When a place is nicknamed “The Diver's Paradise,” you know you are in for a great dive vacation. But what happens after the gear is rinsed? Unlike some SCUBA-centric destinations where surface interval options are limited to poolside or beach relaxation, the island of Bonaire provides a wealth of topside activities for both the active and adventurous traveler and the laid-back vacationer.
Skimming The Surface
As fantastic as Bonaire's underwater scene is, there's also plenty to enjoy when you stay on the surface. A long-time favorite with island visitors is a kayak tour of the mangrove forests of Lac Bay. These guided paddle trips wind through a maze of mangrove-lined channels, with stops in sand-bottom shoals for swims and snorkels in the calm, clear waters. Not up for paddling? Then you can take a relaxing and eco-friendly tour of the mangroves aboard a small solar-powered boat.
Farther out in the open waters of the bay, steady easterly trade winds fill windsurfer's sails to power exhilarating rides. In recent years, Bonaire has become one of the world's top destinations for avid windsurfers, and it's equally attractive for beginners, as the shallow bay is free of waves and provides ideal conditions for learning the sport.
In the past couple of years, Lac Bay's windsurfing crowd has been joined by another tribe of wind riders. The new sport of wind foiling literally elevates the art of sailing, as participants use a hand-held kite to power small surfboard-like crafts that rise above the surface on a lifting foil. Windsurfing and wind foiling shops on the bay's western shore rent equipment and provide lessons.
Shift over to the island's west coast and the action takes to the air. What Lac Bay is to windsurfers, Atlantis Beach is to kiteboarders. Kiters launch from shore, using their high-flying rigs to power them across the calm waters of the island's leeward. The action goes into overdrive when a kiter tightens up on the reins to create a soaring flight that can reach heights of 30 feet or more.
Wet A Line
A number of charter fishing boats call Bonaire home. Anglers in search of big game can head into the deep blue waters that begin less than a half mile from shore. On any given day, there's a chance of hooking up with big pelagic speedsters such as sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi wahoo or tuna that will have the line screaming off the reel as you do battle.
Closer to shore, fishermen can jig the reefs and dropoffs that lie beyond the boundaries of the island's marine protected area. Snapper and grouper are the main targets here, and while catch and release is a common practice, it's acceptable to bring the catch ashore to enjoy the freshest possible seafood.
Not up for a boat ride? Bonaire's shallow sand flats offer world-class spin-cast and fly fishing for tarpon, bonefish and permit. As an added bonus, these wading trips take place in waters where there are no sharks, sea urchins or jellyfish.
Walks and Rides
More than half of the island of Bonaire lies within a National Park or a protected area. This creates a big natural playground for hikers, birders and bikers.
Bonaire is considered one of the Caribbean's top destinations for mountain biking. Double and single-track routes come in all flavors from easy pedals on unpaved roads in Washington-Slagbaai National Park to challenging hill routes in the Echo Dos Pos Conservation area. For a more leisurely ride, the island's flat southern coast offers sweeping views of the ocean and salt ponds where pink flamingoes wade. For an even easier peddle you can rent an electric bike to explore the island without breaking sweat.
Put on your walking shoes to see even more of Bonaire's natural attractions. Birders can search for the 200-plus species of avian life that live on or visit the island. Beach lovers can make easy walks through groves of Kadushi cactus to discover hidden swatches of sand cloistered along the island's northeastern coast. Hikers looking for a challenge can take on the trail to Brandaris Peak, which is the highest point on the island.
Savor the Flavors
For centuries, Bonaire stood at the crossroads of maritime commerce, welcoming ships from around the world. Merchants, traders and workers from Europe, Africa, South America and the Far East mixed and mingled on the island. Today Bonaire's local flavors represent a savory blend of these international cuisines, combined with the piquant foods and spices of indigenous Caribbean cultures. In recent years Bonaire's culinary scene has been further enriched by innovative chefs who draw inspiration from the island's divergent influences to create innovative fusion menus. This has resulted in Bonaire's growing reputation as a food lover's paradise, and in June of 2022, the World Food Travel Association officially named Bonaire as a Culinary Capital.
Visitors to the island have more than 100 restaurants to enjoy, with choices ranging from roadside food stands and beachside barbecues to traditional fine dining and innovative fusion menus. Restaurants serve up everything from regional Italian fare, American favorites and Dutch delicacies to Latin American staples, spicy Jamaican dishes, Peruvian seafood, Chinese menus, steak, sushi and more. Waterfront dining is always favorite, and a number of restaurants at resorts and in downtown Kralendijk offer service with a side of sunset views.
For an authentic taste of Bonaire, visitors can sample a range of local dishes known as kuminda krioyo cuisine. Fish plays a prominent role in local cooking and is often enhanced with a variety of herbs and spices with delicious results in dishes the local favorite Piska Hasa. Island restaurants also serve a variety of savory meat stews and vegetable dishes that balance a combination of sweet, salty and spicy flavors. Local fruits such as soursop, limes, mangoes and shimaruku cherries are used to add additional depth and zest to the recipes. These fruits are also incorporated into refreshing sorbets and ice creams that can be paired with the island's famous rum raisin cake to create the perfect ending to a memorable meal.
Celebrate, Island Style
Bonaire is an island that likes a good party. These celebrations come in many forms and take place throughout the year. Visitors looking to go native can start the New Year with traditional Maskarada exhibitions made by masked celebrants who roam the island performing skits and traditional dances. Bonaire's biggest party is the annual Karnival, which happens each February, and is preceded by months of preparation and practice for the numerous parades, costume shows and dances that take place across the island. Two more local celebrations worth checking out are April's Dia di Rincon, when the village of Rincon is transformed into a community dance floor. September 6 is Bonaire Day, which celebrates the island's discovery with dance performances, parades, sporting competitions and cultural presentations.
In the month of June, the annual Taste of Bonaire draws locals and tourists alike for a chance to sample culinary favorites and new menus while enjoying live music and street performers. June also brings the Bonaire Rum Week, which fills the calendar with beach parties, happy-hour mixers, rum-pairing dinners, and steel bands performances in waterfront settings.
An eclectic mix of events rounds out the Bonaire events calendar with things like sailing and windsurfing regattas, mountain bike races, music festivals, fire jumping exhibitions, fishing tournaments, the Bonaire Dive Festival, Simadan Harvest Festival and the International ABC Cup of Beach Tennis.
With all this and more to discover and enjoy while visiting Bonaire, divers never need to worry about what to do before the next dive.