SHORE EXCURSIONS

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.

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

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.

OVERVIEW

Cruise to the Bonaire Marine Park in an electric, emission-free catamaran and snorkel the coral reefs at the island of Klein Bonaire. Being electric-powered, the catamaran runs silently allowing you to fully appreciate the experience and natural beauty without any noise pollution. It won’t take long to reach the first snorkeling site, which the captain will choose based on the water and wind conditions. You will be free to explore the wonders underwater, which are abundant as the marine park sprawls over thousands of acres of coral reefs and seagrass beds that attract every imaginable type of marine life. Hundreds of species of fish inhabit these crystal-clear waters, including neon-colored parrotfish, marbled grouper and red porgy. You may even spot green sea turtles and spotted eagles ray gracefully swimming by. A completely different array of species awaits you at the second snorkeling site. As an alternate to snorkeling, you can remain onboard and simply relax and sunbathe. Drinks are included, alcoholic drinks are provided for after the activity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through the Bonaire Marine Park on an emission-free electric-powered catamaran.
• Snorkel two different coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
• Sunbathe and relax onboard if you would rather not snorkel.
• Enjoy the open bar on the return cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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.

View the bountiful sea life in Bonaire Marine Park from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat, one of the easiest ways to glimpse the wonders below the water’s surface without the need to get wet!

Depart from the pier and from the comfort of a 32-foot glass-bottom boat, you will enjoy a spectacular look at the underwater wonders in Bonaire National Marine Park. Just settle into a shaded seat and look through the window that runs down the center of the vessel.

The waters here are teeming with marine life because the park was one of the first in the Caribbean to ban activities that damage the environment. In the 1960s, legislation was enacted to protect sea turtle eggs and nests. In the 1970s, spearfishing was banned, and it became illegal to remove coral. As a result, Bonaire Marine Park contains spectacular coral reefs that support a huge diversity of fish and other marine species.

Your window into the wonders below will offer a view that continuously changes, as the boat slowly motors over one spectacular reef after another. While there is no telling what will what come into view, you can expect to see stands of elkhorn and staghorn coral, graceful sea turtles, and a dazzling spectrum of colorful fish that may include grunts, wrasses, goatfish, parrotfish and tangs. If you’re not sure of the exact marine species, just ask the naturalist onboard or refer to the fish identification chart on board.

After spending approximately 75-minutes navigating the amazing waters of the marine park, you’ll return to the pier.

You'll kayak to a beach in the southern part of the Bonaire Marine Park - an exquisite snorkeling location with breathtaking coral and colorful fish. This day of sun and fun starts as you meet your guide at the pier for the short walk to a lovely beach, for your kayaking eco-adventure. First, you’ll take a moment for a safety briefing and paddling instructions for your two person kayak. Your stable, sit-on-top kayak is equipped with back support, life vests, a waterproof bag for your personal belongings and, of course, paddles. You’ll enjoy Bonaire’s Caribbean shore as you kayak over shallow water, filled with colorful sea life.

Keep an eye out for pelicans and turtles! Two guides will accompany you all the way. The bay is always protected from the elements. Your destination is a beach in the southern part of the Bonaire Marine Park - an exquisite snorkeling location, excellent for all skill levels. Bonaire has a long history of marine preservation and is world renowned for its snorkeling. Pull your kayak right onto the sandy beach, and moments later you’ll be slipping into the warm water with your snorkel gear and enjoying the breathtaking coral and the many colorful tropical reef fish. All of your snorkel equipment is provided, but if you have brought an underwater camera, this would be a great time to use it! Afterwards, relax on the beach and refresh yourself with some provided bottled water before kayaking back along the scenic route to the pier.

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!

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 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.