Eco Adventures
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Reconnecting with the natural world on Bonaire
Your Eco Adventure awaits
If you like the outdoors, you’ll love Bonaire. Blessed with sunshine and warm trade winds nearly every day of the year, we naturally spend a great deal of time outside connecting with nature. No matter your favorite outdoor activity, you’ll enjoy it even more on Bonaire.
Biking
With over 300 km of trails, from goat paths to dirt roads, you can explore nearly all of Bonaire on two wheels. Choose a guided tour through Washington Slagbaai National Park, Rincon and Kralendijk. Or, explore the island on your own by following the blue-painted rocks that mark our bike paths. Find bike rentals, sales, repairs and guided tours at local bike shops and many hotels.
Birdwatching
Our tranquil paradise offers shelter for more than just human visitors. Bonaire is home to more than 200 species of birds, including shore birds, sea birds and land birds. Birdwatchers the world over make the trek to two locations on the island, Washington Slagbaai National Park and the Pekelmeer Sanctuary.
Of course, you don’t have to be a certified birdwatcher to take in our most popular feathered resident, the flamingo. You’ll find them at the salt ponds in the National Park, at Gotomeer and at Pekelmeer on the south side of the island. The flamingos are easily spotted from the road, but it’s important to keep your distance.
Bonaire is also home to the Caribbean parakeet and the yellow-shouldered parrot (also known as Lora), the only surviving native population outside of Venezuela. The survival of these species depends on how well we preserve the island’s natural habitats. The parakeets can be found virtually anywhere on the island. The critically endangered parrots number only about 1,000, and are mainly found in fruit trees and the cactus fields on the north side of the island.
To learn more about parrot conservation and research, watch this video from Echo Bonaire.
Caving
With our extensive system of over 400 caves, Bonaire boasts virtually every possible ecosystem nature has to offer. More than adventure hot spots, our caves have been at the heart of the island’s ecosystem since they formed tens of thousands of years ago. Take a guided tour and discover ancient stalactites and stalagmites that took millennia to form. For the intrepid visitor, the caves also offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for adventure. Certified cave guides can take you into secluded caverns where you can snorkel in the dark in crystal clear water. Don’t forget a flashlight!
Hiking
To really get close to Bonaire, you have to leave the modern world behind. Slip into your most rugged hiking boots and head to Washington Slagbaai National Park and find one of the best spots on island to hike. The park’s varied terrain offers challenges for hikers of all abilities. Those who choose to climb some of the steeper hills will be rewarded for their efforts with majestic views of the island and the turquoise seas around us. You can either take to the trails on your own, or take a hiking tour with a local guide.
Golf
For golfers used to bright green grass as far as the eye can see, our golf course, Piedra So, will come as something of a surprise. In keeping with our dedicated stewardship of Bonaire’s natural world, Piedra So is a completely native environment. Here, no grass grows on the fairways, but are instead covered in our sparse local vegetation. It’s a truly unique and ecologically sound 18-hole course that is an ideal example of what’s possible when you tend to nature first.
Horseback Riding
What better way to reconnect with nature than on horseback? Bonaire offers both novice and experienced riders two stunning riding options. You’ll find Rancho Washikemba on the east side of the island, while the Horse Ranch Bonaire is on the west side, a short drive from the capital, Kralendijk. Novice riders can take lessons at either facility, and all riders can choose one of two trail rides, a lagoon tour or a kunuku-tour.
Photography Tours
Our pristine island and rich history offer incredible opportunities for truly stunning images. On a photography safari, you’ll visit some of the most beautiful natural spots on the island, such as 1000 Steps, Goto Lake, Washikemba and East Coast. If you prefer wildlife photography, you’ll likely encounter local warawara, osprey, iguana, hummingbirds and even a few more exotic creatures. You’ll also visit historic locations such as Rincon (the oldest town on Bonaire), slave huts and the Salt Pans. Because light is so very important on Bonaire, tours can be scheduled around “golden time” in the morning or early evening.
Rappelling & Rock Climbing
Nature has blessed Bonaire with everything from tropical reefs to towering cliffs. While we don’t have high mountains, we do have several serious limestone walls ideal for rock climbing and rappelling. Adventure seekers who crave an adrenaline rush will find just what they need. For example, those who reach the top of Brandaris Hill, in Washington Slagbaai National Park, will be rewarded with an unforgettable 360 degree vista of the island and the Caribbean.
Other Outdoor Activities
Surrounded by such natural beauty and idyllic weather, it’s no wonder we spend most of our time outdoors. And you don’t have to be a daredevil to enjoy the outdoors on Bonaire. You’ll also find many opportunities for more gentle pursuits such as tennis, landsailing, walking tours, buggy tours and more.
Tropical adventures await
Enjoying Bonaire's great outdoors
