Bonaire Cruise Port
If you’re a cruiser looking for a Caribbean destination with a little something for everyone, hopping on a cruise ship to Bonaire is a great choice.
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Bonaire is an island known for its stunning beauty, world-class diving, and abundance of outdoor activities. Known by cruisers as part of the ABC Islands,(Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao) Bonaire is a highly sought-after cruise port destination.
There are two cruise piers in Bonaire (north and south pier). The Bonaire cruise terminal, also known as the port of Kralendijk, is located near the cruise port town of Kralendijk. While the capital city of Kralendijk is small, there is plenty to see and do in the town and surrounding area.
Right along the main street when you leave the port are many tour companies and options available for cruisers to the island of Bonaire
In this post, I’ll share some of the top things you can do when the Bonaire cruise port is on your cruise itinerary.
First, What to bring ashore for your Bonaire Cruise Port Adventure?
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. For more tips on what to bring, check out these helpful posts.
Related Posts: What to Pack in Your Port Day Bag and Planning Your Excursions
The Beaches of Bonaire:
Explore the Beautiful Beaches: Bonaire is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. From secluded coves to pristine white sandy beaches, you can find a beach to suit every taste. Whether looking for a relaxing day in the sun or an adventurous day at sea, you won’t be disappointed. Bonaire is overflowing with an abundance of water activities with that small-town beach vibe.
I’ll mention just a few:
Bachelor Beach:
Located just a few miles from the cruise port, Bachelor Beach is the closest beach option for cruisers. 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.
Sorobon Beach:
Sorobon Beach is a long and narrow stretch of white sand beach located on the east coast of the island. It is known for its shallow and calm waters, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding. There are also several beach bars and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the view. – Jibe Bar is a lot of fun but not rowdy.
As a first-time cruise passenger to Bonaire, we took a friend’s advice and grabbed a taxi to Soroban beach. They referred to it as “Jibe City” which is actually the name of a fun beach bar and windsurfing shop. We could walk out for what felt like a mile and the snorkeling was amazing! We absolutely loved it! Whether you ask your taxi driver for Soroban Beach, Jibe City, or The Hangout Beach Bar, you’ll find yourself in the right spot!
Te Amo Beach:
Te Amo Beach is a secluded beach located on the island’s south coast, near the salt flats. It is a small beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also home to several beach huts and palm trees, providing a picturesque backdrop.
Pink Beach:
Pink Beach is a unique beach located on the island’s south coast. It is known for its pink sand, which is caused by tiny red organisms that live on the coral reef offshore. The beach is also home to several cactus trees and offers stunning views of the surrounding turquoise waters.
Bonaire is home to many beautiful beaches, each with its own unique features and charm. Whether you’re looking for a spot to relax, swim, snorkel, or windsurf, there’s a beach on Bonaire that’s perfect for you.
Klein Bonaire Island:
Klein Bonaire is a small uninhabited island located just off the west coast of Bonaire. It is home to several beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving.
The island is accessible only by boat, and there are several tour operators on the island that offer boat trips to Klein Bonaire. You can even water taxi to Klein Bonaire.
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.
It is known to be a snorkeler’s paradise though so be sure and pack your snorkel gear if you plan to head to Klein…or really, anywhere on Bonaire.
Related Post: Seavenger Snorkel Gear Review
Culture and Tours
If you’re looking for history and culture you won’t have to look far. Right outside of the port, you will see many vendors/tour companies set up to take you on a northbound or southbound tour of the island. You can even do both! Many tours help you explore the slave huts, experience the salt pans and even see the island’s pink flamingos.
Related: Cruise Port Day in Grenada
Flamingos:
When you think of Flamingos, Aruba may come to mind and that’s true. However, flamingos can be found at many places around Bonaire, especially at Pekelmeer in the south of Bonaire, Lac Bay, and also at Gotomeer, in the north of Bonaire
Explore 1000 steps:
A well-known haven for sea turtles, 1000 Steps is a cruiser highlight. 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. The hike back up will certainly feel more like 1000.
This island highlight is included on most island tours (to observe) or grab your snorkel gear and taxi there straight from the ship. I hope you see the turtles!
Slave Huts:
Built on the island in the 1850s in the southwest of the island near Bonaire’s Salt Lake. These stone structures are so small that the slaves could not stand upright in the huts. Colonial slaves in Bonaire were forced to work primarily in the salt flats although some others were forcibly brought to the island to cut maize or dyewood. 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.
Donkey Sanctuary:
Continuing to a happier tale is one you may want to “pin on”.
Donkeys have been living on Bonaire for hundreds of years. The animals were originally brought over by the Spaniards in the 1600s and used to perform hard labor. Once modern transport made these animals obsolete they were abandoned and left to survive on their own.
The Donkey Sanctuary of Bonaire has been hard at work for 30 years! They rescue, maintain care and educate the public on repeat. This stop is included on many tours and I’m sure you would benefit from a sweet ear scratch and learning how you can assist in their efforts.
Prior to your visit, you can even check out their live cam or revisit to check in on your new friends.
Visit the Local Markets:
The markets of Bonaire are a great way to get a taste of local culture. From fresh produce to handmade crafts, you can find something to take home as a souvenir. Plus, the markets are a great place to sample some of the island’s delicious cuisine. Enjoy the food trucks!
Go Scuba Diving:
Bonaire is known as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.
The island is surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Caribbean, making it a great place to explore the underwater world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you won’t be disappointed. For open-water diving, I recommend booking your diving shore excursion prior to your cruise port day. It’s important you have a properly trained dive guide for a guided tour or stick to official dive sites for safety. If you are a diver, I’m sure you already know the necessity of diving with a partner!
Hop on a Golf Cart
Looking for a little solo adventure? Cruise visitors can rent a golf cart and explore the entire island on their own. Don’t worry, you won’t get lost. Everyone is very friendly if you need help. You’ll be given a map and I’d also recommend downloading a map of Bonaire from Google Maps for offline use prior to your visit.
When we return to Bonaire, we will be renting a golf cart from Bonaire Cruisers just like my in-laws did this year!
Experience the Nightlife:
Finally, If you are lucky enough to have an extra long or late evening port time, Bonaire has a vibrant nightlife scene. From lively bars to trendy nightclubs, you can find a spot to dance the night away. Plus, the island is home to some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, so you can take a break from the party and enjoy a delicious meal.
Conclusion:
Are you ready to check out the Bonaire cruise port? There is so much to experience on this small island, one port day won’t be enough. I’m sure this is why cruisers return again and again to this beautiful island gem. You can explore the beautiful beaches, learn about the local culture and its history, head to a dive site, or dine on some local treats. It’s all waiting for you in Bonaire.
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