Full of white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and lots of peace and quiet. As much as there are lots of nice and easy things to do on your own when calling at the port of Bonaire, all cruise lines and independent local tour operators offer excellent shore excursions, which cruise passengers should consider. Each obelisk is painted a different color to help the ships navigate. Agreed :-) We loved visiting all of the ABC islands, but we especially loved Bonaire because it was less commercialized and more quiet. Credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons. Explore Kralendijk. Open returning time to your Bonaire cruise terminal, set with driver! Established in 1969, Washington Slagbaai National Park was the first ecological reserve in the former Netherlands Antilles. WebTop Bonaire Shore Excursions Shore Excursions Private Sightseeing Tours Sailing Water Tours Snorkeling Adventure Tours Cultural Tours Half-day Tours Car Tours Private and Luxury Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Ports of Call Tours Day Trips On the Water 4WD Tours Catamaran Cruises Self-guided Tours Fishing Charters Glass Bottom Boat A narrow fringing reef starts near the shoreline and extends nearly 1,000 feet offshore. Almost all Bonaire beaches are public except for Sorobon, a clothing-optional beach in a private nudist resort where non-guests pay $10 for admission. The reserve can only be accessed by 44 vehicles, so get ready for an off-the-beaten-track exploration of the nature reserve, with stops at the visitor center museum, secluded bays, beaches, lighthouses, and blowholes. There are plenty of things to do in Bonaire on a cruise or on a longer stay. The cruise port is right in downtown Kralendijk. If you prefer above water sports, Windsurfing at Jibe City, Kayaking, Kite-surfing, Sailing or Fishing are top activities to enjoy in Bonaire. The road goes along the coastline, so you have water views the whole way. Very often, the taxi vehicles are minivans that can accommodate up to 6-8 people, and in that case, they have fixed prices they charge per person. WebWe offer the best variety of shore excursions. I just qualified for my Advanced Open Water and so now I'm planning all the places I want to travel to so that I can dive. It really is perfect for snorkeling with such clear water! Even if you arent windsurfing, the view and the water here is gorgeous. Pro Tip: If you do decide to do an organized shore excursion, you should at least price shop it by comparing your ships pricing against purchasing your own excursion from Trip Advisors selection of Bonaire tours. Due to the proximity of the cruise piers to Kralendijk, walking is undoubtedly the best way to explore this beautiful, small and quaint Caribbean capital. There is also ahotel on Lac Bay if you are looking to stay here for a few days. If you wish to explore St. Thomas on your own Taxis are fairly priced and can literally take the cruise ship traveler to all highlights, beaches, main sites and attractions. Rates start at $38 per day (+fees) for a passenger car. From Kralendijyk, to everywhere else is only 20 minutes by car. WebDive Friends Bonaire We make cruise diving easy and convenient while offering the friendliest service and best diving to be found! But you can access the palapas, waterfront and restaurants. Reserve your dining now. Explore Bonaire National Marine Park tours and activitiesBonaire National Marine Park. If you are not certified, the discover scuba dive experience is for you! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you want to rent dive gear and do a DIY shore dive, use this guide to the best. Temperatures are steady all the year and vary only a few degrees each month. Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico and the most popular cruise ship port in the Caribbean. We have visited Saint Lucia, several islands in the Bahamas with Groupon and Living Social, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, the Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba. You can read more in our cookie notice more information I agree. Cruise ships dock in one of two piers on a wide bay on the Southern part of the West coast of the island of Bonaire, right by Kralendijk the main city and capital of the island known as: The two piers are suited to moor up to three cruise ships, although only very seldom this happens. But it is a black sand beach with lava-formed pools that make it appealing for hikers. I'd love to see one IRL one day - adding Bonaire to my ever growing list! All major credit cards are widely accepted, with exception of American Express that is not as ubiquitous. Along the way, you will stop at many sightseeing attractions. Visitors to Washington-Slagbaai National Park will find three major beaches at Boca Cocolishi, Boca Slagbaai and Playa Funchi. It now serves as a courthouse and is about a quarter mile north of the cruise docks. Your sightseeing excursion will take you to some spots with amazing views and interesting history, you'll also have the option to stay at a beach and be picked up on time to return to your Bonaire cruise terminal. Salt Flats, Pink Lakes, and Flamingos in Bonaire At the south end of the island, you will find sparkling mountains made of salt and large pink lakes near the salt flats. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); Bonaire cruise terminal is located on the southwestern coast of the island, in the heart of the Bonaire capital of Kralendijk. In particular the tours to sites that will be advantageous to have a knowleadgable guide. They run it three times a day from the Karels Beach Bar and they will also have a kiosk as you exit the ship. St. Kitts Island and its port - Port Zante (as it is officially named) - has become in the last years one of the most loved cruise port destinations in the Eastern Caribbean. It is definitely a lesser known Caribbean island. It boasts colorful, typically 2. Or you can get busy and cover two days worth of itinerary during your one day in port. With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World. 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. Fort Oranje, which was built in 1639, never saw action. You can also see them from Pink Beach sometimes if you plan to stop there. Make sure to take food and water with you. The Bonaire cruise port is a destination now and then with Panama Canal and southern Caribbean cruises. We now feature over 5,000 tours in over 300 ports around the world. While you can easily tell how small they are just by standing next to them, you can also go inside to get a better idea of the tight living quarters. The pilings create a vertical column which brings the fish right up to the surface of the water. It still has the beautiful beaches and crystal clear water you would expect in the Caribbean but without the crowds. Head east and go windsurfing and swimming at Jibe City and take a kayak tour with the Mangrove Center in the mangroves on Lac Bay. You will cruise to both attractions on a sleek, 42-foot catamaran with plenty of shaded and sunny areas for lounging. Photo courtesy of Rene Cicero.Photo courtesy of Rene Cicero. (This article contains affiliate links. Kayi Grande is Bonaires main shopping street for tourists and runs parallel to the cruise docks. Shops and restaurants line Waterfront Promenade and Kaya Grandi, which is the main shopping street. When you disembark, turn left and breeze past the gauntlet of excursion providers toward downtown. 2 tank dive to see some of the incredible underwater sights! Fully licensed and insured shore excursion transportation! The houses are painted various shades of pink, orange, and white which contrast with the blue waters beyond them from the road. They will shuttle you over to the island where you can drop your stuff. WebEXCURSION COMPANY We offer over 5000 experiences, in over 500 ports worldwide. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). In the Dominican Republic, we paid about $65 each to feed and interact with spider monkeys in a beautiful jungle setting. Next we found our favorite rental car we have ever driven at Rento Fun (also partners with Bonaire Motorcycle Shop if you want to rent a Harley for your time on the island). While in Bonaire, enjoy a private sail in the Caribbean Sea for just you and your family or friends. You get to discover the wild side of Bonaire and enjoy a unique land sailing experience. 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. You then do a 1-way snorkel back to where you dropped your stuff on the beach. Landmarks like the Fort Orange and lighthouse, the Queen Wilhelmina Plaza or the Government Office Building are impossible to miss. Holland America offers 19 cruise excursions, The entrance fee is $9 for teens and adults with discounts for children. Not far from the Northern Pier (1.3 miles - 2 km) the Spice Beach Club of the Eden Resort is another good option. Bonaire looks amazing! By clicking I Agree, you accept our privacy policy. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Bonaire (Kralendijk) cruise port. Beloware the main Bonaire attractions: Explore Bonaire sightseeing toursif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'adventourbegins_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Slave hutsSalt flats. Bonaire looks gorgeous! Mind the rocky entry as it can be rough. Docks | Terminal | At Walking Distance | Things To Do. 24/7 SERVICE We are available any time to help you, no matter where you are in the world. It takes about a 20 minute walk to reach the reef, but Lac Bay is one of the best snorkeling areas in Bonaire. Then peddle back into town for an afternoon coffee, ice cream or beer before catchingyour ship. Four beaches are near the cruise port. The park was the first nature sanctuary of the Netherland Antilles islands when it was created in 1969. See iconic landmarks like the flat salt ponds, the White Slave huts, and more on this exciting island sightseeing tour in Kralendijk. For the cruise passenger planing to explore Klein Bonaire (a major highlight for scuba diving and snorkeling) there are water taxis within walking distance of the piers. Along the road, little rocks had the corresponding names and numbers, making it easy to find the spots you wanted to see. Ocho Rios is the Editor's favorite Cruise Port in Jamaica close to many highlights, attractions and many hidden gems of the Island. ;). Snorkeling shore excursions range in price between $50 and $100 depending on whether they include lunch or open bar. The Bonaire cruise terminal is Harborside Mall, a small open-air shopping center. Is your cruise also stopping in Aruba? Royal Caribbean has 49 cruise excursions. Child from: $79.00 USD. In addition to the slave huts, this area also has four obelisks. WebBonaire lies about 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is part of the islands known as the Leeward Antilles. Keep your eyes open for flamingos on your drive. Anyone who drives there actually will take 67 steps to reach the beach. Bonaire National Marine Park (aka BNMP) is one of the top-rated snorkeling and diving destinations in the world. Snorkel set includes varied sized fins, sanitized snorkel, silicone mask, and vest! July 10, 2011. The northern pier is perpendicular to the coast, just over 200 feet long, with the exit gates opening directly into a pedestrian street right in front of the Wilhelmina Park. FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION Cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund. 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. Although the islands climate is dry, the Bonaire, This is the best beach in Bonaire for windsurfers, kite-surfers, kayak lovers, and all those who enjoy water sports! Drinks and snacks are included, so you only need to relax and have fun! For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Bonaire see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory. From there, you can catch the Caribe Watersport taxi over to the island. The cost is $25 per person. Then drive up to the Goto Meer lake to see the flamingos and head into Rincon for a visit to the local Cadushy distillery. And, they seriously discounted the fees. Hopefully one day the beach will regain its namesake pink color. We won't send you spam. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Posted January 8. Terminal | Water Taxi | Philipsburg and Beyond. Leave the crowds and tourist traps behind with unforgettable day excursions when you book shore trips with Shore Excursions Group. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'adventourbegins_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-leader-3-0'); Your email address will not be published. We stopped at beaches that had no one else in sight and snorkeled anywhere that looked like a good spot. Docking | Piers | Things To Do and See | The Old Town and the Beaches. 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. Docking | Getting Around | See and Do | Excursions and Tours. The underwater marine life in Lac Bay is truly fascinating to explore, and the place is perfect for those in search of a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the town. The official legal tender in Bonaire is the US Dollar. Pin it for later and to share it with others! The Divi Flamingo Beach is within walking distance. The Kralenkijk cruise portis a good place to do that. See the list of Washington Slagbaai National Park toursif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventourbegins_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-leader-1-0');Donkeys in Washington Slagbaai National Park. Dont Lose Your Reservation! The rich cultural past of the Barbados and Bridgetown's cruise port is preserved in an exotic mix of quaint tropical ambiance. We only visited Bonaire for a day, but it quickly became one of our favorite Caribbean islands. Super personalized service, only 6 participants per scuba diving shore excursion boat! We headed to the southern part of the island first. The lack of commercialization may appeal Caribbean visitors who get tired of it on other islands. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has available 22 shore excursions. Take plenty of sunscreen as well as there is little shade on the island. Stop at Cadushy Distillery for a famous cactus liquor tasting! Whether you love just relaxing on the beach, finding adventure in activities or learning more of the islands history, there is plenty to do in Bonaire to suit your individual tastes. While the sand is not noticeably pink, it is still a beautiful area with the palm trees blowing in the breeze, the slight pink tint to the sand, and the calm waters in various shades of blue. Choosing one of these DIY Bonaire shore excursions will give you maximum freedom to explore the island on your own. Bonaire lies about 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is part of the islands known as the Leeward Antilles. Which is usually great, but dont you find that sometimes you want to bust out of the pre-baked itinerary and do your own thing? Bonaire National Marine Park is known as one of the better snorkeling experiences in the Caribbean. Other options include island tours for $75 to $125 that usually include a Catch a 10 minute cab ride north to Eden Beach. WebOver 4,500 excursions in 300 ports of call around the world. Bonaire is part of the ABC Islands - Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Bonaire is Dutch after all so make like the Dutch and get around on a bike. DIY Excursions for the Bonaire Cruise Port 1. Based on the options, we chose a Suzuki Jimmy for $38 a day. On Friday afternoons, the slaves walked seven hours back home to Rincon to see their families. Feeling Generous? It is located on the southeastern coast of the island, approximately 10 km/6.5 miles from the Bonaire cruise terminal (a 15-20 minute drive). Taxis, rental cars and excursion buses are the main means of getting around the island. Bonaire might be a small island but it offers a lot of snorkeling and sightseeing. All snorkel equipment including mask, sterilized snorkel tube/mouthpiece, fins and flotation vest (if required)! Be sure to avoid the channel and be aware that on especially rough days, you will still have to fight a current in the usually calm bay. Bonaire Cruise Port: Tips, Excursions, Weather Quick Travel Tips. Klein Bonaire is a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Bonaire. You can rent a bike from Bike Rental Bonaireor Scooters Bonaire. Discover where cruise ships dock, how to get to town, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Cabbage or Junkanoo. These shells come from microscopic pink single-celled organisms called foraminifera. The Tourist Information Office in Kralendijk. The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is by the Salt Ponds and you may be able to spot them at a distance. Finally, it should be noted that the German cruise lines Aida and Mein Schiff also call frequently at Bonaire, the British Marella has a few itineraries including Bonaire and the Spanish Pullmantur Monarch visits Kralendijk almost every week. Photo stop at 1000 Steps, Flamingo Sanctuary, Salt Flats (pink lagoon), and Slave Huts! One tour operator was offering a guided seven-hour excursion for $80. Excellent blog post. , so the taxi drivers usually drop you off there. Spending the day in Bonaire with a rental car meant we had many of the places we stopped to ourselves. Pink Beach, the longest beach on the island, has fine pink sand. There are many Banks, most with ATM's, in Kralendijk. And there are also quite a few options close to town that dont require a rental car. Now head north to Te Amo beach. You can find full directions including maps of the walking routes and best snorkeling areas here. Whatever you choose to see and do in Bonaire, it is easy and affordable to explore the Island on your own. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Bonaire (Kralendijk) cruise port. And you can also use the activity center. Very close to both cruise piers you will find the following: Cruise travelers may have read elsewhere that there is third docking spot in Kralendijk known as Ro-Ro Pier - this is, in fact, an inshore ramp not used by cruise ships. WebBook inspiring Excursions & unforgettable Tours in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, Cabo, Vallarta, Montego Bay, Liberia and Hawaii with Amstar. Visualize yourself and other slaves crammed 12 to a hut and then be glad for the comfort of your cruise ship. They are painted red, white, blue and orange, the four colors that have been used in the Dutch flag throughout history. The island of Bonaire is small: 38 km/24 miles from the south to the north, and between 5-8 km/3-5 miles from the east to the west, which makes it relatively easy to reach any place on the island within a 30-45 minute drive. Bonaire is the smallest of the ABC trio and until recently the forgotten Island in the South Caribbean itineraries. Check out their location maps prior to disembarkation or visit the Bonaire tourism office for directions and a map. The latter is a traditional language derived from African and Portuguese dialects also influenced by Spanish, Dutch and English. You can relax on the beach or find good snorkeling right off the water. Id love to connect with you via Instagram @katarina_adventourbegins, Facebook @Adventour Begins, and Pinterest @katarina_adventourbegins. Our first stop was a little seafood restaurant right near the pier overlooking the turquoise waters. The Cruise Port is 3-miles away from Montego Bay's, but both the old town and the island have top attractions and highlights that must be explored. For those interested in oceanic wonders, Bonaire is paradise underwater. If your cruise stops at the port of Bonaire, youll have your choice of shore excursions, but youve only got one day so make the most of it. We hiked along the rocks and enjoyed watching and hearing the waves crash, but swimming was out of the question. Credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons license, Washington-Slagbaai National Park. Not far, the restaurant It Rains Fishes is a gourmet delight with impeccable service. DONT PORT, DONT PAY You never have to worry about paying for a trip you cant take. For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Bonaire (Kralendijk) cruise port visit the website of the U.S. Consulate in Curacao. Plus, you can enjoy watching windsurfers of all skill levels cruise around the bay. Salt continues to be a major part of Bonaires economy even today. Regardless of where cruise ship docks, the cruise traveler will always be within walking distance of all main attractions in Kralendijk and with all major services to explore on your own just a stone's throw away. English-speaking certified shore excursion snorkel guides! More adventurous visitors can rent bicycles and motor scooters to get around the island, which is barely 10 miles across. The Bonaire temperature has little variations, and is constant all year round, with an average of 24 to 30 C (75.2 to 86 F), and a lot of hours of sunshine per day. Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks! WebEnjoy the Best Island Adventures on Bonaire Shore Excursions Youll be happy to know that when your Caribbean cruise ship docks in at Kralendijk, Bonaire, shore excursions on this lovely Southern Caribbean island, known as a divers paradise, offer much in the way of snorkeling, scuba, sailing, and other sea and sun activities. When you are a certified diver, we offer our two-tank certified shore dive excursion. Bachelors Beach is a small beach just south of the docks. But for the last couple of years only one is operational - north of the Northern Pier, no more than 500 feet (150 meters), next to the famous Karels Beach Bar. NCL (with the Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, and Norwegian Jade) also calls a few times and so does Oceania (Insignia and Riviera). Choose one beach from 6 of the most popular beaches in Bonaire (transport only)! Before I share with you the best things to do in Bonaire port, I invite you to sign up below and get my insider SHORE EXCURSION GUIDE for FREE!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'adventourbegins_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Kralendijk is a small city easy to explore in a couple of hours. On the cultural side, a visit to Ricon (the oldest settlement of Bonaire) is a must do. You can rent from AB Car Rental. Share Bonaire excursions with your friends and pin this post: How to Survive Driving in Ireland: Ten Top Tips, Bogota Street Art: Catch an Eyeful on This Extensive Tour. Dubrovnik Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions, Catania Cruise Port Guide (Sicily), Things to Do, Shore Excursions, Taormina Cruise Port (Giardini Naxos), Things to Do, Shore Excursions, Messina Cruise Port (Taormina, Sicily), Things to Do, Shore Excursions, Palermo Cruise Port (Sicily, Italy), Things to Do, Shore Excursions, Upon getting off your cruise ship and exiting the Bonaire cruise terminal, youll spot the, When you exit the mall area to your left, youll spot numerous, The best way to get around Bonaire is on a. The island has a population of less than 20,000 people, so its no surprise that public transportation is minimal. There are several local rental car companies which are a 10 minute walk southeast from the Bonaire cruise port dock. When I saw a beach on the map called Pink Beach, we had to check it out. With a constant wind blowing and warm waters year round, it is the perfect spot for windsurfing all year. The whole island has a relaxing and laid back vibe that makes it perfect for a Caribbean getaway. The reef drop off is very close to shore here, and the sandy beach is an easy entry. See the Bonaire cruise port map on Google maps, The ABC islands, including Bonaire, are located outside of the hurricane-affected Caribbean areas, and the weather is pleasant throughout the whole year. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We pulled over on the side of the road to take it all in. There are no services on the island but it has a nice sandy beach. Enjoy the best of the north and south sides of Bonaire! Enjoy your day at Rincon Village, the oldest town in Bonaire! Boca Slagbaai, popular with the flamingos, is a good swimming and snorkeling site. But if you would like to cruise on a ship calling at Bonaire, these are the cruise lines and ships which regularly call at the port of Kralendijk: Carnival (Sunshine and Victory), Celebrity (Eclipse, Equinox, Reflection and Silhouette), Costa Magica, Holland & America (ms Eurodam, ms Koningsdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, and ms Zuiderdam), P&O (Britannia), Princess (Crown, Regal and Royal) and Royal Caribbean (Adventure Of The Seas, Freedom Of The Seas, Navigator Of The Seas and Serenade Of The Seas). Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.