Bonaire: Washington Slagbaai Park Day Trip with Snorkeling & Lunch

Summary

Snorkel swim & wander wild beaches at Bonaire’s rugged reserve

You’ll ride through Bonaire’s wildest corners with a local guide, climb up rocky terraces for panoramic views, snorkel at Wayaka II beach, and share lunch by turquoise water. Expect laughter, salt air, and moments of unexpected quiet that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The day didn’t start exactly as planned — I’d forgotten my sunhat in the rush to meet our guide outside the hotel (he just grinned and handed me an extra one from the van, no big deal). We bumped along towards Washington Slagbaai, windows down because the breeze felt better than AC. Our guide, Franklin, chatted about how his grandfather used to fish these shores before it was a park. He pointed out goats on the hills — apparently they’re always escaping somewhere.

First stop was this little museum at the visitor center. I’m not usually a museum person but it smelled like old wood and salt air, and Franklin told us how Slagbaai got its name (something about slaughterhouses — not what I expected). At Seru Grandi we climbed up for that terrace view; honestly, I almost slipped on some loose gravel because I was staring at the ocean instead of my feet. The blow hole nearby made this deep whooshing sound every few minutes — you could feel the spray if you stood close enough. It’s louder than you’d think.

Wayaka II was where we finally got to swim. The water is so clear it almost looks fake, and there were tiny blue fish darting around my ankles when I waded in. Franklin handed out snorkel gear and showed us where to spot parrotfish (I only managed to see one before getting distracted by how soft the sand felt). Lunch at Boca Slagbaai came with cold drinks and some kind of local chicken dish — simple but perfect after swimming. We all just sprawled out in the shade for a while, not really talking much. That silence sticks with me more than anything else from the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Washington Slagbaai National Park

• Guide picks you up from hotel
• Visit visitor center and museum
• See Seru Grandi terrace and blow hole
• Snorkel or swim at Wayaka II
• Lunch and relax at Boca Slagbaai

Top questions

How long is the Washington Slagbaai Park tour in Bonaire?

The tour lasts about 7 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Bonaire day trip?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during the stop at Wayaka II beach.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is served at Boca Slagbaai as part of your day trip.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option when booking.

Is this Bonaire park tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated for lunch?

Please advise any specific dietary needs when booking so arrangements can be made.

Are guides multilingual on this Bonaire park trip?

The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide depending on group needs.

What should I bring for this Washington Slagbaai tour?

Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel—and maybe a hat if you remember!

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected when booking, all guidance from a local driver-guide throughout Washington Slagbaai park’s best spots, snacks and beverages along the way, use of snorkel equipment at Wayaka II beach for swimming or snorkeling breaks, plus a relaxed lunch served right by Boca Slagbaai’s turquoise water before heading back in the afternoon.