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Bonaire Activities - Things To Do
Deep Sea Fishing
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One of Bonaire's best kept secrets is sportfishing. Aside from being rated as one of the best
bonefishing destinations in the world, Bonaire offers excellent Deepsea and Light Tackle Fishing
for species such as tarpon, permit and snook. These unspoiled waters contain a great variety of
other gamefish and Bonaire hosts several fishing tournament throughout the year.
You can hire for either a full day or a half-day your private boat with captain and crew.
Note: It is recommend to make a reservation in advance since the demand for these
fishing charters has increased tremendously the last couple of years, this is especially the case
during the high season. Catch some fish with one of these deepsea fishing charters
Big Game Sport Fishing
Tel: +(599) 717 6500.
E-mail: biggame@bonairefishing.com
Piscatur
Tel: +(599) 717-8774
Cellular: +(599) 780-0833 or +(599) 780-8774
E-mail: info@piscatur.com
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Billiard Rooms
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Players Poolroom,
Kaya Korsou 5,
Tel. +599 717 50 87
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La Tropicana Bar & Pool,
Kaya Prome 3,
Tel. +599 717 62 09
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Museum
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Want to see more of Bonaire than fish and coral reefs?
A trip to one of Bonaire's museums is just the ticket to find out more about the local
culture and history.
Bonaire Museum The Museo Boneriano (The Museum of Bonaire) the first and largest of Bonaire's
museums is located just outside of town on 'Kaya Sabana' and 'Kaya J.C. van der Ree' and is an
easy walk from the shopping district. (If you have trouble finding it, just ask where the ice
company is and follow the signs from there)
It is housed in a 110 year old building that has been restored to its original splendor.
The building itselfs is a study in island plantation house architecture and follows a typical
plan used in most of the early houses (one of the exhibits shows the plans used in early
construction techniques). The Museum is funded by the Department of Culture and supported by
grants, admission fees and donations. A very modest entrance fee of about $2 per person is charged.
Bonaire's other museum is located at the northern end of the island at the entrance of the
Washington-Slagbaai National Park. An original plantation house has been restored and serves
as a museum. The rooms have been converted into viewing galleries where displays of plantation
life, wildlife, geogoly, tools and other articles can be seen free of charge. Donations are
accepted. Much of the work done to maintain and construct the displays at the museum is in the
capable hands of Mr. George Tholdé. A trip to the museum will certainly reward you with an afternoon
well spent. Opposite the museum is another structure which at one time was used as a small store for
the plantaion workers to purchase essentials. It now serves as the administration and entrance
fee payment window.
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Night Life
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There are a couple of disco's on Bonaire for those who want to dance the night away.
If you want to keep it down but don't want to go to bed yet, then there are a number
of bars and cafes to go to on the Oceanside.
There are many more things to do in the Bonaire nightlive.
There is aslo the possibility to go to the casino. There are two casino's, Flamingo
Beach and Plaza Resort, available on the island which offers blackjack, poker, slot
machines,roulette and other games and close at 2am or 4am. Flamingo is open every day
except on the Sunday. Plaza resort is open 7 days a week.
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Rock Climbing
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Many visitors to Bonaire think it is a bit too quiet, but that really depends on the kind of
vacation you want to have. If you are a fan of mass-tourism and want big cities, many shops
and a busy nightlife, you will not find it here. But, if you are the outdoor-type and love sun,
sea, nature and relaxing by being active, Bonaire has a lot to offer.
For those who can not live without altitude, there is even a possibility to go climbing on
Bonaire's beautiful cliffs. Driving along the road to Rincon you will see some nice rock formations
that will give a climbing addict sweaty palms. On our sister island of
Aruba, the first
climbing trails were opened in 1997 and 1998, while on Bonaire the rocks are still untouched.
Both Aruba, and Bonaire have the same type of limestone formations. The rocks are the result
of the labor of tiny coral polyps over millions of years. You will be climbing on the remains
of a reef that has risen above sea level by action of subterranean plates being pushed together.
A real challenge for the pioneets among the climbing fanatics will be to actually open the first
climbing trails. Because there are no anchors anywhere to relay on, you will have to bring a complete
set of gear including various sizes of nuts and anchors. Bring various sizes because everywhere you
look you will find holes in the stone due to erosion. Climbing is a new activity that will eventually
spread it's way to Bonaire. If you want your first taste, try Brandaris Hill ins Washington Slagbaai
National Park. The only special equipment you will need for that is a good pair of boots or sneakers
and a strong constitution.
Brandaris Hill (241 meters/784 feet) is the highest point on Bonaire and offers a panoramic
vista of the island. A footpath leads from the parking lot up the ridge. The round-trip walk takes
about 2 to 3 hours. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Once at the top, you can see almost
the entire island and also catch a glimpse of
Curacao which lies on the western horizon. On especially clear days, even Venezuela is visible.
Be sure to wear good foot protection as a lot of the path is rocky. A water bottle is also a good idea
as well as a hat. You should plan to start your climb early (8am) in the day when it is a bit cooler.
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Sailing & Boating
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Bonaire has along tradition with the sea. Her sailors were known throughout the Caribbean for
their skill in navigation and sailing abilities. During the past World Wars, the island men were
part of the merchant marine and many gave their lives in the struggle. A monument, placed by Eleanor
Roosevelt and dedicated to these 34 brave men, can be found in town opposite Wilhelmina Park.
Bonaire was, and to some extent still is, known as a boat building center. Local craftsman produced
some of the finest vessels that were so well built that many are still afloat and in use today. You
will see them heading out and returning each afternoon bearing the cath of the day. As a visitor to
the island, you should not miss the chance of spending some time sailing our calm water.
Granted, the ships that take you out are more modern, but the feeling of being at sea is the same.
There are a number of charters that can take day sailors to snorkel, swim and picnic or just enjoy
the beautiful views.
Samur Sailing Charters
Tel: +(599) 717-5592 or +(599) 786-5592
E-mail: info@samursailing.com
Woodwind Cruises
Tel: (599) 786-7055
E-mail: info@woodwindbonaire.com
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Shopping
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Duty Free info for U.S. citizens
U.S. citizens, regardless of age, who have been out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours
and who have not used their respective duty-free allowance within 30 days are entitled to a
$600 duty-free tax exemption. Families traveling together can pool their exemptions, meaning
couples can bring hone $2,400 worth of articles duty-free.
Liquor: The duty-free allowance for U.S. citizens age 21 and over is one quart, the value of
whih must be included within the $600 exemption.
Duty Free info for Canadian citizens
Canadian citizens who have been outside Canada for a minimum of seven days are permitted a
duty-free exemption of $750 (Canadian Dollars). Citizens are also permitted a duty-free exemption
of $200 (Canadian Dollars) each time they are out of the country for more than 48 hours. Please
note that this $200 exemption may not be claimed during the same period as the $750 exemption,
nor can your exemptions be pooled with your spouse and/or children.
Liquor: The duty-free allowance for Canadian citizens (who meet the legal age of the province
they re-enter) is 40 ounces of wine or liquor or two dozens 12-ounce cans of beer, the value
of which must be included within the yearly or quarterly exemption.
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Tennis
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A popular sport that has caught on for local residents and visitors alike is tennis.
The weather does play an important part in the time of day one can play, but most of
the courts are lighted and the early evening hours see many players on the courts. Of
course, the early morning option is also open as well. Ask your accommadation for more details.
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Casino
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Flamingo Casino
J.A. Abraham Boulevard 40
Tel: +599 717 7562
Plaza Casino
J.A. Abraham Boulevard 80
Kralendijk-Bonaire (N.A.)
Tel: +599 717 2500
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