Dreaming of crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and endless sunshine? Welcome to Bonaire: the Caribbean’s best-kept secret for adventurers, beach lovers and anyone who’s ever wanted to dive into paradise (literally). This tiny Dutch Caribbean island packs a big punch with world-class snorkeling, epic windsurfing spots, flamingo-filled salt flats and sunsets that look like they were hand-painted. 

When you’re planning your cruise with Princess to this island, Bonaire has something magical waiting around every corner. Read on for our top ten recommendations of the best things to do in Bonaire.

Key takeaways

Bonaire is known for protected reefs, clear water and easy access to marine life

Many of the best things to do in Bonaire focus on snorkeling, coastal scenery and relaxed exploration

Cruise excursions make it easy to experience Bonaire’s highlights during a single port visit

What makes Bonaire different from other Caribbean islands

What sets Bonaire apart is its rare blend of natural beauty and easy accessibility. As part of the Caribbean Netherlands, this laid-back island has made conservation a way of life — protecting its reefs, wildlife and waters for generations to come. Its fringing reef sits just steps from the shore, meaning you can slip on your snorkel and dive into a technicolor world of fish and coral without ever boarding a boat. And thanks to its compact size, you can explore Bonaire’s beaches, salt flats and charming towns all in one easy day. Bonaire is the perfect stop on your Caribbean cruise.

The best things to do in Bonaire

From salt flats and flamingos to turquoise lagoons and breezy beach cafés, Bonaire is bursting with color, charm, and natural wonder. Here’s how to make the most of your time in paradise.

Three pink flamingos standing in pale turquoise water with low mangroves and sandy shoreline in the distance.
Watch flamingos saunter through Bonaire’s serene coastal shallows.

1. Drive past salt flats, flamingos and scenic coastal viewpoints

Calling all pink lovers! Bonaire’s southern coast is a dream for anyone who loves wide-open views and wild beauty. Join a Princess excursion where you’ll drive past pastel-pink salt flats shimmering under the sun and elegant flamingos strutting across shallow lagoons and salt pyramids rising against the bright blue sky. The drive gives you a window into the island’s geography, history, and ecology — all in one unforgettable loop.

A small yellow house with a thatched roof sits among green fields and tall cactus fencing under a bright blue sky.
Discover Bonaire’s rural charm beyond the shoreline.
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2. Sightsee across the island

If you want to see everything Bonaire has to offer in a single day, this excursion is your ticket. You’ll pass colorful fishing villages, desert-like cactus fields and quiet stretches of coastline where the sea sparkles every shade of turquoise. Stop to snap photos, soak up local stories and finish your day relaxing on a soft-sand beach — all without feeling rushed.

Aerial view of Bonaire’s waterfront with colorful buildings, palm trees, docks and calm turquoise water.
Experience Bonaire’s waterfront from an eco-powered Tuk Tuk.

3. Cruise through Kralendijk’s waterfront and local neighborhoods

Glide through Bonaire’s colorful capital aboard an eco-powered Tuk Tuk with an expert guide, where the pace is slow and the views are unbeatable. You’ll weave past pastel Dutch-style buildings, peek into local shops and roll along the breezy harbor as fishing boats bob on crystal water. It’s the perfect low-effort way to take in daily life and capture a few envy-inducing photos.

Underwater view of a sandy ocean floor with coral formations and soft sea fans rising from clear blue water.
Snorkel the white sands of Klein Bonaire.

4. Take a water taxi to Klein Bonaire for swimming and snorkeling

Just a short ride offshore lies Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island straight out of a tropical daydream. Step off the water taxi during your Princess excursion onto powder-white sand and wade into calm, crystal-clear water teeming with colorful reef fish. It’s the kind of spot where time slows down — perfect for floating, sunbathing and simply being. 

Rocky shoreline along Bonaire’s coast with clear turquoise water, low cliffs and green vegetation under a bright blue sky.
Cycle Bonaire’s rugged coast where turquoise water meets limestone cliffs.

5. Bike along coastal roads

Bonaire’s flat terrain and oceanfront views make it a cyclist’s paradise. Pedal along breezy coastal roads, passing salt ponds, flamingos and rugged coral shores — with plenty of stops to snap photos or dip your toes in the sea. Princess will take you along 12 miles of picture-perfect coastline with a grand finale at Te Amo Beach to relax in the pillowy white sand.

Interior of a cave filled with tall stalactite and stalagmite formations creating narrow stone columns.
Wander through Bonaire’s ancient limestone chambers.

6. Travel off-road to caves and rugged landscapes

For a taste of Bonaire’s wilder side, head inland on an off-road buggy adventure. You’ll bounce across rocky trails, explore hidden caves adorned with ancient formations and get an up-close look at the island’s desert-like terrain. There are two sides to the island: the coast and the desert, and with this tour, you’ll see both — and get a taste of adventure.

Fish swim below a glass-bottom boat, visible through clear panels set over bright blue tropical water.
See Bonaire’s marine life glide beneath your feet in a glass bottom boat.

7. View coral reefs and marine life from a glass-bottom boat

Not a snorkeler? No problem! Step aboard a glass-bottom boat and watch the island’s coral gardens glide beneath you like a living painting. A local naturalist on this Princess tour will share insights about the Bonaire Marine Park, from parrotfish to brain coral — minus the flippers. 

A sailboat floats on clear Caribbean water near Bonaire’s shoreline with salt flats visible in the distance.
Cruise along Bonaire’s coast in an exclusive sailing yacht.

8. Sail along the coastline and snorkel offshore reefs

Feel the trade winds in your hair as you glide along Bonaire’s coastline aboard an elegant sailing yacht. Drop anchor in turquoise coves to snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical fish — the island’s most famous natural attraction. With small groups and postcard-perfect views, it’s the ultimate mix of luxury and adventure

Underwater reef scene with large tube sponges, soft corals and sandy seabed in clear blue Caribbean water
Explore vibrant reefs teeming with life off Klein Bonaire.

9. Drift snorkel near Klein Bonaire

Let the gentle current carry you over kaleidoscopic reefs as fish dart below in flashes of color. Drift snorkeling near Klein Bonaire is as effortless as it is mesmerizing — no paddling required, just float and enjoy the show. Finish with some beach time aboard a charming Siamese junk-style sailboat, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Aerial view of Kralendijk Bonaire with colorful colonial buildings lining turquoise harbor waters and low hills in the background.
Explore the lively streets and waterfront of Kralendijk.

10. Walk the cruise port area, shops and waterfront cafés

If you prefer to keep things simple, you don’t have to venture far — Bonaire’s port area is made for wandering. Stroll through Kralendijk’s colorful streets, browse boutiques for handmade crafts or settle into a café with a view of the harbor and a cold drink in hand. It’s laid-back and full of island charm, which is the perfect ending to your Bonaire adventure.

Planning your visit to Bonaire

With so many of Bonaire’s highlights found in or near the water, you’ll definitely want to pack your swim gear and plenty of sun protection. Think reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard and a wide-brimmed hat. The island’s year-round warm weather means it’s always a good time for snorkeling and sailing — or simply floating in those famous turquoise shallows. 

Because Bonaire is small and easy to navigate, you can comfortably fit multiple activities into one perfect day, from exploring coral reefs to spotting flamingos on the salt flats. To make the most of your limited port time, a show excursion with Princess is the best way to see it all without having to worry about logistics. We’ll handle transportation and timing, and you get to relax and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Plan your cruise to Bonaire with Princess and explore the Bonaire excursions.

Things to do in Bonaire FAQs