SHORE EXCURSIONS

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 the most fascinating aspects of Bonaire’s history on an enlightening walk through downtown.

While strolling through the heart of Kralendijk, the island’s capital, you will see how the 17th-century Dutch-built Fort Oranje has been converted into the island’s main courthouse. Similarly, the Parliament House was once the private residence of a prominent family. As revealing as these architectural insights will be, few experiences will be quite so revealing as listening to the museum’s historical actors describe what life was like in the past. You may hear about the Dutch colonizers, how slavery was abolished and the origins of the island’s traditions. The exhibits cover more than 7,000 years of history through artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, 3D reconstructions, descriptive timelines and historical photographs.

After your walk through main street, you will have time for shopping at a market near the harbor.

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

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.

OVERVIEW

Snorkel the gorgeous waters in the Bonaire Marine Park and enjoy the beach on the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. You will cruise to both attractions on a sleek, 42-foot catamaran with plenty of shaded and sunny areas for lounging. The park is the world’s first Blue Destination, a certification awarded to protected waters that are used for sustainable and socially responsible business endeavors. While snorkeling the coral reef, you may spot parrotfish, angelfish, sea horses and sea turtles. Klein Bonaire is within the marine park and is completely undeveloped even though it lies just off Bonaire’s capital city of Kralendijk. While enjoying one of its remote no-name beaches, you will be free to stretch out in the sun, stroll along the sugar-white shoreline and take a refreshing swim. You will also be welcome to snorkel as the marine life is sure to be different than what you encountered on the reef.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the crystal-clear waters off Kralendijk on a sleek catamaran.
• Observe the colorful marine life while snorkeling in the Bonaire Marine Park.
• Relax however you please on a no-name beach on the uninhabited island Klein Bonaire.

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.

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.

Discover Bonaire's capital from the seat of an emissions-free electric open air Tuk Tuk, which has 2 benches facing each other or 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 4 to 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.

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.

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!

Board your 40 foot Catamaran and set sail in the Bonaire Marine Park to discover the coral reef alive with a spectrum of tropical fish while snorkeling.

Your tour begins with a short boat transfer to the landing pier of the "Mushi Mushi," a 40-foot sailing catamaran equipped with a platform and stairs for easy access in and out of the water. Main and front sails of the catamaran will be pulled up and the engine turned off for a quiet sail in the Bonaire Marine Park. If you like, you can get involved in setting the sails along with the crew. Enjoy the easy and comfortable sail on a level deck of the Catamaran, no heeling.

Your Captain will select a swimming and snorkel site. After receiving your snorkeling equipment, a snorkel vest and a briefing, you’ll enter the water to explore the coral reef alive with a spectrum of tropical fish. If you prefer, you are free to swim or stay aboard and bask in the warm Caribbean sun. Complimentary beverages are yours to enjoy. After an hour at the snorkel and swim site, you’ll set sail for a relaxing cruise back to the pier.

Prepare to explore the “wild-side” of Bonaire on this exciting off-road ATV adventure.

Your journey begins with a short bus transfer to the quad biking location where you will receive a safety briefing. Afterwards, don your helmet and climb aboard your self-drive ATV, following the lead ATV along the Washikemba Reservoir.

En route, you’ll experience the rugged terrain of the Washikemba Reservoir. Here, keep an eye out for wild donkeys, goats and iguanas.

Enjoy a short stop at the Spelonk Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Bonaire. Your adventure continues to one of Bonaire’s many caves, which are home to Bonairean bats. An exploration of the cave will reveal these mysterious insect-eating creatures. The return journey will take you through the area of Bolivia, taking in views of the ocean, before heading back to Kralendijk.

Pedal along 12 miles of unspoiled beauty, exploring Bonaire's wildlife and lush landscape, as well as its first settlement. Your tour begins as you board your transportation for a short drive to the starting location outside town. Here, you'll be equipped with a mountain/tour bike and helmet and receive a briefing. Your professional naturalist guide will escort you north on Bonaire's most scenic paved roads, stopping to chat about Bonaire's flora, fauna, and natural history.

Along the way, you'll witness the blush of the pink flamingos reflected off Goto Lake. Next on your itinerary is Dos Pos, (Two Wells), a drinking well for animals, where you'll stop for complimentary water or soft drinks. After 2.5 hours of cycling, your tour concludes in Rincon with a relaxing drive back to the pier.