Bonaire: My Snorkeler's Paradise

Sailing into Kralendijk with flamingos flying past the ship is unreal – Bonaire is the snorkeler's paradise. My perfect day: off the ship and straight to Klein Bonaire by water taxi (affordable round-trip) – the deserted island with No Name Beach and snorkeling that rivals the Great Barrier Reef right off the sand.

Lunch back in town at Karel's Beach Bar – lionfish burger and Bonaire Blonde beer on the pier. Afternoon drive-around with a rented golf cart (great all-day value) stopping at salt pyramids, flamingo sanctuary, and 1000 Steps beach. Sunset from the slave hut ruins with a Polar beer.

The Moment That Stays With Me: Floating over Klein Bonaire's reef watching a three-foot sea turtle glide through forests of elkhorn coral while parrotfish nibbled around me, spotted eagle rays cruised past in the blue, and a moray eel peeked out from a crevice – the entire underwater city was alive.

Getting Around Bonaire

North or South Pier – literally walk off into town. Water taxis to Klein leave every 30 min. Golf carts or scooters are the fun way.

Klein Bonaire: Affordable round-trip water taxi
1000 Steps Beach: North coast, 15-min drive
Salt Pyramids/Flamingos: South end of island

Positively Worded Word of Warning

Bonaire's laid-back vibe and dive-flag license plates are the island's way of telling you to slow down and live underwater all day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Best shore snorkeling?
A: Klein Bonaire or 1000 Steps.

Q: Rent a truck?
A: Pickup trucks are popular – book ahead.

Q: Crowds?
A: Almost none – heaven.