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Bonaire Bucket List
ISLAND ADVENTURES: BONAIRE BUCKET LIST
Take a break from the ordinary and explore the extraordinary on the unspoiled and unforgettable island of Bonaire! Good things come in small packages and this bite-sized island packs a punch for activities to thrill and chill. In fact, Bonaire probably checks off more than a few of your bucket list items, so to help you find out which ones, we’ve created our very own Bonaire Bucket List!
Now next time you visit, you’ll have plenty of items to cross off your list. Plus, send us photos and videos of your experiences for a chance to have them featured on social media!
KAYAK THROUGH LUSH MANGROVES
Glide through crystal clear waters to discover the mangrove forest of Lac Bay, where you’ll find three types of mangrove species, plenty of fish, vibrant sponges and coral, upside-down jellyfish and more! With clear bottom kayaks, you won’t miss a moment of underwater action as you navigate through romantic mangrove tunnels. Once you’ve worked up a sweat paddling with your partner, you’ll have the opportunity to cool off with a peaceful snorkel through a calm mangrove channel.
EXPLORE BONAIRE WITH A LOCAL
Discover the beautiful island of Bonaire in air-conditioned comfort with the help of a knowledgeable local guide from Tropical Travel Bonaire. Stops include 1000 Steps, a popular diving destination and beach, and Goto Lake, where you can often spot a flock of flamingos. You’ll also visit Museo Chich’i Tan, a 130-year-old Bonairian home and heritage museum where you’ll enjoy a local snack and lemonade prepared by the homeowner, and a tour of the residence. Rounding out this full island experience are stops at the colorful salt pans, historical slave huts, and Jibe City, the best spot on the island for windsurfing.
SWIM WITH TURTLES
Hop aboard and sail through the Caribbean’s bluest waters with Woodwind Cruises to explore three unique spots near Klein Bonaire. Snorkel through colorful coral reefs where you’ll discover an abundance of awe-inspiring fish and magnificent sea turtles, all pointed out to you by an expert guide. Back on board, enjoy drinks, snacks and a delicious local lunch to keep you energized.
RIDE HORSES THROUGH THE DESERT
It sounds like the start of a great western movie, but it’s real life! Saddle up with Rancho Washikemba for a leisurely horseback ride through Bonaire’s pristine desert terrain, spotting donkeys, parrots and iguanas along the way. Plus, if conditions allow, you might even have a chance to swim with your horse in the gorgeous Blue Lagoon Bay.
FEED 700+ DONKEYS
Yes, you read that right! Do yourself a favor; buy a bunch of carrots and stop by the Donkey Sanctuary. You will not regret this heartwarming experience where you can hand-feed hundreds of hungry donkeys alongside your car. Animal-lovers rejoice – if you bring tasty treats, these affectionate asses will instantly become your best friends.
SCOOT OR CYCLE AROUND TOWN
What could be better than a leisurely open-air drive around town with the wind blowing through your hair? We’re honestly not sure! Enjoy this experience with a single or double scooter or a traditional Dutch bicycle and prepare to travel throughout the island in style.
DRINK A CACTUS
Sip on something completely new that you can only find on Bonaire – cactus liquor! Born and bred on the island, a visit to the one-of-a-kind Cadushy Distillery includes an educational tour, as well as a sampling of several types of the world’s only cactus liquor in a relaxed, laidback environment. Afterward, enjoy a cactus cocktail under the shade of Calabash trees in the distillery’s tranquil gardens where parrots and other tropical birds like to play.
LEARN TO SCUBA DIVE
Discover a whole new underwater world when you learn to scuba dive at Divi Flamingo’s very own PADI 5-star dive operation, Divi Dive Bonaire. Friendly instructors will ease you into the water with a comprehensive educational class, underwater practice and a relaxing guided dive of the famed Calabas Reef, located right next to the resort.
WINDSURF AT JIBE CITY
The mecca for windsurfing on the island, you simply cannot ignore the colorful sails as they glide across the water with ease at Jibe City’s Sorobon Beach. Perfect for newbies and pros alike, Jibe City is THE place to learn this thrilling sport, and when you’re ready to take a break, grab a lounge chair by the water and relax with a cold drink.
GO FOUR-WHEELING TO BAT CAVES
If you like to go fast and you’re not afraid of getting a little dirty, you’ll love this quad tour, which not only takes you to the Bolivia Caves, home to hundreds of bats and ancient Indian drawings, but also to the Spelonk Lighthouse, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of waves crashing into the jagged coastline.
MEET A FLOCK OF FLAMINGOS
Pretty in pink, these birds of a feather flock together throughout the island. You’re most likely to spot these blushing beauties near the salt flats or at Goto Lake, but you can also get a closer look at a few flamingos in a special section of the Donkey Sanctuary.
