Best Bonaire Hidden Gem Attractions

THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Bonaire

Best Bonaire Hidden Gem Attractions

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20 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travellers are saying

  • Gryphons98
    Guelph, Canada35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a unique way to spend a few hours on the beautiful island of Bonaire! The preservation of mangrove forests around the world is something we all need to take ownership of. What better way to get people to pay attention than to have them paddle through the magic that is a mangrove forest.
    From the moment we arrived at the centre (after a typical Bonaire dirt road drive), we were greeted by flamingos, roosters and even a pair of donkeys playing tag.
    Our guide, Erik, was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to make sure everyone understood the significance of our experience. I highly recommend you do this tour through the Mangrove Centre itself and not one of the other operators.
    It was breathtaking to paddle quietly through the dense mangroves...it felt as though we were in another world. If that wasn't enough, you also get to experience the beauty beneath the water with a short snorkel session. It was very different than snorkeling on a reef, but the abundance of fish was amazing to see. We also really enjoyed seeing the jellies, the sponges and oysters connected to the mangroves.
    We paddled as a family of four (two teens) in double kayaks. Our entire group was only 10 people, making for a very intimate excursion.
    All in all, this ranks as one of our top two experiences on Bonaire. Thank you!
    P.S. We purposely selected to go on a day when there was no cruise ship in port as we did not want to deal with crowds of people.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aimster77
    Austin, TX220 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    They are doing a great job at the donkey sanctuary and we had so much fun that we adopted a donkey and returned the next day. This is a fun activity for the whole family.
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gryphons98
    Guelph, Canada35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thank you to Marten at Cadushy Distillery for providing us with a tour and tasting after a long day driving and snorkeling through Washington-Slagbaai National Park. We were able to sample all of the liqueurs as well as several rums... delicious! Our kids enjoyed a Sprite while watching the birds and playing with the cats. All in all, a great way to wrap up the day.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Boleslav
    Colorado1,878 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lac Bay is one, yet there is Lac Bay for the windsurfers and there is Lac Bay for snorkelers.

    The snorkelers have to walk for a bit to get to the deeper part, but if you catch the right conditions, the current is not that strong, you will be rewarded by the best underwater life.

    We went there 3 times and the conditions were not favorable on the last trip, the current was very strong, we ended up fighting it instead of enjoying the corral and the fish,

    However on the second trip there, we kept swimming and exploring the healthy and beautiful corrals with large variety of fish, all very near the surface, one feels like swimming in the aquarium.
    It was our favorite place in all of Bonaire for the snorkeling.
    Written 21 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gryphons98
    Guelph, Canada35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had an amazing day exploring the rugged beauty of Washington Slagbaai National Park. The incredible coral formations that have shaped this island are something to behold. Be sure to take the "Long Route" so that you don't miss anything! Be sure to have a vehicle that can handle rough terrain. Also ensure that you have ID and have paid the STNPA fee. Some highlights for our family:
    - The whale skeleton at the park entrance
    - Salina Matus, Salina Bartol and Salina Slagbaai (lots of flamingos)
    - Seru Grandi (an almost 200 hundred foot tall limestone wall that contains remnants of ancient coral reefs)
    - Suplado Blow Hole (the power of nature is breathtaking)
    - Wayaka II (there are three Wayaka) - for some decent snorkeling. You need to leave this area by 3:30 p.m.
    - Boca Slagbaai (we wanted to do the cliff jump, but it was closed). You need to leave this area by 4:00 p.m.
    Upon leaving the park we were greeted by several donkeys. We then headed out of the park and made our way to Cadushy Distillery for a quick tour and tasting.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gryphons98
    Guelph, Canada35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed a great snack/lunch at Jibe City after spending the morning at the Mangrove Centre. We were able to secure a table with a view of the water immediately upon arrival.
    Our wait staff were very attentive and friendly and we were pleased to have ice cold margaritas in our hands within a few minutes. Since we were only stopping in for a brief snack, we shared the sampler platter (love the bitterbollen) and some loaded fries (we are a family of four).
    It was lots of fun to watch the talented windsurfers work their magic in the beautiful blue waters along Sorobon beach. We would love to come back for their Thursday night BBQ.
    Not sure what this place would be like when a cruise is in port ..we have heard that the beach gets very busy on those days. We elected to head to this part of the island specifically on a day with no cruise.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lisa H
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arno and Joyce run a wonderful snorkeling experience. They are knowledgeable, very welcoming, well equipped and safety and conservation minded. Not only did we snorkel in beautiful waters with lots of fantastic fish, coral and sponges, they educated us about the local environment and preservation projects. The food and beverages were top notch and very plentiful. I highly recommend this company.
    Written 29 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marc P
    Cornwall, Canada1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just returned from a 5 week stay in Bonaire, we spent the first 4 days getting familiar with the island and scoping out Dive Shops (and there are plenty of them!). I was thinking of taking the Dive Master course but none of the shops really stood out, until I went to VIP Diving. The building is open and very welcoming, the staff are responsive, engaging, and very knowledgeable! After meeting with Maarten a few times I signed up for the DM course without hesitation. He was an excellent teacher and a wealth of knowledge, overall it was an awesome learning experience. My 2 classmates had the same opinion and turned to be great dive buddies for rest of our stay.
    If you’re in Bonaire for 1 day, 1 week, or longer you’ll get the best value for “all of your diving needs”.
    Thanks again, can’t wait to go back
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ted K
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We watched Shazam! And it was just an amazing experience out in the open. Very very very friendly owner who showed us the entire place before the movie started. We will come again when we visit Bonaire next time!
    Written 24 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ScubaJeff
    Broken Arrow, OK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    First dives with East Coast completed with Tim and Syd the Legend! Absolutely awesome! Syd is a great DM and made sure everyone was safe and has great knowledge of the water! Highly recommend!
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lpaugh82020
    Springfield, WV5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was the best experience and tour guide we’ve have ever had. Hans, owner/tour guide of roadrunner picked us up at the cruise port. A 5 minute ride to his home and brief driving lesson for the ryker 3 wheel motorcycle and away we went. We made several stops including sea salt manufacturing, cactus distillery, beach/reefs, and flamingo watching. Hans was very knowledgeable about the culture and history of Bonaire. He even shared some of his background and made the trip so very interesting and educational. Please book directly with him as you will not regret it!!
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • msorcebuffalo
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My friends and I took a sail and snorkel excursion while on a Celebrity Cruise with Blue Bay Bonaire and had a great time! All three crew members were friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed a beautiful sail up the coast hearing more about the beautiful island until we reached our snorkel area.

    It was a great way to spend the afternoon. I would definitely recommend them.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NorthStar55656327893
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great values for money! Relaxed sailing, very good guided snorkling tour, great hospitality, splendid BBQ and nice sunset.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steven J
    Logan, OH1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic attraction for all ages! I loved it as did my 4 year old twin grandsons. See sights normally reserved for divers. If this was Disney, it would be an E-Ticket ride. Highly recommend reserving online, especially if you are going with a group. All seats are good as the tour is returns the same way as it came in. Also recommend going top-side on the leg from the Marina to Klein (where the reef tour begins).
    Written 28 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christina L
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    STOP READING AND BOOK THE RIDE ALREADY! we loved every minute of our ride and swim!
    THE ADORABLE DOGGO CAME WITH US AND SWAM WITH US!!!! SO CUTE! our guide was one of the owners and she was amazing. Informative, friendly and we are horse people so we got to learn a lot about how the horses survive on the island compared to in the states! So fun! Would do it again 100/10!
    Written 4 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.