10 Things to Do in Bonaire with Family

A trip to Bonaire is the ultimate family vacation you’ve been looking for. This gorgeous Caribbean island, which is actually an overseas territory of the Netherlands, is one of the most gorgeous locations on Earth. With tons of family-friendly locations and activities, it’s one of the top vacation spots in the region.

In this guide, we’ll go over ten of the best things you can do in this beautiful Caribbean location with your family! Keep reading to find out how to make your next vacation the best one yet!

How to Get to Bonaire

There are two main ways to get to the island: by flying into the Bonaire airport (Flamingo National Airport) or by cruise. 

What You Should Know

Keeping this in mind, what are some things you should know before making your trip? Let’s start with the Bonaire language: while the official language is Dutch, the native language of the island is Papiamentu. As such, you can expect to hear a mix of languages on the island. And if you’re wondering: Is Bonaire safe? We consider it one of the safest 25 Caribbean countries to visit right now. 

The official currency of the island is the US dollar. This means travelers from the US won’t have to worry about exchange rates when visiting Bonaire!

Things to Do in Bonaire

Now let’s take a look at ten of the best activities you’ll want to experience with your family in Bonaire:

1) Visit Klein Bonaire

You don’t want to miss out on a trip to this small islet off the west coast of the mainland. Klein Bonaire features some of the best Bonaire snorkeling in the nation, making a top destination for families. Translated, the name means “Little Bonaire,” a name given to the islet because of its small size (approximately 2.3 miles across). With stunning blue waters and golden-sand beaches, it should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting this Dutch territory!

2) See Sorobon Beach

Sorobon Beach is easily one of the best Bonaire beaches. That’s because it sports amazingly-clear turquoise waters and offers incredible opportunities for swimming, tanning, windsurfing, and more! Kids enjoy playing on this tucked-away beach, while their parents love the bar the location offers.

Sorobon Beach is located near Lac Bay and offers wonderful glimpses at local fishing boats and an array of marine life. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind destination where you can enjoy the best of Bonaire weather and beaches, you don’t want to miss out on Sorobon Beach!

3) Experience Washington Slagbaai National Park

Spanning 5,643 hectares, this massive nature sanctuary is also the oldest one on the island. The Washington Slagbaai National Park was founded in 1969 to serve as a safe haven for the endangered species of Bonaire. Today, it houses incredible bird and reptile species such as flamingos, parakeets, parrots, and iguanas. 

Families love the park because it also boasts terrific beaches on the inside where you can see the sea turtles native to the region. A trip to the park also allows you to take advantage of the great hiking trails contained within. Simply put, Washington Slagbaai National Park is one adventure you don’t want to miss!

4) Take a Trip to Lake Goto

Lake Goto (known to the locals as “Gotomeer”) is one of the more unique locations on Bonaire. With waters as blue as any ocean, the site is a popular destination for those looking for a bit of family fun. Lake Goto features some of the most stunning sunsets in the entire Caribbean.

What’s more, the location offers you and your family a chance to see the take-off of gorgeous flamingos as they make their way to Venezuela. Even a simple drive around the lake will stun you with incredible scenery and the site of these beautiful birds. 

Looking for a way to spend a quiet afternoon? You can’t go wrong with Lake Goto!

5) Visit Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire

Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire gives you and your loved ones a chance to do something truly special! Started in 1993 as a refuge for wounded and sick donkeys, this sanctuary now cares for countless donkeys on the island and serves as an information center for all who want to know more about these fantastic creatures. Complete with tours, a shop, and, of course, some of the cutest donkeys you’ll ever see, Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is well worth a visit. 

6) Go to Lac Bay

Lac Bay is located on the island’s east side and boasts beautiful shallow waters that make it perfect for family trips. The site is a popular windsurfing destination and hosts several families looking to soak up the sun and waves. In other words, Lac Bay offers you everything you could want in a typical Caribbean beach trip. 

Along Lac Bay are several modern-day amenities (including a beach bar) that you’ll likely want to check out. All in all, this is one of the best spots to go for that quiet beach vacation with your family!

7) Tour Aletta’s Goat Farm

While you’re a it, make sure to visit Aletta’s Goat Farm as well! This incredible location offers you and your loved ones a chance to interact with goats of all sizes. Feed them, pet them, and play with them as you sample goat yogurt, cheese, and milk—all fresh, of course. 

This Bonaire location certainly gives you something unique to do away from the beaches and diving spots. For this reason, make sure to stop by for a look!

8) See Terramar Museum

If you’re wondering what to do in Bonaire, be sure to visit the Terramar Museum. Located in the capital of Kralendijk, the museum shows 7,000 years’ worth of Caribbean history through interactive displays,

one-of-a-kind exhibits, 3D reconstructions, and must-see historical artifacts. If you’re looking for a more complete view of the island, you’ll want to visit the museum with your family!

9) Visit Seru Largu

Make your Bonaire vacation even better with a trip to Seru Largu. Seru Largu is popular New Year’s Destination and is actually a centrally-located lookout point where you can see much of the island, including the capital city of Kralendijk and the aforementioned islet of Klein Bonaire. The beautiful monument standing on this lookout point reads “Kristu Ayera Awe Semper,” which means “Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Forever” in the Papiamentu language. 

10) Experience 1000 Steps

1000 Steps Beach is famous not only for the winding staircase that offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, but also for being one of the top Bonaire dive sites and snorkeling locations.

A legendary coral beach with gorgeous underwater views, the location is also good for laying around the beach and getting a stunning view of the ocean. 

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