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Bonaire is a lovely little island located in the Leeward Antilles, in the Southern Caribbean, around 80 km/50 miles north of the Venezuelan coast. Together with Aruba and Curaçao, it forms the ABC islands and has the status of a special municipality within the country of the Netherlands. While it’s not really a thousand steps down to the water (it’s actually 67 steps), you will want to make sure you are able-bodied to make the relatively steep descent down to the water. It’s important to bring the essentials with you for your fun day in Bonaire. Cruisers need to bring their ship card, photo ID, credit card, or cash. It’s also important to bring any reservations for excursions or activities you’ve planned ahead of time.
Bonaire Cruise Port: Top things to do When Visiting
Walk to the inside of the bay, where you will find a good spot for snorkeling. On the island’s east side near Lac Bay are the calm waters of Sorobon Beach. You and the family can enjoy a quick dip in the sea or relax and soak up the sun on the beach. Here you can watch the many windsurfers who make the most of Bonaire’s steady trade winds.
Southern pier and terminal
If you want a high-end dining experience, It Rains Fishes offers guests gourmet seafood with first-class service. For those looking for a more low-key experience, the famous Karel’s Beach Bar is directly on the water and offers a mixture of local dishes and crowd-pleasing favorites. For beer lovers, there’s even a microbrewery called the Brewery Bonaire that you can visit. This is partly thanks to the island’s efforts to preserve the varied and unique marine ecosystems off its coast.
How to Get to Kralendijk from Bonaire Cruise Port
The island can boast some of the best snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the Caribbean with most of the islands being surrounded by a coral reef which has been protected longer than most reefs in the Caribbean. In addition, the beaches and resorts offer a wealth of beach and water sport activities such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking. Whether you’re an avid hiker, birdwatcher, or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, exploring Bonaire’s national parks is a rewarding experience. Immerse yourself in the island’s unique landscapes, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the hidden treasures that make Bonaire a true natural paradise. Whether you choose to snorkel or dive in Bonaire, it’s important to remember to practice responsible and sustainable diving and snorkeling.
These professionals are knowledgeable about the best sites to visit based on your skill level and can provide valuable insights into the underwater world of Bonaire. The pristine reefs of Bonaire are teeming with diverse marine life, including colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and other fascinating creatures. The excellent water visibility ensures that every dive or snorkeling excursion is a feast for the eyes. You can expect to encounter turtles gracefully gliding by, schools of vibrant fish swirling around you, and the possibility of spotting creatures such as octopuses, rays, and even seahorses.
Central & South America
Have in mind that most attractions are in a way scenic and/or ecologically oriented. The island is known for its salt production and a visit to the flat salt pans, ponds, and shop (La Placita) is included in many tours of Bonaire. The sites where the salt is produced have become such an attraction that the Bonaire Salt Park is expected to open sometime in 2018. Considering that the Island is small - 38 km long and between 5 and 8 km wide), the cruise passenger can easily explore all the major attractions in Bonaire on a day docked at Kralendijk. Known as one of the Top Scuba diving sites in the World, and promoted as such to exhaustion, many cruisers not interested in diving or snorkeling frequently wonder what else to do or see.
Long Beach, CA
Whether you’re arriving on a cruise ship or planning a day trip, Bonaire awaits you with open arms and endless opportunities for exploration and wonder. Washington Slagbaai National Park, located in the northwestern part of Bonaire, covers over 13,500 acres of diverse landscapes, including desert-like terrain, rocky hills, and stunning coastline. The park is home to an array of wildlife, such as the native Bonairean parrot, iguanas, and flamingos. Explore the park’s well-marked hiking trails, ranging from short and easy walks to more challenging treks that offer breathtaking panoramic views.
Freedom of the Seas Live Blog - Day 6 - Bonaire - Royal Caribbean Blog
Freedom of the Seas Live Blog - Day 6 - Bonaire.
Posted: Fri, 03 Jan 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Bachelor Beach:
Taking a guided tour by bus is one of the best ways to see the sights of Bonaire. (Classic.) Eventually the Dutch turned up, winning Bonaire in an almighty war, and turning the island into a major exporter of salt. Africans, Arawak and convicts were forced into slave labour on the island, until they were freed in 1862. But the strangest thing about Bonaire is that it’s really just one massive old coral reef.
Kralendijk (Bonaire) - Port of call
While it’s not recommended to walk the 3-mile distance a taxi could have you snorkeling or lying in the sun in no time. You will visit the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, located on the vast salt pans on the island’s southern end. It is one of only four areas in the world where beautiful pink Flamingo breeds. The sanctuary is home to more than 10,000 flamingos, as well as a variety of birds. Bonaire, situated off the Venezuela coast, is a Caribbean Island of the Netherlands.
Taxi-drivers generally offer a north or south tour including time on a beach, but if you are keen you could circle the whole island in this time frame. Oceania Cruises has a four-hour 4x4 off-road adventure that covers most of Bonaire, or work up some steam on its 12-mile “moderate to strenuous” cycling tour. Nearly all of the restaurants, food trucks, and markets are located within the capital city of Kralendijk. You will find several retail and souvenir shops in this open-air mall close to the port. Strolling around the Harborside Mall and enjoying the lively and colorful downtown scene is a must-do when visiting Bonaire.
All items are compatible with American and European prices, and ATM’s distribute money in U.S. dollars. You can also find fine shopping at resorts that offer delicious Dutch cheeses, Cuban cigars, and fine China. U.S. Dollar – There are ATMs located in the downtown as well as several banks. One of its oddities is that it has three officially recognized languages – Dutch, Papiamento, and English. The following are just some of the reasons why any fan of adventure and exploration should seriously consider visiting Bonaire.
The good news is that there is a good number of interesting attractions to explore and discover besides the ones found underwater. Bonaire National Marine Park (aka BNMP) is one of the top-rated snorkeling and diving destinations in the world. It is one of the oldest marine reserves in the world covering 2700 hectares (6700 acres) of coral reef, seagrass and mangrove vegetation. Klein Bonaire, a small uninhabited islet off the coast of Bonaire, is a world-class scuba diving spot that will amaze you with its mind-blowing underwater treasures.
One of the highlights of visiting Bonaire is the opportunity to explore its underwater wonders. The cruise port offers easy access to some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the Caribbean. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life await you just a short distance from the shore. Whether you choose to spend your day lazing on pristine beaches, embarking on thrilling shore excursions, or exploring the colorful streets of Kralendijk, Bonaire offers something for every traveler. The underwater wonders of the Bonaire Marine Park are a highlight, with their diverse marine life and stunning coral reefs captivating divers and snorkelers from around the world. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, Bonaire is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
There are berths for two vessels and the atmosphere is pleasantly low-key compared to many other Caribbean ports. If you want to snorkel but would rather do it with a guide, you can book a guided snorkel tour. Not only will your guide take you to some of the best snorkelling spots in Bonaire, but they’ll also take photos of you on your underwater adventure.
Like the entire slave trade, not only in Bonaire, the stories will break your heart but history is worth learning so that this is never repeated. However, while it is fairly easy to access there are no facilities located on the uninhabited island. This can be especially tricky for young families as restrooms and food/beverages are not available.
Let the tranquility and natural beauty of Kralendijk captivate your senses. This island has much to offer a passenger of a ship that stops at the Bonaire cruise port. For your excursion, take a guided tour which includes transport, or you could take a taxi to the sites you want to visit. The nearest town, Kralendijk, is only a 4- minute walk (about one mile, or 1.7km) from the Bonaire cruise port, if you prefer to do some sightseeing in the area. For anyone travelling as part of a group, booking a private bus tour with a local is a really great way to see everything that Bonaire has to offer. Here’s another full tour of Bonaire which is better for smaller groups.
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