Fully licensed and insured shore excursion transportation! The island does not have a bus system. This island is uninhabited, so there are no options to buy food or water there. Considering that cruise ship dock next to Kralendijk, there is no need for a shuttle. When we first arrived, we picked up a map with beaches and suggested snorkeling spots. Docks | Beaches | Activities | Shopping | Restaurants | Tours. 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Your email address will not be published. And there are also quite a few options close to town that dont require a rental car. Having your ship arrange a Bonaire shore excursion for you is certainly easy. Your sliver of paradise! Car rentals, scooters, and bicycles are available within walking distance of both piers. Ocho Rios is the Editor's favorite Cruise Port in Jamaica close to many highlights, attractions and many hidden gems of the Island. English-speaking certified captain and attentive crew! The good news is that there is a good number of interesting attractions to explore and discover besides the ones found underwater. The Tourist Information Office in Kralendijk. Diving excursions cost about $150 per person. Fort Oranje, which was built in 1639, never saw action. Along the way, you will stop at many sightseeing attractions. Learn how your comment data is processed. Banks and ATM: Photo stop at 1000 Steps, Flamingo Sanctuary and Rincon! Round-trip, clean, air-conditioned transportation from your Bonaire cruise ship terminal! Bonaire shore excursions via cruise lines and independent operators emphasize land and water recreation, especially snorkeling and diving. Papiamento is very different from the Creole and Patois spoken in other Caribbean Islands. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. 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. WebMake a payment and confirm your reservation. Snorkel equipment including mask, sterilized snorkel tube/mouthpiece, and flotation vest! We loved the freedom of renting a car in Bonaire because we were one of the few cars on the road. Board a bus from the Bonaire cruise port for a 4-hour tour starting from the capital city of Kralendijk. 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. Cruise lines like Azamara, Crystal, Disney, Fred Olson, Regent, Seabourn, Silversea only call at the port in Kralendijk sporadically, on re-positioning cruises or on an exceptional itinerary. Give a gift to your friend going on one of our cruises! If you are not certified, the discover scuba dive experience is for you! 25422881. All within walking distance from the Cruise Piers like the RBC, Girobank Bonaire or Banco di Caribe (on Kaya Grandi - the main shopping street). For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Bonaire (Kralendijk) cruise port visit the website of the U.S. Consulate in Curacao. The visitors center has a museum and walking trails. Find the most popular adventures, water activities, boat tours, sightseeing tours and other Things to Do during your vacation in one of our tropical destinations. We only had one day in Bonaire, but we made the most of it. 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. The 700-acre lagoon is an area of unspoiled nature that you can enter only with a professional tour guide. You can view the whole fleet and the prices here. The animals greet visitors when they arrive at the park, which is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 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). The 1000 Steps snorkel and dive site on the north side of Bonaire is reachable by boat or car. and each tour stops at popular snorkel sites where you get to discover Bonaires fascinating sea life. You can easily do one of the itinerary days and have plenty of time for chilling out. All the waters surrounding the island, including the coral reef, sea-grass and mangroves are in fact a protected National Park. For those interested in mother nature's travails, the Echo's Conservation Centre is an attraction to check and so is the Mangrove Center. English speaking certified captain and crew! This experience runs from 9 AM to 1 PM. MOST INTERESTING ITINERARIES We get you up close so you can experience the real thing. Just added Bonaire to the list! Plus, you can enjoy watching windsurfers of all skill levels cruise around the bay. We also guaranty to get you back to your ship on time. You can spend a few hours having lunch, visiting the craft market on the square and hitting the shops. We chose the Suzuki because it had the open top, perfect for cruising around the island for the day. Thank you! If you can rally a group of four, then renting your own car can be a cheaper option than taking the official Bonaire excursions. Cruise lines, independent tour operators and local vendors offer a wide range of snorkeling and scuba diving tours, and you can choose between snorkeling, professional scuba diving and discover scuba diving (scuba diving for beginners).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'adventourbegins_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); For professional diving, a PADI Certificate is required, but for the second option, you normally dont need it. 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. Trip Advisors selection of Bonaire tours. Entrance to 3 Caverns on the North Side of Bonaire! Many reviews and travel guides still refer to Bonaire as part of the Dutch or Netherlands Antilles. Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico and the most popular cruise ship port in the Caribbean. All major credit cards are widely accepted, with exception of American Express that is not as ubiquitous. Landmarks like the Fort Orange and lighthouse, the Queen Wilhelmina Plaza or the Government Office Building are impossible to miss. WebExcursions & Tours About Bonaire Cultural Museum, Island Sightseeing with Optional Beach Drop Off Price: $40.00 See iconic landmarks like the flat salt ponds, the White Slave huts, and more on this exciting island sightseeing tour in Kralendijk. WebOver 4,500 excursions in 300 ports of call around the world. Shops and restaurants line Waterfront Promenade and Kaya Grandi, which is the main shopping street. Thank you! (you will be able to choose from Four beaches close to Kralendijk are Bachelors, Te Amo and Flamingo, along with one of the most unusually named beaches in the Caribbean. Established in 1969, Washington Slagbaai National Park was the first ecological reserve in the former Netherlands Antilles. Bonaire looks wonderful, I had considered a cruise itinerary that stopped there, but didn't know anything about it so I chose a different itinerary. If you don't spot it straight away do ask for directions - this small museum is really worth a visit as it will take you on a journey through 7,000 years of Caribbean history. The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is by the Salt Ponds and you may be able to spot them at a distance. We only visited Bonaire for a day, but it quickly became one of our favorite Caribbean islands. We are a participant in the various affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Excursions sell out quickly so book now! There are plenty of things to do in Bonaire whether you are on a cruise or staying for longer. I know the feeling of an ever growing list :-) It really is a beautiful island! At the south end of the island, you will find sparkling mountains made of salt and large pink lakes near the salt flats. But it is a black sand beach with lava-formed pools that make it appealing for hikers. English speaking certified shore excursion guides and dive masters! If Bonaire is your cruise port, get ready to enjoy the idyllic scenery of the island for your day in Bonaire. Open Air Bus Sightseeing: Te Amo Beach, Salt Flats, Flamingo Sanctuary, Salt Plantation and Slave House, Lighthouse, Lac Bay and Sorobon! Dont forget to subscribe below and get my exclusive SHORE EXCURSION GUIDE FOR FREE! Then you get back into the boat and tell them how long you want to snorkel for. 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. If you prefer above water sports, Windsurfing at Jibe City, Kayaking, Kite-surfing, Sailing or Fishing are top activities to enjoy in Bonaire. Visualize yourself and other slaves crammed 12 to a hut and then be glad for the comfort of your cruise ship. Some shops stay open through lunch hours, Sundays and Holidays. Posted on Published: August 4, 2017- Last updated: June 26, 2021, Categories North America & Caribbean, Travel. It really is perfect for snorkeling with such clear water! Since then, we have been traveling every chance we get. Docking at Heritage Quay | Taxis | Top Attractions. Bonaire is the smallest of the ABC trio and until recently the forgotten Island in the South Caribbean itineraries. Rates start at $38 per day (+fees) for a passenger car. Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks! Other options include island tours for $75 to $125 that usually include a 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! But its also a fantastic place to snorkel. Cruise travelers visiting St. Lucia always find something exciting to do and see. It now serves as a courthouse and is about a quarter mile north of the cruise docks. The cruise port is right in downtown Kralendijk. Cruise portsCrew membersDestinationsBlogAbout me, ContactPrivacy policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimer, We use cookies to improve your experience. Here is the list of the best beaches: Catamaran sailing and snorkeling in Bonaire Marine Park are a must if you are visiting Bonaire for the first time. Docks, Piers and Terminals | Close By | Beaches | Shopping. It boasts colorful, typically 2. Very interesting writing and informative post Thanks for sharing with us. The beach has been featured on the cover of Caribbean Travel. Posted January 8. Head north and snorkel at Andrea I, Karpata and 1,000 steps. When you disembark, turn left 2. For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Bonaire see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory. And that flamingo is so cool. Id love to go back and learn here one day. Located next to Downtown Miami, disembarking/embarking can be far from smooth and at times frustrating when up to 8 mega-ships are docked. With over 20 beaches in Bonaire, there is a handful of famous spots like the 1000 Steps Beach, No Name Beach in Kein Bonaire, Playa Palu di Mangel, Sorobon Beach or Te Amo Beach. If so, check out these 27 things to do in Arubaand look sharp on your cruise with this packing list. Take An Island Tour from Bonaire Cruise Port Taking a guided tour by bus is one of the best ways to see the sights of Bonaire. With a constant wind blowing and warm waters year round, it is the perfect spot for windsurfing all year. There is also ahotel on Lac Bay if you are looking to stay here for a few days. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Bonaire (Kralendijk) cruise port. Now I kind of wished I had chosen the one with Bonaire! July 10, 2011. They also have everything from bicycles, scooters and motorcycles to cars, trucks, and vans. It is a very popular and busy beach, with several beach bars and a parking lot. Not far from the Northern Pier (1.3 miles - 2 km) the Spice Beach Club of the Eden Resort is another good option. WebWater Tours in Bonaire BONAIRE GLASS BOTTOM REEF & SNORKEL Take this glass bottom boat trip to Klein Bonaire, and discover Bonaires underwater wonders right from the first moment you are on board Read More & Book SAIL AND SNORKEL TO KLEIN BONAIRE Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and space on our sailboats. Docking | Piers | Things To Do and See | The Old Town and the Beaches. Leave the crowds and tourist traps behind with unforgettable day excursions when you book shore trips with Shore Excursions Group. Choosing one of these DIY Bonaire shore excursions will give you maximum freedom to explore the island on your own. There are more than 85 scuba diving and snorkeling spots in Bonaire. The eastern coast differed greatly from the southern coast. Curaao and its cruise port in Willemstad - the capital - have a rare charm, stunning colonial architecture, very is both safe and comfortable to explore on your. Taking a water taxi to Klein Bonaire is an easy and fairly inexpensive way to get in a good snorkel during your shore time. Bonaire is part of the ABC Islands - Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Kralendijk is a small town of about 3,000 people, so there are few walking around attractions. We traveled by bus around Bonaire, taking in the If you are looking for more snorkeling options, walk down the beach to the south until you find a yellow post. #2. Although Bonaire cannot be considered a completely off-the-beaten-track cruise port, not all cruise lines include it in their itineraries. Make sure to take food and water with you. Docks | Terminal | At Walking Distance | Things To Do. 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. Bonaire is one of the worlds major exporters of salt because of the salt pans, which also have become something of a tourist attraction on the island. But if you want to rent equipment, it will cost extra. Spending the day in Bonaire with a rental car meant we had many of the places we stopped to ourselves. On Kaya Grandi - Kralendjik's main shopping street - the cruise visitorwill find some shops but don't expect to find the typical and ubiquitous ones found all over the Caribbean. As it came into view, we saw lots of colorful windsurfing sails filling the bay. WebBON | Shore Excursions | Carnival Cruise Line Bonaire Bonaire F A Q s Already booked your cruise? If you find the kiosks too busy or closed, the main (and larger) Tourism Office is located behind the Protestant Church on Wilhelmina Square, right at the start of Kaya Grandi. Chachacha, named after a local woman, is a small beach with a wooden pier. Required fields are marked *. With this shore excursion, you will cruise over to Klein Bonaire also known as Little Bonaire (ferry service by water taxi). By contrast, major cruise lines - Carnival, Celebrity, Holland & America, P & O, Princess, and RCI - have many itineraries visiting Bonaire between the months of October and as late as May. 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. Having worked in the cruise industry for over 7 years as Concierge and Shore excursions staff (Rivages du Monde, Viking River Cruises, Royal Caribbean International), Ive gained priceless, inside knowledge about the ports of call and have become a shore excursions expert. The entrance fee is $9 for teens and adults with discounts for children. 2022 INDEPENDENT QUEST LLC Florida - USA. Four beaches are near the cruise port. These huts were built in the mid-1800s for the salt workers use.The slave huts were used for sleeping and storing belongings during the work week. Check the folowing websites to find out more about what to do on your own: Besides the water-related activities, the cruise passenger has other options. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). East, West and South Caribbean Top Cruising Destinations. 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. From there, snorkel with the current back down to No Name Beach. The latter is a traditional language derived from African and Portuguese dialects also influenced by Spanish, Dutch and English. Hopefully you'll find another itinerary with it in the future! Within walking distance, the Divi Flamingo Resort (400 meters south of the Southern Pier ) is a nice spot to enjoy a day on the beach. Photo stop at 1000 Steps, Flamingo Sanctuary, Salt Flats (pink lagoon), and Slave Huts! 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. The pilings create a vertical column which brings the fish right up to the surface of the water. In Grand Turk the cruise docks in a pier next to a stunning beach: this is an invitation to spend the day basking in the sun, swimming, snorkeling and enjoying all sorts of water activities. Full of white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and lots of peace and quiet. Bonaire climate shares similar characteristics with nearby Aruba and Curaao. This pier is next to the Old Fort and very close to the Sea Promenade (a long and beautiful street along the coast) and Kaya Grandi one block behind, which is the main shopping street of Kralendijk. Grab a beer or a bite from the Wind City food truck and chill out on the beach. WebBonaire is located off the coast of Venezuela and has for years been known as a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. However,the feedoes not include use of the timeshare guest pool. The road goes along the coastline, so you have water views the whole way. The waters of the pools look pink because of the brine shrimp that live in the water, giving both the water and the flamingos their pink coloring. Its packed full of both snorkeling and sightseeing activities. The water is calm and shallow throughout the bay, making it ideal for beginners. Photo by Bella. Cunard, Viking or MSC, for example, do not have any call scheduled for the next couple of years. Flamingo spotting is another major attraction. This marks an open area in the coral reef where you can enter the water. You can also see them from Pink Beach sometimes if you plan to stop there. If snorkeling is more of what you are looking for, Lac Bay is perfect for snorkeling along the reef that borders the bay. Pink Beach was not all that pink, but it was still beautiful. Bonaire is part of the ABC Islands - Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. By clicking I Agree, you accept our privacy policy. Being off the beaten path appealed to us. Open Bar at the boat: soft drinks, fruit punch, beer, wine (rose and white) and rum punch! More adventurous visitors can rent bicycles and motor scooters to get around the island, which is barely 10 miles across. Bonaire looks amazing! 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. Snorkeling and pink beaches?? We discovered Bonaire on a cruise we took one March for Spring Break. Bonaire is the B on the island trio known as ABC - Aruba, Bonaire and Curaao. However, the even more famous Donkey Sanctuary is very much open and can be fun especially for those traveling with young ones. The island has coral formations, salt pans, a flamingo sanctuary, and a perfect area to learn to windsurf. Explore Kralendijk. We offer the absolute best options for your tours and cruise shore excursions in Bonaire! The island has a population of less than 20,000 people, so its no surprise that public transportation is minimal. It is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. WebTop 8 Things to Do in Bonaire Cruise Port 1. Some of the buildings there date back to 1869. Agreed :-) We loved visiting all of the ABC islands, but we especially loved Bonaire because it was less commercialized and more quiet. In particular the tours to sites that will be advantageous to have a knowleadgable guide. Just past the salt flats and ponds, there is a little row of houses and some obelisks along the beach. There are several beaches in Bonaire near the cruise port and the best way to get there is by local 3. Docks and Terminals | Must Know | To Do and See. See the beauty of this tiny rugged gem of an island. 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. For those that wish to explore different sights and tractions, it is advisable to book a tour or an excursion. The water is so beautiful and looks like a wonderful place to snorkel or dive! Small groups only of a maximum of 7 guests per vehicle! 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. On this wonderful sanctuary, the cruise visitor will also have the opportunity to learn about the endemic species of Bonaire like parakeets, iguanas, sea turtles and many other species of birds and reptiles. We are sure you will find the perfect activity for a splendid day in Bonaire! WebEXCURSION COMPANY We offer over 5000 experiences, in over 500 ports worldwide. This open-air shopping complex is known as Harborside Mall. It takes about a 20 minute walk to reach the reef, but Lac Bay is one of the best snorkeling areas in Bonaire. WebBonaire Shore Excursions Choose the activity or tour that best suits your wishes from the ones we have selected for you! Most of the population working directly with tourists speak good English, are very helpful but not pushy. Have in mind that most attractions are in a way scenic and/or ecologically oriented. Explore Bonaire National Marine Park tours and activitiesBonaire National Marine Park. Or, if you cruise is stopping in Curacao, check out this list of things to do there. Bonaire looks lovely, never heard of it before! There is a whole string of restaurants near the cruise port in Bonaire, and many of them serve fresh seafood while looking over the water and port. All of these islands have something unique about them, and all of them have things we liked about them. Check out the Bonaire Landsailing tourif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'adventourbegins_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-leader-2-0');Land sailing tour. Coastal sailing cruise (approx. Visitors to Washington-Slagbaai National Park will find three major beaches at Boca Cocolishi, Boca Slagbaai and Playa Funchi. Docking | Getting Around | See and Do | Excursions and Tours. Explore more with the Wayfaring Views newsletter. Bonaire National Marine Park is known as one of the better snorkeling experiences in the Caribbean. See iconic landmarks like the flat salt ponds, the White Slave huts, and more on this exciting island sightseeing tour in Kralendijk. Open bar and snacks served on board this 3-hour sailing boat excursion! SELECT id_history FROM history WHERE session_id = '4240ea6d4b8feb8ddbd5905ebfc2d8fa' AND id_portofcall = '12' AND id_portofcall != 0 +-+--. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If you are looking for a Caribbean island to visit in the future, give Bonaire a chance. 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. Even if you arent windsurfing, the view and the water here is gorgeous. Adult from: $119.00 USD. Id love to connect with you via Instagram @katarina_adventourbegins, Facebook @Adventour Begins, and Pinterest @katarina_adventourbegins. Keep in mind that driving is on the right and that the island does NOT have stoplights. Taught a love of travel at a young age, I married my husband in 2010. At the end of the day, we simply dropped it back off and headed back to the cruise port. It is called Chachacha. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Since most people stayed close to the ship or took a cruise ship excursion in Bonaire, we were able to find beaches that had no one else around and to make a loop around the island to find all the best places to go in Bonaire. They run it three times a day from the Karels Beach Bar and they will also have a kiosk as you exit the ship. 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.

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