What are the best activities on Bonaire?

There are plenty of fun activities to do on Bonaire, but what are the must-sees during your vacation on this tropical island? Below is our personal top 10 of the best activities to do on Bonaire.

1. Snorkelen bij 1000 Steps

Snorkeling is a must when you're on vacation in Bonaire, but snorkeling at the popular 1000 Steps Beach is an unforgettable experience. This spot offers stunning coral and a variety of beautiful fish swimming by. Almost every time we snorkeled here, we saw multiple sea turtles. It's also a fantastic place for diving. For us personally, 1000 Steps is the best snorkeling spot on Bonaire.

• Book a snorkeling excursion by boat directly with Viator (5.0 out of 5.0 stars).

We saw this sea turtle while snorkeling at 1000 Steps. Really awesome to see!

Luckily not 1000 steps

1000 Steps Beach is located at the bottom of a beautiful cliff, accessible via a stone staircase. The descent is quite long, but fortunately, the staircase doesn't actually have 1000 steps. If you're carrying a scuba tank on your back, the stairs will feel much heavier but the reward is well worth it once you're in the water.

2. Exploring Washington Slagbaai National Park by Car

The Washington Slagbaai National Park is a stunning nature reserve covering over 14,800 acres and occupying the entire northern tip of Bonaire. It is well worth exploring the park by car. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the hilly green landscape and breathtaking views. The park features two scenic driving routes. Choose the green route, which is 15 miles long and takes about 2 hours, or the yellow route, which is 22 miles long and takes approximately 3.5 hours. If you're renting a car, opt for a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as you'll definitely need it to navigate the rugged terrain.

• Reserve your four-wheel drive car at AB Car Rental.

Explore Washington Slagbaai National Park by car. This allows you to see much of the beauty of this natural area.

Recommended, 4.8 out of 5.0 stars!

Tip! Tour in Washington Slagbaai National Park on Bonaire

Hop in and explore Washington Slagbaai National Park with a 4-wheel drive, reaching places inaccessible by regular cars! The guide will take you to the most beautiful spots in the park, including secluded beaches and impressive blowholes. You'll go off-road as the guide introduces you to the stunning landscape and wildlife of this remarkable nature reserve. Transportation to and from the hotel, snacks, and lunch are all included. More info & booking

3. Diving

Diving in Bonaire is truly a unique and breathtaking experience. There’s a reason why Bonaire is known as "Diver’s Paradise." It offers one of the most stunning underwater landscapes in the world. The water is crystal clear with visibility often exceeding 100 feet, allowing you to fully enjoy the beautiful marine life. The island is home to an astonishing variety of coral species and a vibrant mix of tropical fish. The protected marine park helps ensure the underwater ecosystem remains healthy. Additionally, Bonaire offers easy shore access to most dive sites, making it an ideal destination for both beginner and experienced divers. Every dive adventure here promises an unforgettable experience!

The underwater world of Bonaire is beautiful!

4. A Day Trip to Klein Bonaire

Just half a mile off the coast of Kralendijk lies the beautiful coral island of Klein Bonaire. This small island is home to the most stunning sandy beach on Bonaire, No Name Beach, and an incredible underwater world. You can relax on the beach and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Had enough sunbathing? Take a swim or go snorkeling in the always-warm sea. The coral around Klein Bonaire is spectacular and sea turtles are often spotted swimming nearby. Spending a day on this island is highly recommended. Klein Bonaire is easy to reach by water taxi, or you can book an excursion to this tropical getaway.

• Book a water taxi to Klein Bonaire directly with Viator (rated 5.0 out of 5.0 stars)

Klein Bonaire is blessed with the most beautiful beach on the tropical island.

5. Kayaking in the Mangroves

Kayaking through the mangrove forests of Bonaire was an unforgettable experience for us. As we paddled through the narrow waterways surrounded by lush greenery, we spotted many animals, including exotic birds and fish. During the tour we also had the opportunity to snorkel. Since our guide shared interesting information about the importance of the mangroves for the environment and marine life, the kayaking experience was not only relaxing but also educational. Kayaking in Bonaire’s mangrove forests offers a unique combination of adventure, natural beauty and ecological awareness, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the island.

We enjoyed kayaking on Bonaire.

• This tour is popular, secure your spot on Viator! (4.5/5.0)

6. Semi-Submarine Experience to Klein Bonaire

From personal experience we know that the underwater world at Klein Bonaire is stunning. Want to see it without diving or snorkeling? You can! On this tour you'll take a semi-submarine to Klein Bonaire. The boat is partially submerged, allowing you to enjoy fish, coral and turtles without getting wet.

• Want to join this boat tour? Book it on Viator! (5.0/5.0)

7. Lagadishi Walking Trail

Do you enjoy hiking? Then the Lagadishi Walking Trail is a must! The trail starts at the entrance of Washington Slagbaai National Park and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. Part of the route follows the island’s rugged coastline. The highlight of this hike is the Suplado blowhole, an incredible sight to see. We’ve done this hike multiple times and each time we’re amazed by the beauty of the diverse landscape. Be sure to bring plenty of water and keep in mind that you need to handle the heat well if you plan to hike here.

The Suplado blowhole is located along the Lagadishi trail.

• Book the tour in Washington Slagbaai National Park with Get Your Guide! (4.8/5.0)

8. Exploring Bonaire by Bike

Exploring Bonaire by bike is an amazing experience. Fortunately there isn’t much traffic on the island and once you leave Kralendijk, you’ll hardly encounter any cars. Biking allows you to see Bonaire from a completely different perspective compared to driving. You’ll truly appreciate how diverse and beautiful the island is. Bonaire is just a bit too large to cycle around in a single day, especially since you'll want to stop along the way to take in the scenery. Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear so you can cool off and admire Bonaire’s stunning underwater world.

Explore Bonaire by bike and take in the beauty of this tropical island.

Recommended, 5 stars!

Tip! Bike Through Bonaire!

Explore all of Bonaire on a mountain bike! With a mountain bike, you can reach the most beautiful spots, even places that are inaccessible by car. It's the perfect way to fully enjoy the island. Whether you prefer an active ride or a relaxed pace, you set your own speed. Rent a mountain bike for as long as you like—even for just one day. If needed, the bike can be delivered to your location. You can book your bike online through Viator, a partner of the well-known TripAdvisor. Book before your trip to Bonaire to ensure your bike is ready upon arrival.More info & Booking

9. Sailing on Bonaire

The conditions on Bonaire are perfect for a fun sailing trip. There’s almost always a breeze and if you happen to fall into the water it’s no big deal. Don’t know how to sail yet? We recommend taking a sailing lesson. We had never sailed before, but after just one lesson at the Bonaire Sailing School (BSSA) we got the hang of it quickly. The day of sailing turned out to be even more fun than expected, and it’s a great change of pace from diving or snorkeling.

It's great fun to sail in the waters around Bonaire.

Aanrader, 5 sterren!

Tip! Lunch and Snorkel Cruise on a Catamaran

If you prefer a guided sailing experience on Bonaire, you can join a sailing and snorkeling tour. Relax on the deck of the sailboat as you cruise to some of the best snorkeling spots. A guide is on board to tell you about the fish you see while snorkeling. Who knows, you might even spot a sea turtle! Meanwhile, the chef prepares lunch and drinks, which are included in the price. What an unforgettable day!More info & Booking

10. An afternoon in Kralendijk

Kralendijk is tiny but definitely worth spending an afternoon exploring. We personally enjoy strolling along the waterfront promenade (Kaya J.N.E. Craane). The boulevard is quite long and there’s plenty to see along the way. You’ll pass by the harbor and if you look into the sea, you’ll often spot beautiful, colorful fish swimming near the shore. You’re almost guaranteed to see the vibrant parrotfish. Kralendijk has a few shops where you can find fun souvenirs, and there’s no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafés. One thing you absolutely must do is grab an ice cream at GIO’s. Their ice cream is top-notch and tastes incredible. Whenever we’re in Bonaire, we almost always stop by for a scoop every day. It’s that good!