These are the best places to travel this summer

Bonaire

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book

Plan your trip with Guide, an AI travel planner!

Create a personalized trip itinerary in seconds using artificial intelligence.

Create a trip

Overview

Despite being a small island with a desert landscape, Bonaire is a destination for divers and snorkelers who want to immerse themselves in that vibrant world under the sea. The beauty of Bonaire is that the coral reef, designated a national park, is just a few feet from the shoreline. Dozens of exceptional dive sites are easily accessible from the shore and teeming with life, making this island an independent diver's (and snorkeler's) paradise.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Coral reef Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) on coral reef in Bonaire; Shutterstock ID 155480753; Your name (First / Last): Alicia Johnson; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Bonaire

    Bonaire National Marine Park

    Bonaire

    Bonaire National Marine Park is the island's star attraction, a unique and precious resource that allows divers and snorkelers to explore miles of…

  • Washington Slagbaai National Park -Views around the Caribbean Island of Bonaire in the ABC Islands; Shutterstock ID 459862570; Your name (First / Last): Alicia Johnson; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Bonaire

    Washington-Slagbaai National Park

    Bonaire

    Comprising almost 20% of the island's area, this vast desert landscape is a fantastic place to explore on foot, by bike or by car (preferably 4WD). Stop…

  • no name island in Bonaire, Caribbean coast; Shutterstock ID 476991604; Your name (First / Last): Alicia Johnson; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Bonaire

    Klein Bonaire

    Bonaire

    About 1km off the coast of Kralendijk, this little deserted island is where you'll find the region's most attractive beach: No Name Beach. There are no…

  • Terramar Museum

    Terramar Museum

    Bonaire

    This small museum provides an overview of the history and archaeology of Bonaire. There's an assortment of artifacts, accompanied by audio clips that put…

  • Cadushy Distillery

    Cadushy Distillery

    Bonaire

    Drinking a cactus sounds like a prickly affair, but it's not as scary as it sounds. Pay a visit to this small-scale distillery to see how the prickly…

  • The Yellow-naped Amazon or Yellow-naped Parrot, Amazona auropalliata, ranges from southern Mexico to northern Costa Rica. (Photo by: Jon G. Fuller/VW Pics/UIG via Getty Images)

    Echo Parrot Sanctuary

    Bonaire

    Bonaire's most beloved bird is the yellow-throated Amazon parrot, but the loquacious lora (as she is locally known) is threatened with extinction: there…

  • Mangazina di Rei

    Mangazina di Rei

    Bonaire

    Located about 1.5km east of Rincon, the second-oldest stone building on Bonaire used to be a storehouse. Every week, enslaved people made the arduous 10…

  • Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire

    Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire

    Bonaire

    Ever feel like you're surrounded by jackasses? You will in Bonaire, because the animals live free and wild on the island. The vast Donkey Sanctuary offers…

View more attractions
Advertisement

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Bonaire

Advertisement