in Bonaire, and can I use US dollars?
The official currency in Bonaire is the U.S. dollar. Most tourist locations also accept major credit cards.
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