Bonaire: Schooner Snorkel Trip & Local Lunch with Bar

Summary

Snorkeling Bonaire’s north coast from a classic wooden ship

You’ll sail Bonaire’s coast on a spacious schooner with local guides, snorkel vibrant reefs (gear included), then share a homemade lunch prepared by your crew. Drinks flow from an open bar as you relax on deck or nets—even if you skip snorkeling. It’s less about rushing around and more about soaking up small moments: laughter over lunch, salt air in your hair, maybe even spotting a turtle if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the creak of the Lady Bellaïs’ wooden boards under my sandals, and this salty wind that kept blowing my hair in every direction. We’d barely left the dock when our guide—can’t remember if it was Jairo or his cousin—pointed out the way the water changed color, all these streaks of turquoise and navy. Someone behind me laughed about how wide the deck felt, and honestly, even with sixty people it never got crowded. The bar opened right away (I tried a local beer—cold, slightly sweet), and I just sat on the nets at the bow for a while, watching Bonaire’s coastline slip past.

When we reached the snorkeling spot up north, you could smell sunscreen and grilled onions drifting from below deck (the captain’s wife was already prepping lunch). They handed out gear and gave us a quick run-through—two guides in the water, floating vests for anyone who wanted. I’m not much of a swimmer but felt weirdly calm knowing they’d keep an eye out. The reef itself was wild: parrotfish flickering blue-green, trumpetfish hanging in place like they were pretending to be sticks. Someone shouted “turtle!” and we all looked up too late; typical. My mask kept fogging up but I didn’t care much—I just floated there, listening to my own breathing and distant laughter from above.

If you didn’t feel like snorkeling, you could just hang on deck with a drink (the bartender made this passionfruit thing that tasted like vacation), or sprawl out on the top deck where it was quieter. Lunch was served family-style—local rice dish, something with plantains—and everyone ate together at these long tables. There was this moment when Li tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Papiamentu; I probably butchered it but she grinned anyway.

On the way back, music played—some old hits mixed with island tunes—and people danced at the stern while others just let their feet dangle overboard. The sun hit everything gold for about ten minutes before we pulled in. I still think about that view sometimes—the light off the water and how easy everyone seemed together for those few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling trip and local lunch

• Board spacious wooden schooner
• Enjoy sailing and island views
• Receive snorkel gear and instructions
• Snorkel above coral reef
• Relax at onboard bar
• Eat local meal prepared onboard
• Enjoy music and dancing on return

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Bonaire snorkel trip?

Yes, private transportation is included with your booking.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

No experience needed; guides help beginners and provide floatation vests.

What kind of boat is used for this tour?

You’ll sail on Lady Bellaïs—a large traditional wooden schooner.

Are drinks included during the trip?

Yes, there’s an open bar serving soft drinks, beer, wine, mixed drinks, juices, and bottled water.

Is lunch provided on board?

Yes—a local meal is prepared by the captain and his wife after snorkeling.

How many people are usually on board?

The ship holds up to 114 but typically sails with 60–70 guests for comfort.

Are there bathrooms available?

Yes—there are two separate bathrooms on board.

Can non-swimmers or kids join?

Absolutely; non-swimmers can relax on deck and kids can ride in strollers or prams.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your accommodation to Lady Bellaïs schooner, use of snorkel gear and vests if needed (with two local guides in-water), an open bar with soft drinks plus alcoholic options like beer or wine, bottled water throughout the trip, two onboard bathrooms for comfort breaks whenever needed, and a homemade local lunch prepared fresh by your captain’s family before sailing back toward port together.