Bonaire Attractions - Complete Guide

Discover Bonaire's attractions

Bonaire is known as a diving mecca, but above water the island is just as special. From colonial architecture in Kralendijk to rugged rock formations along the east coast, with more than 30 attractions you'll have weeks to explore.

Historical sites

Bonaire's history goes back centuries. At the slave huts on the south coast you'll see the small stone shelters where enslaved people stayed while working the salt pans. Fort Oranje in Kralendijk dates from 1639 and is the oldest building on the island. The Mangazina di Rei, the former slave warehouse, is now a cultural museum where you learn about Bonairian identity through music, dance and stories.

Two distinctive plantation houses tell the story of the plantation era: Landhuis Karpata on the northwest coast and Landhuis Bolivia inland. Both are freely accessible and offer beautiful views over the surrounding landscape.

Nature and viewpoints

The Gotomeer is a brackish lake surrounded by cacti where flamingos are regularly seen. From the Goto Lake Viewpoint you have a sweeping panorama over the lake and coastline. Those wanting to go higher can climb the Brandaris (790 feet) in Washington Slagbaai National Park, the island's highest point with views reaching Curaçao on clear days.

The rugged east coast is the opposite of the calm west side: here waves crash against sharp coral rocks. At Boca Onima you'll find rock paintings by the original Caiquetio inhabitants, estimated at over 500 years old.

Salt pans and lighthouses

The White Pan and Red Pan are the historic salt pans where salt has been harvested since the 17th century. The landscape is surreal: bright pink water, mountains of white salt and four colorful slave huts as navigation points for ships. On either side of the island stand two lighthouses: the Willemstoren on the southern tip (1837) and the Spelonk Lighthouse on the northeastern point.

Culture and museums

The Terramar Museum in Kralendijk tells the complete story of Bonaire, from geological formation to today. The two churches of Rincon, Sint Bernardus Church and Sint Ludovicus Church, are the heart of the island's oldest village. At Cadushy Distillery you can taste liqueur made from the local kadushi cactus.

Animals and nature

At the Echo Conservation Center you learn about protecting the yellow-winged Amazon parrot, an endangered species found only on Bonaire. The Donkey Sanctuary rescues wild donkeys, a visit is free and especially popular with children. In the Lac Bay mangroves you discover by kayak a protected ecosystem full of juvenile fish, starfish and growing corals.

Also check our nature pages for more about the coral reef, sea turtles and flamingos on Bonaire.