Bonaire North & South Tour: Small Group, 28 Sights, Pickup

Summary

See Bonaire’s wild coasts, old towns, and salt mountains up close

You’ll ride across Bonaire in a small group van with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story—spot flamingos at Goto Meer, sample spirits in Rincon, stand by salt mountains at Salt Pier, and walk through history at White Pan slave huts. Expect laughter, sea breeze tangles, honest answers—and leave feeling more connected than when you arrived.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right outside the cruise port—she had my name on a sign and a big smile that felt like she actually meant it. There were just five of us in the van (air conditioning, thank goodness), and before we’d even left Kralendijk, she was already telling stories about the island’s neighborhoods and pointing out which cafes locals really go to. I liked how nothing felt rushed; we could ask anything—someone wanted to know why so many houses were painted those wild colors. She just laughed and said, “It keeps the sun from winning.”

The drive north was full of tiny surprises. At 1000 Steps (it’s not actually 1000), I tried counting but lost track because the water below was this impossible shade of blue—I still think about that view. We stopped for photos at Goto Meer and spotted flamingos way off in the pinkish water, all legs and attitude. The air smelled salty-sweet up there, with a breeze that made my hair stick to my face. Our guide talked about how Brandaris mountain is where people hike for sunrise if they’re brave enough to wake up early (not me). In Rincon, she took us into a little distillery—my attempt at pronouncing “Cadushy” got a laugh from everyone.

There were moments I didn’t expect, like seeing the old slave huts at White Pan—the walls are rough under your hand and you can almost feel how cramped it must have been. The east coast is wild; waves crash so loud you have to shout over them, and wild donkeys just wander by like they own the place (maybe they do). At Salt Pier, salt crystals crunch under your shoes while you stare at these weird pink pools on one side and turquoise ocean on the other. Someone asked if it’s always this windy; our guide shrugged and said, “If you find a day without wind here, let me know.”

By the end I felt like I’d seen every corner of Bonaire—even places I wouldn’t have found on my own—and heard stories you don’t get from big bus tours. We finished back near downtown with cold drinks in hand (Sprite for me), sticky from salt air but kind of happy tired. If you want a small group tour of Bonaire that actually feels personal—and includes pickup from your hotel or ship—I’d say this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bonaire's North and South Highlights

• Meet guide at cruise ship exit
• Learn about downtown Kralendijk
• Pass Harbour Village Marina
• See Trans World Radio mural
• Drive through Hato neighbourhood
• View large homes area
• Stop at 1000 Steps for photos
• Pass Tolo Dive Site
• See Karpata slave quarters
• View BOPEC oil tanks
• Photo stop at Goto Meer reserve
• Visit Rincon historic town
• Tour local liquor distillery
• Drive along east coast and land sailing track
• Stop at Seru Largu lookout
• Visit second old neighbourhood
• Explore largest neighbourhood
• Pass pink airport and Te Amo Beach
• Drive by local family beach
• Stop at Local Beach for clear water
• See fast-growing neighbourhood
• Pass large modern resort
• Visit old lighthouse
• Stop at famous shipwreck
• Visit White Pan and Slaves Huts
• Stop at Salt Pier for photos
• Return downtown and Q&A

Top questions

How many people are on this Bonaire North & South Tour?

This is a small group tour with up to 7 guests per vehicle.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel or cruise ship?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel or apartment address or directly outside your cruise ship gate.

Are drinks or snacks provided during the tour?

You’ll get water or soft drinks like Coca-Cola or Sprite during the day.

How long does it take to get back to the cruise ship?

The tour guarantees return to your ship at least one hour before departure time.

Do we visit both north and south parts of Bonaire?

Yes—the route covers major sights across both northern and southern areas of Bonaire.

Is there time for photos at main stops like Goto Meer or Salt Pier?

You’ll have time to get out for photos at key stops including Goto Meer and Salt Pier.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infants can ride in strollers.

Will we see wildlife like flamingos or donkeys?

You often see flamingos at Goto Meer and wild donkeys along parts of the route.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise ship port by an experienced local guide in an air-conditioned vehicle; all transportation between stops; cold drinks such as Coca-Cola, Sprite or water; entry to sites like Rincon’s distillery when open; plus stories, photo stops, and a little local treat before drop-off downtown or back where you started.