Good to know
Good to Know
- The STINAPA Bonaire Nature Fee is a mandatory entrance fee of $40 per person per calendar year that provides access to both the Bonaire National Marine Park and Washington Slagbaai National Park.
- While it is possible to access shore sites on the leeward side of Bonaire all year round, conditions on the windward side are more unpredictable.
- Collecting shells or coral is prohibited, as are spearfishing and anchoring (boats use permanent moorings). Visitors are asked to respect the marine environment and to refrain from activities that may damage it, including sitting, standing, leaning, or walking on the coral.
- There's little protection from the scorching sun, so it's best to hike early in the morning before it gets too hot.
- Bonaire boasts over 186 miles of nature trails, making the island perfect for scenic hikes.
Parks
Washington Slagbaai National Park
- Access Fee
- $40
- Note
- The fee is valid for an entire calendar year. Children under 13 are completely exempt.
- Description
- This terrestrial park encompasses two former plantations and spans across nearly 4,286 acres across the northern end of Bonaire. It provides safe habitat for several endemic and endangered species of Bonaire such as parrots, flamingos, parakeets, iguanas and many other species of birds and reptiles.
Bonaire National Marine Park
- Access Fee
- $40
- Note
- This fee is mandatory and valid for an entire calendar year. The fee applies from the moment you touch the water - even if you only put your feet in the sea.
- Description
- Founded in 1979 and covering all the waters surrounding Bonaire and Klein Bonaire, from the high-tide mark to 60 meters (200 feet) of depth. This is an area of about 27 km². It hosts a variety of ecosystems such as its renowned coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds and it includes the area's of Lac and Klein Bonaire.
Hiking
Brandaris Trail (Mount Brandaris)
- Details
- Hikers will need a vehicle to enter the park and take them to the base of the hill. To climb Brandaris, hikers are required to enter the park before noon.
- Location
- Washington Slagbaai National Park
- Difficulty
- Moderate to Challenging
- Description
- Bonaire's highest point (241m), for panoramic views stretching to Curaçao on a clear day.
Kasikunda Climbing Trail
- Location
- Washington Slagbaai National Park
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Description
- A strenuous uphill hike, offering a breathtaking view of Bonaire as a reward. A challenging 45-minute climb to the top of a volcanic hill. This is a medium-difficulty climb, and the view from the top is a really fantastic reward.
Lagadishi Walking Trail
- Location
- Washington Slagbaai National Park
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Description
- A flat walk along the island's east coast with the highlight being the Suplado blowhole. Hikers will traverse over a limestone plateau that provides glimpses of the complete spectrum of Bonairean windward scenery: historic sites, vegetation which has adapted to a dry, salty habitat, sand dunes, mangroves, a salt pan, blow-holes, and a true oceanic beach.
Roi Sango Trail
- Location
- Near Rincon
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Description
- The Roi Sango Hiking Trail is a quiet and easy hiking trail near Rincon on Bonaire.
Cycling
Mountain Biking & Cycling Tours
- Description
- Hop on a mountain bike and traverse scenic trails through lush landscapes. Rent a mountain bike or go hiking in the hills surrounding Rincon for epic views, desert flora, and trails that range from beginner-friendly to advanced. For a leisurely ride, cycle along the scenic coastline with stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Water Sports
Snorkeling & Diving
- Description
- The island offers world-class diving for all skill levels with underwater visibility reaching 100 feet and over 80 dive sites along the coast. Shore diving is a popular option, as you can enter the water directly from the beach. Dive sites like 1000 Steps and Salt Pier are particularly famous for their underwater beauty.
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
- Description
- Experience the exhilarating sports of windsurfing and kitesurfing on the shores of Bonaire. Feel the adrenaline surge as you harness the power of the wind and glide effortlessly across the azure waters of Lac Bay. With its steady trade winds and expansive, shallow lagoon, Bonaire offers the perfect conditions for enthusiasts of all levels.
Kayaking
- Description
- Mangroves are one of Bonaire's most important ecosystems. Discover them with an experienced nature guide on this clear-bottom kayak tour of Lac Bay's mangroves, with snorkeling gear so you can see even more. Learn about four different species of mangroves and the complex relationship between plants, animals and fish as you paddle.
Specialized Activities
Cave Exploration & Underground Snorkeling
- Description
- Bonaire has many cave systems, some are dry and others have lakes and tunnels. Unique opportunity to explore these ancient wonders with their majestic stalactites and stalagmites. Chance to snorkel underground in the crystal clear water housed within.
Landsailing
- Description
- Harness the wind and fly across the terrain on Bonaire's rugged east coast when you try your hand at landsailing.
Birdwatching
- Description
- Birdwatching tours are also popular, especially around Gotomeer and the northern hills. Bonaire is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great destination for birdwatchers. You can spot flamingos, parrots, pelicans, and many other bird species on the island.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this nature, parks & outdoor activities research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Bonaire
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.