10 Best Things to do in Bonaire 

Planning a trip to Bonaire? You’re in the right place!

This laid-back Dutch Caribbean island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Famous for its world-class snorkeling and diving, Bonaire also charms visitors with its pink salt flats, flamingo habitats, rugged national parks, and friendly island vibe. Whether you’re gliding through mangrove forests, sailing on turquoise waters, or exploring hidden caves, there’s no shortage of unique experiences here.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Bonaire. From underwater adventures to land-based thrills, this guide will help you discover the island’s top highlights and make the most of your trip.

Things to do in Bonaire 

1. Explore mangroves in a clear-bottom kayak and snorkel adventure

This clear-bottom kayak tour through Bonaire’s mangroves is one of the island’s true hidden gems. Gliding over calm turquoise water with tangled green roots just below the surface feels like stepping straight into a nature documentary.

The adventure begins at Lac Cai, where you’ll meet your guide and settle into stable, clear-bottom kayaks equipped with backrests and waterproof bags. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly experience, so even if you’ve never been kayaking before, you’ll feel comfortable right away.

After a short briefing, you’ll paddle through the mangrove reserve as your guide explains how these trees protect Bonaire’s delicate ecosystem. Looking through the transparent bottom of your kayak adds another layer of wonder, letting you watch schools of tiny fish darting beneath you.

The highlight of the tour comes when you slip on snorkel gear and swim through one of the mangrove “tunnels.” It feels like exploring a secret underwater forest, surrounded by tropical fish and tiny crabs tucked among the roots.

Mangroves are the unsung heroes of the island, and this tour gives you the perfect chance to appreciate their beauty up close. With personalized attention and plenty of time to explore, it’s easy to see why it’s earned hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews!

2. Go on a two-stop snorkel trip

Bonaire is world-famous for its snorkeling, and this double-dip snorkel trip totally proves why. Every stop feels like its own little adventure—colorful reefs, calm turquoise water, and plenty of sea life to keep you in awe from start to finish.

We did a couple of snorkeling tours in Bonaire, but one thing that really stood out about this one was the amazing crew, who made the whole experience feel personal and special. They made us feel so welcome, and although they kept the atmosphere light and fun, we could tell just how much they care about the reef and marine life.

Our first stop was Klein Bonaire, a tiny, uninhabited island just offshore. Snorkeling here felt like swimming in an aquarium. Everywhere we looked, we saw bright coral gardens and every kind of fish you could imagine!

Back on the boat, we were treated to fresh snacks and cold drinks before heading to our second snorkel spot, which was completely different from the first one. Here, we were amazed by the coral wall and colorful marine plants swaying in the current. We even spotted a barracuda and a turtle, which was so exciting! 

Then, as we headed back to shore, rum punch flowed, and the boat was full of laughter and stories. If you do one snorkeling trip in Bonaire, make it this one—there’s a reason it has over a thousand 5-star reviews. Since it’s so well-rated, it does tend to sell out, so don’t hesitate to book.

3. Try out landsailing

Landsailing in Bonaire is one of the most unique adventures you can try on the island—and it’s every bit as fun as it looks! This fast-paced, wind-powered activity blends the excitement of sailing with the thrill of racing across land.

For those unfamiliar with it, landsailing involves steering a small, three-wheeled cart (called a blokart) that’s powered entirely by the wind. You’ll adjust the sail to catch the breeze and glide effortlessly across an open course—it’s smooth, fast, and surprisingly easy to pick up.

The experience takes place on the island’s windy side, about 15 minutes from Kralendijk. When you arrive, the friendly crew provides all the gear and a clear, hands-on safety briefing before letting you take the reins.

Once you’re off and rolling, it’s pure exhilaration. You’ll quickly get the hang of steering and picking up speed, and before long, you might even find yourself racing others around the track with a huge grin on your face.

Landsailing is one of those bucket-list experiences that’s equal parts thrilling and unforgettable. It’s the perfect way to make the most of Bonaire’s famous trade winds and add a little adrenaline to your island getaway!

4. Charter a big game fishing trip

This full-day charter is a great pick in Bonaire when you want a day on the water that is not locked into one single plan. You’ll head out with Captain Arjen, who has decades of fishing experience, and the trip can lean more fishing focused, more snorkeling focused, or a bit of both, depending on who is on board and what sounds fun that day.

If you are keen to fish, the goal is typically big game species like wahoo, tuna, and barracuda. The nice thing is you do not need to be an expert. All the equipment is provided, the captain will talk you through what is happening and why, so it feels approachable even for first timers. If you are traveling with mixed ages or mixed interest levels, that level of guidance makes a big difference!

And then there is the “Bonaire bonus” factor. While you are out waiting and watching, you have a real chance of spotting dolphins and large sea turtles cruising past the boat. Even when the fishing is slow, those moments keep the day exciting.

If snorkeling is part of your plan, the tour can include a stop closer to the coast, where the water is clear and calm, perfect for an easy swim with mask and snorkel. Snorkel gear is included, so you do not need to pack much beyond sun protection, some water, and a towel.

Overall, this is one of the easiest ways to build your ideal Bonaire boat day. Fishing, snorkeling, wildlife spotting, or just a relaxed coastal cruise, it is your call!

5. Explore Washington Slagbaai National Park

Exploring Washington Slagbaai National Park on this full-day guided adventure is a must for anyone who loves nature. As Bonaire’s first national park and a protected ecological reserve, it spans nearly 6,000 hectares of rugged terrain that includes deserts, coastal cliffs, salt flats, and cactus-covered hills—truly a landscape like no other.

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Kralendijk and a warm welcome from your expert guide before heading off-road in a 4×4. You’ll follow dirt tracks through the park, stopping to visit blowholes, deserted beaches, and remnants of old plantations. Each stop reveals a different side of Bonaire’s wild beauty, from dramatic coastlines to quiet stretches of wilderness where wildlife thrives.

Keep an eye out for flamingos, iguanas, donkeys, and native birds as you explore. There’s also time to snorkel in a pristine bay teeming with tropical fish and to hike up Mount Brandaris, the island’s highest point, for sweeping views across the Caribbean.

This tour packs in a little of everything—off-roading, snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife spotting—making it one of the most comprehensive ways to experience Bonaire’s natural wonders. Just note that it doesn’t run on Sunday or Monday, so plan accordingly!

Related Read: Need a hotel? We go over the pros and cons of the best areas and hotels in our where to stay in Bonaire guide!

6. See the best of Bonaire – Flamingos, Salt Pier, and historic sights

If you’re short on time in Bonaire, this comprehensive small group tour is the perfect way to see the island’s top highlights without missing a thing. It’s a great choice for your first day on the island, offering an overview of Bonaire’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and history.

The experience begins with convenient hotel pickup in Kralendijk before heading out to explore Bonaire’s famous salt flats and historical slave huts. Along the way, travelers can admire the island’s contrasting scenery—from open plains to rugged coastlines.

A stop at 1,000 Steps is often a highlight, where sea turtles can sometimes be spotted resting in the shallows. Knowledgeable guides share insight into their behavior and local conservation efforts. The tour also includes a visit to Goto Lake, known for its flamingos, and the Slave Huts at White Pan, which shed light on Bonaire’s colonial past.

The day wraps up at the Salt Pier, where the vivid blue ocean meets a bright pink salt lake—a striking natural contrast that makes for unforgettable photos.

In just three hours, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Bonaire’s beauty, history, and wildlife. It’s an excellent way to experience the island’s highlights in a short amount of time.

7. Go scuba diving 

We love scuba diving, and we certainly couldn’t pass up the chance to do it in Bonaire’s legendary waters. We booked this tour because it had so many 5-star reviews, and we’re so glad that we did. 

One of the best things about this tour is that it limits group sizes to just four divers at a time, which makes such a difference! Our guide, Seth, was able to give us his full attention and make sure that we really got to see the best of Bonaire’s underwater world.

As for the dive sites themselves, well, they were absolutely stunning! And better still, they were completely uncrowded, so we had them all to ourselves. As we explored, we spotted 

The dive sites we visited were stunning and completely uncrowded. Swimming over colorful tarpon, seahorses, and a giant snapper, to name but a few marine creatures we saw! 

The pace of the tour was relaxed and we even had a delicious homemade lunch on board. We enjoyed wraps, snacks, and cold drinks under the awning while we took a break from diving. Meanwhile, our guides took tons of photos during the dives, which were emailed to us afterwards.

Once we got back to land, we had fresh water showers right at the site, which is always something we appreciate! If you want to explore Bonaire like a local, dive at your own pace, and enjoy personalized attention from a team that clearly loves what they do, this tour is an absolute must.

8. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV tour

Riding ATVs along Bonaire’s East Coast was an absolute thrill from start to finish. This tour is perfect if you want to get off the beaten path and experience the island’s rugged, untamed landscapes. 

After being picked up from our hotel, we arrived at the starting point where our guide, Ferdinand, gave a thorough safety briefing and showed us how to handle the vehicles. Then, the ride itself was an adrenaline-pumping experience! We tore along dirt and rocky trails, past dramatic cactus-studded hills, pristine beaches, and the sparkling Caribbean coastline.

The scenery was epic, and along the way, we spotted wild donkeys and iguanas, and even stopped to explore a few fascinating caves and see a historic lighthouse. Ferdinand shared stories about the island’s history, culture, and natural wonders, which made the experience both educational and exciting! He was also a very thoughtful guide and even helped me carry my sunscreen when it kept falling out of my pocket.

The tour’s pace was great, too! We loved zooming around, but we also stopped frequently to snap photos and just take it all in. Just a heads up—things get very dusty and the sun is strong, so long, loose clothing is a must.

9. Explore Bonaire’s vast cave system

Exploring Bonaire’s caves is one of the island’s most unique and adventurous experiences. The island is home to a fascinating cave system, but visitors must join a guided tour to explore safely and help protect this delicate environment—making this top-rated tour a popular choice.

The adventure begins with a convenient pickup before heading to the first cave, where you’ll gear up with helmets and headlamps before descending into the cool darkness below. Inside, intricate stalactites and stalagmites create an otherworldly atmosphere while expert guides explain how these formations develop over thousands of years.

Each cave offers something different—some feature narrow passages and dramatic rock formations, while others hide freshwater pools perfect for a quick swim. The final stop is often the highlight: an underground lagoon where snorkeling reveals the cave’s mysterious beauty from a whole new perspective.

This is an active, hands-on experience that requires good mobility, but guides are skilled at adjusting the route for those who prefer an easier pace. By the end of the day, guests leave a little muddy but full of adrenaline and awe. It’s no wonder this tour has earned hundreds of glowing reviews from thrilled adventurers.

10. Ride a Sea Scooter on an e-snorkeling tour 

Trying out the sea scooters in Bonaire was such a blast! If you’re not a strong swimmer, or even if you are, this small-group tour makes snorkeling feel effortless and so much fun. The sea scooters really give you a sense of speed underwater, and they let you explore a much bigger area of the reef than you could by swimming alone.

And don’t worry, we got a thorough lesson on how to handle the scooters from our guide, Elora, beforehand. She was so sweet and patient with everyone in our small group, and she stayed on hand the entire time to make sure everyone was safe and comfortable. 

As soon as we hit the water, the real fun began! Gliding over the reef and spotting tropical fish was such a thrill. We even saw parrotfish and a couple of sea turtles, which felt pretty surreal. The scooters were so easy to maneuver, and they have different speeds, so you can always slow things down if you need to. In short, using them is thrilling but not intimidating, and kids as young as 8 are welcome to join the tour, making this a great choice for families.

We explored for about two hours and then went back to the shore feeling totally exhilarated! This is yet another wonderfully unique experience in Bonaire, and an awesome way to see a ton of amazing marine life. We will 100% book this tour again when we come back to the island! 

Where to Stay in Bonaire

Now that you know all the best things to do in Bonaire, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! We recommend basing yourself near Kralendijk, the island’s main town, since most tours include hotel pickup from here, and it’s close to restaurants, beaches, and dive shops. Plus, there’s something for every traveler and budget, from oceanfront luxury stays to charming boutique hotels and affordable apartments.

We’ve narrowed down the top-rated options and picked our favorite places to stay in Bonaire—whether you’re splurging, saving, or somewhere in between.

Luxury – $$$ 

The Bellafonte offers a serene stay right on Bonaire’s coastline, with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea from its private pier and hot tub – ooh la la! The hotel offers suites, studios, and penthouses, all with modern décor, balconies, and free WiFi. The suites include extra kitchen facilities and seating areas, while all rooms have a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, so you’ll have everything you need – and more! 

The hotel’s oceanfront location is perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing, and the bay’s coral reef is just a few steps away. Flamingo Airport is only 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) away, and the town of Kralendijk is a short drive, so it’s super easy to explore from here. If you want a touch of luxury in Bonaire, this is the place to stay. 

Prices range from $300 to $450 USD per night, depending on room type and season. Check availability and book your stay here!

Mid-range – $$

Boutique Hotel Bougainvillea is a stylish and intimate oceanfront retreat, perched on its own private stretch of beach – win! If you stay here, we definitely think it’s worth plumping for an ocean view room because the vistas are simply stunning. 

The hotel also features an outdoor pool, sun terrace, and a cozy seating area with cable TV, so there are plenty of places to relax after a day of island adventures. We love the small but sleek infinity pool, too, as well as the restaurant, which serves fresh local drinks and seafood right above the water. And for active travelers, some of Bonaire’s top water sports hotspots are right nearby, as well as top dive sites.

Rooms and suites here cost between $175 and $300 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!

Budget – $

Kura Kabana is a more low-key and wallet-friendly stay, but it’s still full of tropical charm! The resort features a lovely garden, a terrace with hammocks for lounging in, and a year-round outdoor pool. The apartments are bright and modern with their own fully equipped kitchens, so it’s easy to self-cater here, which adds to their overall value.

The location is fantastic, too. It’s just a 13-minute walk to Flamingo Beach and close to prime scuba diving spots. The airport is just a 10-minute drive away, too, which is very handy! All in all, we think this is a great base to explore Bonaire’s beaches, reefs, and diverse landscapes.

Rooms cost between $125 and $135 USD per night, which we think is a bit of a steal! This spot fills up fast, though, so we suggest you reserve your room ASAP.

Still want more options? Check out all of Bonaire’s hotels listed here!

Thanks for reading!

Bonaire is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. From snorkeling over colorful reefs to watching flamingos drift across the salt flats, the island balances natural beauty with an easygoing rhythm. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip and discover the best of what this Dutch Caribbean gem has to offer.

And if you’re exploring more of the region, don’t miss our other Caribbean blogs here—they’re full of practical tips, detailed itineraries, and firsthand advice to help you make the most of your island getaway. For even more tropical inspiration, here are a few of our favorite guides to check out next:

Where to Stay in Curacao: 5 Best Areas & Hotels

How to Spend FIVE DAYS in Curacao: The Best 5-Day Itinerary

10 Fun & Exciting Things To Do In Aruba