Bonaire is an island that truly lives up to its reputation for incredible underwater life, and it’s a place I’m so glad we chose for our 2026 getaway. Even for someone like me, who isn’t a seasoned diver, the sheer accessibility of the marine environments here is astonishing. You can practically step off the shore and be face-to-face with sea turtles and vibrant coral. It’s the kind of destination that makes you feel a deep connection to nature, and it has a wonderfully relaxed pace of life.
Exploring Bonaire’s Natural Wonders
When you think of Bonaire, the first thing that comes to mind is the water, and for good reason. The island is famous for its protected marine park, which makes diving and snorkeling absolutely spectacular. We found so many amazing spots right near the shore, making it easy to get in the water whenever the mood struck. It’s a diver’s dream, with plenty of operators to choose from if you’re looking for guided tours or classes. Even just grabbing a mask and fins and paddling out felt like an adventure.
For those who love a bit more action, Bonaire also offers fantastic conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The southwest tip of the island is particularly known for its strong trade winds, which are perfect for gliding across the waves. We saw some incredible kitesurfers there, their colorful sails a beautiful contrast against the blue sky and water. If you enjoy water sports, this is definitely the place to be.
On land, the adventure continues with nearly 200 miles of bike trails winding through the island’s varied terrain. We enjoyed exploring some of these by bike, finding stunning vistas and diverse landscapes. The island is also home to over 400 caves, offering a chance for some urban exploration if that’s your kind of thrill. For a different perspective, there are also limestone cliffs perfect for climbing. And yes, ATVs are a popular way to cover a lot of ground and take in the wide-open views.
Where to Stay on Bonaire
Bonaire has a refreshing lack of towering resorts, which I really appreciated. Instead, you’ll find a good range of smaller resorts, charming boutique hotels, and rental apartments. We stayed at , and it was a wonderful choice for our family trip in 2026. The property is quite spread out, with plenty of plant life winding through it, giving it a tropical feel.
One of the highlights of Delfins Beach Resort for us was the choice of pools, including one with a swim-up bar – a definite win with the kids! It also boasts the largest gym on the island, which Michael made good use of. With multiple restaurants on-site and a lovely sandy beach dotted with loungers and palm trees, it was an easy place to relax after our adventures. I found it perfect for some quiet reading time.
Another highly recommended option is Harbour Village. It offers airy rooms and suites that open directly onto a private beach, which is fantastic for easy access. Their boat-shaped restaurant, La Balandra, perched over the water, is a unique dining spot.
If diving is your main focus, Buddy’s Dive Resort is a very popular choice. They offer apartment-style accommodations, which are great for families, and have their own dive center. The easy access to the water from the resort makes it incredibly convenient for divers.
Dining Experiences
We discovered some truly excellent restaurants on Bonaire, many of which are conveniently located within hotels. Brass Boer at was a standout for us. It’s connected to a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Netherlands, and you can taste that quality in every artfully presented dish. We opted for the tasting menu one evening, which was a delicious way to let the chefs surprise us. The food was absolutely incredible, exceeding our expectations for a beachside setting.
Ingridients at Buddy’s Dive Resort is another great spot that combines creative food with lovely ocean views. We enjoyed their fresh seafood, like the wahoo sashimi and sea bass, which were prepared with interesting flavors and accompaniments.
For a more relaxed, beach club vibe, Ocean Oasis Beach Club is a good choice. You can easily spend your day here, sipping on drinks in cabanas, and then stay on for a dinner of fresh fish or grilled steaks as the sun sets. It’s a beautiful spot to unwind.
When we needed something quick and casual, especially before heading out for activities with Lily and Ethan, we loved Bagel and Bloom, Between 2 Buns, and Number Ten for hearty breakfasts and good coffee. For a taste of local flavors, Posada Para Mira was a favorite for late lunch. They serve traditional dishes that were a real eye-opener, like goat soup and iguana stew – a culinary adventure for sure!
Giving Back to Bonaire
Bonaire’s stunning natural environment is so well-preserved because the locals, and visitors, actively care for it. The island has dedicated large areas to protect its unique habitats and wildlife, ensuring that birds, turtles, and other creatures have safe spaces. Washington Slagbaai National Park, established in 1969, is the oldest nature sanctuary in the Dutch Caribbean and remains an untouched wilderness teeming with animals, including thousands of flamingos that we were thrilled to see.
The Bonaire National Marine Park, created a decade later, is crucial for protecting wetlands and mangrove swamps, and for keeping the coral reefs healthy for divers. There’s a small nature fee to enter these parks, which directly contributes to their upkeep and conservation efforts.
For those wanting to get more hands-on, there are fantastic ecotourism opportunities. The Reef Renewal Foundation does incredible work restoring coral reefs. You can join them on guided dives or snorkel tours to see their coral nurseries and learn about their restoration process. It’s a truly impactful way to spend your time.
Sea turtle conservation is another area where you can contribute. You can help with beach and dive site cleanups or even patrol beaches to monitor nesting activity. Knowing you’re helping these amazing creatures makes any visit more meaningful.
And for a truly unique experience, you can adopt a donkey through Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. They care for over 800 animals that were sick, injured, or orphaned. Visiting the sanctuary was a heartwarming experience for us. We spent time learning about their work, and even adopted a donkey, which was a special souvenir that helps support their care. It’s a feel-good way to contribute and connect with the island’s inhabitants.
Bonaire is a place that offers so much more than just beautiful scenery; it’s an invitation to connect with nature and support its preservation. It was an unforgettable trip for all of us.