Bonaire consists of three distinct landscapes: the hilly north, the central region with its stepped limestone terraces, and the flat southern area with its enchanting salt pans, azure-colored lagoon, and unique mangrove forest vegetation. The landscape of Bonaire is highly varied. It is recommended to explore the island's diversity by bike, on foot, or by car.
Explore the beautiful landscape of Bonaire by bike.
Tip! Cycle around the island!
Do you want to fully enjoy the diverse landscapes of Bonaire? Then be sure to consider cycling around the island. It's best to do this over two days, so you have plenty of time to, for example, take a dip in the azure blue sea along the way. Not feeling very sporty? Then rent a car, for instance, from the local rental company AB Car Rental. Read our review about AB Car Rental.
The entire northern tip of Bonaire is part of the Washington Slagbaai National Park, covering an area of over 6,000 hectares. This hilly terrain with its cactus forests, rugged rock formations, saliñas (salt flats), and limestone caves is home to many unique plants and animals. Common and easy-to-spot animals include scurrying lizards, majestic iguanas, and some of the most colorful birds. Bonaire's highest peak, Mount Brandaris (240 meters high) is located within the park. Climbing this 'mountain' is a fun challenge, especially since the final section is quite steep. The view from the top is absolutely stunning!
The hilly and green landscape of the Washington Slagbaai National Park.
The northern part of Bonaire is also the greenest area of the island, despite the fact that free-roaming goats constantly graze on young shoots of trees and plants. Additionally, humans have carried out unchecked deforestation in the area for centuries. In particular brazilwood, a type of wood used in paint production, was harvested extensively in this region.
The central part of Bonaire, known as the cunucu, stretches between Rincon and Kralendijk and is characterized by limestone terraces. This area resembles a Wild West-style landscape featuring towering cacti, succulents, rock formations, sand dunes and the iconic divi-divi trees shaped by the wind.
Bonaire's coastline has two distinct faces. On the west side there are narrow beaches often scattered with beautifully fossilized coral and smooth pebbles polished by ocean currents. On the east side, crashing waves and strong winds dominate the shore. The Caribbean Sea’s water and wind have sculpted the rocks into dramatic shapes. Along this side of the island barren limestone plateaus are interrupted by rugged boka's (inlets) with enchanting beaches.
1000 Steps Beach is a stunning beach located on the west coast of the island.
The climate on Bonaire is very dry and as a result there are no permanent rivers on the island. However, there are the so-called rooien, canyon-like valleys in the hilly landscape that fill with water during the rainy season. The word rooi is derived from the Spanish word arroyo (creek).
From the south of Kralendijk Bonaire becomes flat, with the entire southern tip of the island lying at sea level. Here the world-famous salt pyramids rise among the vast salt pans of Bonaire.
Salt pans are artificial salt lakes (basins) used for salt extraction. A salt pan is an inland lake where water can flow in but cannot flow out. Since the water can only disappear through evaporation, the salt concentration in the remaining water becomes increasingly higher. If the water supply is less than the rate of evaporation, all the water will eventually disappear. This leaves behind a salt flat where the salt can then be harvested.
This salt is temporarily stored in the salt pyramids before the "white gold" is shipped to America for further processing. The reflection of the Caribbean sun on the salt pyramids creates a fascinating scattering of light, producing a spectrum of colors that is a true treat for the human eye. In addition to the salt pans in the south, the southeast of Bonaire is also home to an enchanting lagoon, bordered by a unique mangrove vegetation.
Salt extraction on Bonaire.
Unlike Aruba and Saba, Bonaire has never experienced large-scale mining. On Aruba, tens of thousands of kilos of gold were extracted. Meanwhile on Saba sulfur was discovered. And for years, the enchanting yellow-hued 'non-metal' was chipped away from the sulfur mine.
The gold rush on Aruba began after a shepherd boy found gold in 1824 near Rooi Fluit and Rooi Daimari on the northern coast. The search for gold lasted for decades, bringing a significant boost to Aruba's prosperity. During that time many holes, pits, elevators, and shafts were dug on this Leeward Island. The gold industry on Aruba met its final end shortly after World War I. Unfortunately, mining also comes with many downsides. Mining can lead to severe landscape degradation and the disruption of fragile ecosystems.
Bonaire also possesses various minerals that are becoming increasingly important for the island, such as sand, dolerite (dolerite is an igneous rock also known as diabase), and limestone. These minerals are used in the construction of houses, roads and other infrastructure.
Bonaire is set to experience significant growth in the coming years. Many more homes, roads, and other facilities will be built. As a result, there will be a great demand for raw materials. Some of these materials can be supplied by the diving island itself.
Policy makers in Kralendijk are therefore actively working on developing policies and legislation on this matter. It is important to manage the distribution of raw materials in a responsible and sustainable way in the coming years. This is essential to prevent landscape degradation or serious disruption of fragile ecosystems.
With the amazing all inclusive formula of Plaza Resort you can enjoy Bonaire unlimited!
Read moreAre you looking for a flight to Bonaire? At Kiwi.com, you'll find cheap flights that you won't find anywhere else.
Book here!Are you going to dive on Bonaire? Then you definitely need a car! Rent a car at AB Car Rental!
The best activities on Bonaire can be easily booked at home online at Viator!
Read moreAre you going to Bonaire and are you looking for a reliable car rental company? Then AB Car Rental is an excellent partner. Of course with $ 0.00 deductible! Check the rates!
From personal experience we can heartily recommend this hotel. This hotel has a great all inclusive. Delicious cocktails at the bar, a barbecue on the beach or another themed dinner, we really enjoyed it. The rooms are spacious, very comfortable and the staff is super friendly. The house reef is a few steps from your room. It's great, while snorkeling we even saw a turtle there! We will definitely be back. More info & Book now at Agoda!
Are you looking for a hotel or resort at Bonaire? Check out great deals at booking.com!
Do you want to go snorkelling on Bonaire with a guide? You will see the most beautiful colorful fish and maybe even a sea turtle. Snacks, drinks and snorkeling equipment are included! Book this tour with Viator. Rated with 5.0 / 5.0 stars. More info and reservation
Would you like to be rewarded for your hotel stay on Bonaire? Check the hotels at Hotels.com. Visit Hotels.com
Are you going on vacation to Bonaire? Whether you're looking for a flight ticket, hotel, tour or rental car, your journey starts with Trip.com!
Do you like to explore Bonaire? Book your favorite tour at Get Your Guide!