If you're wondering what to do in Bonaire, picture vibrant coral reefs, sun-bleached salt flats, desert landscapes and peaceful beaches. From snorkeling the marine park to exploring ancient caves and discovering local culture in quiet villages, this Dutch Caribbean island offers unforgettable experiences on both land and sea. Here are the best things to do in Bonaire to make the most of your visit.
1. Snorkel Around Klein Bonaire
A short boat ride from the mainland takes you to Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island surrounded by pristine coral reefs and powder-soft sand. Whether you board a glass-bottom boat, a traditional junk ship or a catamaran, the journey is part of the magic. Once there, snorkel through calm waters filled with colorful reef fish and vibrant corals.
Some snorkeling excursions include a gentle current drift snorkel, while others let you relax on No Name Beach. If you're deciding what to do in Bonaire with limited time, this combination of reef and beach is an ideal introduction to the island.
2. Explore Bonaire’s Salt Flats & Flamingo Sanctuaries
One of the most striking sights on the island is the gleaming white salt pyramids and pink-hued evaporation ponds near Pekelmeer. These salt flats are still in use today, and attract flocks of flamingos drawn by the shrimp-rich waters. Tours often pair a visit to the salt fields with stops at 19th-century slave huts, where you can learn about the island’s colonial past. It’s one of the best things to do in Bonaire for history lovers and nature photographers alike.
3. ATV Tours Through Desert Terrain & Caves
Adventurers wondering what to do in Bonaire beyond the beach should buckle up for an off-road UTV or 4x4 tour. Travel across the island’s east coast, where desert landscapes stretch out with towering cacti, roaming donkeys and crashing surf.
Stop at remote landmarks like Spelonk Lighthouse and explore ancient limestone caves once used by the Arawak people. You’ll find petroglyphs, underground chambers and colonies of bats in this rugged, lesser-known part of the island.
4. Kayak in Lac Bay’s Protected Waters
Lac Bay is home to one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved mangrove forests, and exploring it by kayak is a must. Paddle through glassy waters alongside schools of fish and seabirds, then snorkel through eelgrass beds and shallow reefs alive with marine life. Some excursions include a beach break at Lac Cai, where you can relax with your toes in the sand. This is one of the best things to do in Bonaire for eco-minded travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.
5. Discover Bonaire’s Cultural Heritage in Rincon
Take a step back in time when you discover Rincon, the island’s oldest village and former home of the Arawak Indians. A visit here might include touring a traditional Bonairian home, browsing a small cultural museum or sampling cactus-based drinks. If you're looking for what to do in Bonaire beyond its beaches and reefs, exploring Rincon adds depth and context to your visit, connecting you with the island’s people and traditions.
6. Relax at Sorobon or Ocean Oasis Beach Clubs
Bonaire’s beaches may be known more for snorkeling than lounging, but Sorobon Beach and Ocean Oasis offer some of the island’s most inviting shores for a relaxed day in the sun. Both feature soft white sand, calm waters and reserved loungers with beach service. Ocean Oasis adds elevated dining and modern amenities, while Sorobon offers views over Lac Bay and the chance to spot windsurfers skimming across the shallow lagoon. For beach lovers deciding what to do in Bonaire, this is the perfect way to slow down.
7. Visit the Bonaire National Marine Park
You don’t need to dive to experience the beauty of Bonaire National Marine Park. This protected area covers the entire coastline and is one of the most biodiverse reef systems in the Caribbean. Join a guided snorkeling trip and learn about reef conservation while spotting fish, corals and maybe even sea turtles. It’s one of the most accessible and fun activities in Bonaire for first-time visitors.
8. Try Land Sailing on the Windy East Coast
Harness the power of the wind on a land sailing adventure, where you’ll pilot a three-wheeled blokart across a custom track near the island’s breezy eastern coast. These wind-powered vehicles are fast, safe and incredibly fun to drive. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll zip around the track at whatever speed you desire. For travelers wondering what to do in Bonaire that’s active yet a little different, this is a great way to get your adrenaline fix while enjoying the open air.
9. Cycle the Southern Loop & Salt Flats
For a two-wheeled tour with jaw-dropping views, join a coastal bike ride along Bonaire’s south side. Pedal past wild coastline, pink salt flats, flamingos and the island’s oldest lighthouse. End with a beach break at Te Amo Beach, where you can cool off in turquoise waters. This tour is a great way to see a wide swath of the island at a relaxed pace, and remains one of the most scenic and fun activities in Bonaire.
10. See Kralendijk by Tuk-Tuk or Trolley
Colorful and compact, Kralendijk is Bonaire’s capital that offers a charming mix of architecture, history and seaside views. Ride through town on a trolley train or eco-friendly tuk-tuk, stopping to admire Dutch colonial buildings, fishing boats and Fort Oranje. Some tours include tastings, stories about local legends and views of the coast. If you’re seeking things to do in Bonaire right from the cruise port, this is a low-key but rewarding option.
What To Do in Bonaire
If you're wondering what to do in Bonaire, consider snorkeling in Bonaire National Marine Park, sailing to Klein Bonaire, biking past flamingos and salt flats or exploring ancient caves via a 4x4. Whether you’re relaxing at a beach club, kayaking through mangroves or learning about the island’s culture in Rincon, Bonaire offers a mix of adventure, nature and heritage. With so many fun activities in Bonaire, there’s something unforgettable for every traveler.
