Table Of Content
Two national parks on the island offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Bonaire’s unique flora, fauna, and rugged terrain. Exploring these national parks is a must-do for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Whether you choose to snorkel or dive in Bonaire, it’s important to remember to practice responsible and sustainable diving and snorkeling.
Bonaire Cruise Port • The Best Things to Do in Kralendijk
This delightful round trip experience will cost you approximately $15 per person. Since Klein Bonaire is an uninhabited island, be sure to pack towels, drinks, sunscreen, and any other essentials for your day in paradise. The Bonaire cruise port sits right at the center of the capital city, Kralendijk, on the island of Bonaire.
Bonaire Cruise Port: What Are Some Really Fun Things To Do Besides Diving?
He has received numerous international awards for his conservation efforts. The park is a United Nations Environmental Program Model Marine Protected Area. There are also little jetties all along the waterfront in Kralendijk, which you can jump directly into the sea from. Divi beach resort (a 10-minute walk from the pier), or Sorobon beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Bonaire, located at a 15-minute driving distance from the terminal. Nestled off the north coast of Venezuela, in the Leeward Antilles, in the southern Caribbean, Bonaire forms one of the three ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao). The island of Bonaire has the status of a special municipality within the Kingdom of Netherlands, and the capital city is Kralendijk, a gorgeous little city and a major cruise port of Bonaire.
Local Cuisine
While these taxis do not employ meters, government-regulated rates ensure fair pricing. Typically, a taxi ride costs approximately $25 per person for a two-hour excursion, never exceeding $25 for a one-way trip to any corner of the island. If you do not have cash, the Bonaire cruise port and Kralendijk are teeming with ATMs.
Errata and corrections - Statistics Netherlands
Errata and corrections.
Posted: Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:38:41 GMT [source]
I Went On An 8-Day Cruise From Miami To The Caribbean & Here's What's Worth Doing - Narcity Canada
I Went On An 8-Day Cruise From Miami To The Caribbean & Here's What's Worth Doing.
Posted: Fri, 07 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you want to snorkel but would rather do it with a guide, you can book a guided snorkel tour. Not only will your guide take you to some of the best snorkelling spots in Bonaire, but they’ll also take photos of you on your underwater adventure. If you want to see something truly unique, check out the salt pyramids of Bonaire.
The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary
In particular the tours to sites that will be advantageous to have a knowleadgable guide. 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. It is easy and affordable to travel farther in the Island, be it to spend the day on one of the many, small and secluded beaches, or to discover the island's attractions. Most of the population working directly with tourists speak good English, are very helpful but not pushy. If you are lucky enough to stop at the Bonaire rruise port on your trip, you will not be disappointed. Dutch colonial architecture, coral reefs, flamingos ,and rich flora and fauna make this island a colorful and vibrant place to visit on your cruise.
How to Get to Kralendijk from Bonaire Cruise Port
Established in 1969, Washington Slagbaai National Park was the first ecological reserve in the former Netherlands Antilles. This fascinating wildlife sanctuary covers a large area of northern Bonaire and boasts impressive flora and fauna that you can explore in the presence of a tour guide. There are a few more resorts located in the vicinity of the pier (2-3 km, less than a 10-minute drive) that you can check out, such as Coco Beach Club, Spice Beach Club, Eden Beach Resort, and others.
Antilles Cruise Port Guide
Bonaire is often referred to as the “Diver’s Paradise” and for good reason. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, Bonaire offers exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the underwater world of Bonaire is sure to leave you in awe. This island has much to offer a passenger of a ship that stops at the Bonaire cruise port. For your excursion, take a guided tour which includes transport, or you could take a taxi to the sites you want to visit.
This annual event features colorful parades, energetic music, and elaborate costumes, inviting both locals and visitors to join in the festivities. Traditional music forms, such as tumba, played during local festivals, and the joyous rhythms of salsa and merengue can be heard throughout the island. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself tapping your feet and moving to the infectious beat of the music. Your experience and unique tips can be the guiding light for fellow cruisers, enriching their journeys and ensuring they uncover hidden gems, savor extraordinary moments, and create memories that last a lifetime. Share your wisdom and be a part of the global community that makes travel richer and more rewarding for all. For English speakers, you should not have any difficulty communicating with locals, as most have a decent understanding of English.
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. The two piers are suited to moor up to three cruise ships, although only very seldom this happens. If there are two cruise ships docking, the larger one will always moor on the Southern Pier and the smaller on the Northern Pier. This little island is just across the water from Bonaire cruise port, and is an incredible snorkeling location.
To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. Algae transforms the water into a purplish hue, while the coral and mollusk shells provide a black beach. The sand dune, and crashing waves are worth the effort of a romantic getaway.
Walk to the inside of the bay, where you will find a good spot for snorkeling. Unwind onshore or go windsurfing in the tranquil, shallow waters of Lac Bay, the largest bay in the ABC islands. The island's near-constant trade winds and bathtub-warm waters make for a windsurfer's dream. Shy pink flamingos, gentle sad-eyed donkeys and elusive sea turtles all share something quite rare in today's world. They flourish on or around Bonaire, one of the ABC isles (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) deep in the Southern Caribbean. Each lives in sanctuaries set up by island residents who boast an awareness and level of conservation that few countries can match.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, birdwatcher, or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, exploring Bonaire’s national parks is a rewarding experience. Immerse yourself in the island’s unique landscapes, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the hidden treasures that make Bonaire a true natural paradise. The Bonaire National Marine Park, encompassing the entirety of Bonaire’s coastline, is another natural gem. Although primarily focused on protecting the underwater world, the marine park also extends to the surrounding mangroves and coastal areas. A visit to the Lac Bay Mangrove Forest is a must to witness the beauty and importance of this delicate ecosystem. Join a guided kayak tour through the mangroves, observing a variety of plant and animal species that rely on this unique environment for survival.
The Willemstoren Lighthouse was renovated in 2012 and is in good working order. The interior headroom is around 4 feet or so (only a little larger than the height of a 5-year-old child). ATMs are available at local banks downtown, the supermarket, Harborside Mall and several resorts. Bon Tapa is a great spot for tapas and some casual beverages (or fully party-party beverages, if you fancy it), and Sugar Thief is another popular bar and restaurant which serves lighter meals and home-brewed beers. I only visited Sunshine Food and Drinks during the day for coffee, but they have some amazing looking salads, and a great dinner menu as well.
Here you’ll see fifty-foot towers of salt adjacent to vividly pink waters. The water is pink due to microorganisms that thrive in high saline waters of the salt pans . Nearly all of the restaurants, food trucks, and markets are located within the capital city of Kralendijk. You will find several retail and souvenir shops in this open-air mall close to the port. Strolling around the Harborside Mall and enjoying the lively and colorful downtown scene is a must-do when visiting Bonaire.
If you would rather spend the whole day at the beach, you could take a 20-minute drive by taxi from the cruise port to Sorobon Beach instead of taking the bus tour. It also helps that the island is outside the traditional hurricane zone and is a desert island with no river runoff into the sea. Washington Slagbaai National Park is a stunner of a place, and a big old contrast to other national parks you might have visited on your Caribbean cruise. This tour takes you off-road through the park, and out to some deserted beaches where you have time to snorkel away from the crowds. This can be overwhelming for someone just visiting for the day on a cruise. After gauging your activity level and determining your interests, they can recommend the best diving spot suited for your needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment