OVERVIEW

See the historical attractions in southern Bonaire on a panoramic drive and then relax at Sorobon Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand that juts far into Lac Bay. The Spaniards first gathered the island’s natural sea salt deposits to preserve meat in the 16th century, and salt is still collected in huge quantities as you will discover while pausing at the salt pyramids that line the coast. Nearby, you will see the huts where the African slaves that once worked the salt pans lived. At the island’s southern tip, you will find Willemstoren, the first lighthouse built on Bonaire. It dates to 1837. Heading up the immensely scenic eastern coast, you will soon arrive at Sorobon Beach, a popular windsurfing area because of the steady offshore breeze. The waters there are crystal-clear, relatively shallow and partially enclosed by a coral reef, so the setting is ideal for a relaxing beach break.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Marvel at the massive pyramids of salt that line the shore in southern Bonaire.
• View the island’s oldest lighthouse and former slave huts built around the salt pans.
• See the first lighthouse on Bonaire, which was built at the southern tip in 1837.
• Enjoy free time at Sorobon Beach, an idyllic setting on Lac Bay.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles.

Along the Northern and scenic coastline, Bonaire's legendary blue waters are a breath-taking scene. Fossils embedded in limestone are clear evidence of the island rising from the sea. The rustic landscape is packed full of huge candelabra cacti, 'Divi Divi' trees and a plethora of birds and wildlife make their home in this area.

Goto Lake, a natural salt water lake and a feeding ground for the flamingos, is one the most beautiful places on the island. Narrow tree lined country lanes will bring you to a drinking well for animals before arriving in Rincon Village. Hear ancient tales of this village built by Spanish explorers in the 14th century and make a stop at the Washington National Park.

At the entrance of the National Park, see a full-scale juvenile whale skeleton; visit the natural history plantation museum and the open-air exhibit for a peak into Bonaire’s heritage. Relax on the large covered terrace.

Onwards to the South, home to the salt Company and the flamingo protected nesting grounds. Learn how salt is produced today on Bonaire, and how the slaves mined it in the 17th century.

At the Slave Huts, see & touch history as you visit the original huts used as shelters by the slaves. The spectacular color contrasts of the Caribbean Sea

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Enjoy a leisurely tour to the Salt Flats and discover how salt is produced on Bonaire. Visit the 19th century Slave Huts and spot Bonaire's famously beautiful pink flamingo. Now for some fun in the sun, 'Chill Out' in the island breezes and bask in the sun with a refreshing beverage and snack.

Take a dip in the famous Bonaire National Marine Park or snorkel on Bonaire's world famous reefs. Laze on your beach chair where there is a beach bar that serves a nice selection of cocktails, beers, wine and food that are sure to please everyone.

Sail a magnificent Siamese junk to the unblemished oasis Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island known for its pristine beach and exceptional snorkeling. Cruise directly from the pier in a Zodiac boat, or a walk to the next pier, and within minutes you’ll arrive at the Samur, an authentic Siamese junk. Modeled after the well-known junks that sail throughout Asia, this 56-foot sailing vessel was hand-built in Thailand with beautiful wood-carved details.

After boarding the Samur and settling in, you’ll set off for the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, which lies due west of Kralendijk, well within sight. As the red sails catch the wind and you cruise the surrounding sea, you may feel that you have been transported back in time where sailing ships ruled the seas. En route, the captain will elaborate on the history of the Siamese Sailing Junk and what you will find at the reef located just off-shore from the island.

Upon arriving at Klein Bonaire, you’ll tender to the beach, where you’ll have time to snorkel directly off the beach, or head for nearby Ebo’s reef. The waters in both sites are typically calm and offer a spectacular array of marine life. You may see parrotfish, angelfish, sea horses and sea turtles, all gracefully swimming about undisturbed by your presence.

The beach at Klein Bonaire is just as impressive, as the island is completely undeveloped and the crystal-clear waters are protected as part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. Feel free to relax in whatever way you please. There’s no set schedule or need to rush. After approximately 1-hour, you will re-board the Samur and on the return trip, enjoy tropical fruits and rum punch.

Savor the flavors of Bonaire on this tour that showcases both the natural and man-made beauty of the island. After a drive through Kralendijk, you’ll travel along the scenic route up the coast for views of the ocean, huge candelabra cacti and mesquite trees. If you look to the west, you'll no doubt see the small and uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. Continue on to Goto Lake, a natural salt water lake and a feeding ground for the island's shy pink flamingos. Ride along narrow tree-lined country lanes which will bring you to Dos Pos (Two Wells), a natural drinking well for animals.

You’ll head into the heart of island towards the picturesque Rincon Valley, once home to the Arawak Indians. After explorer Amerigo Vespucci landed here in 1499, they were forced into slavery and taken to plantations in Hispaniola.

Later, slaves were brought here from Africa to work on the ranches and in the salt fields. As you drive through the village, your guide will point out sites of interest. You’ll be able to get a taste of the island with a visit to the popular outdoor venue, where you sample locally produced Cactus liqueur.

Continue your drive along the stunning east coast for views of the ocean and then travel south to the salt flats and mountains. Along the way your guide will explain how salt is produced today and how it was mined by the slaves in the 19th century. Visit the original slave huts which were used as shelters for the slaves working in the salt pans and see the cone shaped white salt mountains before, heading back to your cruise ship pier.

Snap selfies and plenty of other picture-perfect photos at the most scenic spots on Bonaire and really wow your followers on social media. The island’s natural beauty is spectacular and you will visit many of the most picturesque settings, including the idyllic beaches Chachacha and Te Amo near the port. If you wish, the guide will offer suggestions as to the best camera angles to capture the beauty of Bonaire.

One of the most panoramic inland views will be from the observation point on the hill Seru Largo in the center of the island. From there, you can see all the way to the salt pans on the coast, which you will soon visit for a much closer look. Two of the most historical sites are nearby—the huts of the slaves that once worked the salt pans and a 19th-century lighthouse, the oldest on Bonaire.

A different sort of beach setting awaits you at Sorobon, a stretch of sand that juts far into Lac Bay.

Discover Bonaire's capital from the seat of an emissions-free electric open air Tuk Tuk, Shuttle, which resembles a stretched-out golf-cart with rows of seats. Have a personal experience while you travel in a small group of maximum 7 persons and let your tour guide tell you all about the history, culture and local life on this beautiful island. See the candy-colored houses in the main street and see the island's largest church with its beautiful stained glass windows. Pause for the story about Captain Don, the legend of the island and founder of the diving industry and learn how inventive the locals have been with the use of cactus. End with a picturesque drive along the ocean boulevard, see the local fishing boats and the cannons and stone lighthouse at Fort Orange, a 17th century fortress, before returning to the ship.

If you are looking for an off-road adventure to experience Bonaire’s hidden sites, this is the tour for you! Your adventure begins the moment you meet your safari guide and board the Big Foot Unimog. Equipped with 4WD, high ground clearance and a full sun shade, this rugged vehicle is the perfect way to explore off road sites. Along the sprawling desert terrain of the east coast, spectacular giant cacti dot the landscape while ocean waves crash and spray the coastline.

Expertly driven through narrow dirt and mud trails, your safari guide will show you watering holes, flamingos wadding through mangroves, goats and donkeys grazing in the countryside, offering you several great photo opportunities! Tranquil shallow waters await you at Sorobon Beach, as well as a refreshing drink. You can also choose to remain longer and spend some time relaxing at the beach, or return directly to the ship. Bring a camera and bring the whole family, they’ll love it!

Discover the beauty of Bonaire on this 4x4 Adventure. You’ll be met at the pier by your driver guide, before heading off to the east coast for your off-road adventure. This side of the island offers a more rugged coastline, which you’ll discover, when you go off-road. See giant cactus trees and look out for wild donkeys, parrots and iguanas along the way. Afterwards, your journey will take you to Sorobon Beach, before heading back on-road along the south coast.

En route, a photo stop will be made so you can see the old slave huts that housed the workers of the salt mines. You’ll then continue to view the snow white salt flat mounds. Here, you may be lucky enough to see some of the island's pink flamingos. Your guide will provide you with some interesting facts on the salt production in the area, before your return drive to the pier. During your tour, a complimentary bottle of water will be offered.

OVERVIEW

Race around a specially designed track in a three-wheeled wind-powered vehicle that offers the thrill of sailing but on land. On the way there, you will watch a video that explains the basics of landsailing, an exhilarating activity that started in Europe in the late 19th century. During the briefing that follows, you will learn even more about this unique sport and get tips that will help you maximize the experience. You will then ease into your own Blokart®, a vehicle whose trade name refers to the blowing wind and its resemblance to a go-kart. If you prefer, you can opt for a Blokart that holds two people. Either way, you will be surprised by easy it is to maneuver around the wide sandy track that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Go as fast as you like because it is easy to control the speed, which can top out at three times the wind velocity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive a three-wheeled wind-powered vehicle known as a Blokart around a seaside track.
• Be surprised by how easy it is to operate the open-air vehicle.
• Enjoy an exhilarating ride as you race around at a speed that you find comfortable.
• Download complimentary pictures of your ride later that day.
• Pass an area where flamingoes often congregate on the return drive to Kralendijk.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Drive your own electric mini-car around Bonaire with stops along the way to experience local life and to behold the island’s stunning natural beauty. After a briefing to ensure that you are comfortable driving a Fiat Topolino, you will follow the guide in a convoy of these tiny, zero-emission vehicles. The views will be spectacular as you travel up the coast to Goto Lake, a favorite gathering place for pink-plumed flamingos. In the nearby village of Rincon – which the Spanish founded in 1499 – you will drop by Cadushy distillery for an enlightening behind-the-scenes tour and to sample its unique cactus liqueur. You will also visit Gruta di Lourdes, an outdoor church built into the rock that has become a Catholic pilgrimage site as it resembles the famed grotto in Lourdes, France, that is said to have healing powers. You will enjoy yet another perspective of Bonaire from atop Seru Largu, the island’s highest accessible point.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive throughout Bonaire in your own Fiat Topolino, a tiny electric vehicle.
• See some of the island’s most beautiful coastal areas and perhaps flamingos at Goto Lake.
• Enjoy an insider’s look at Cadushy distillery and taste its bright-green cactus liqueur.
• Pause at a cave with a statue of the Virgin Mary that has become a pilgrimage site.
• Gaze out over Bonaire from the Seru Largu lookout point.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes is mandatory, no flip flops or crocs.

Pedal along Bonaire's stunning coastline and enjoy the stunning view of the wild coastline, the oldest lighthouse, the pink salt flats and the slave huts. This 12 mile green adventure bike ride will take you on flat roads through fascinating landscape with amazing color contrasts. The white Salt mountains are a must to see in Bonaire. At Te Amo Beach relax on the sand and cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters. After a safety briefing, and your helmet and get ready to ride.