6 Incredible Adventures You Must Try in Bonaire

Searching for an under-the-radar Caribbean destination with more than just cabanas and tropical drinks? We asked island expert Angie Orth from AngieAway.com to share her favorite island for adventurous travelers – Bonaire.

The truth about Bonaire: it’s heaven for scuba divers. There are hundreds of dive sites, some you can hop in right from shore! As far as bucket list destinations go, it’s at the tippy top for divers.

With Bonaire’s reputation as a scuba diver’s heaven, you might ask if there’s anything else to do – perhaps above the surface, on land? The answer is a resounding YES!

Go on a Flamingo Safari

Bonaire is a decent-sized island at about 112 square miles, so you need more than just your legs to see the whole thing. We rented tiny Twizy cars from Road Runner Bonaire in Kralendijk and zipped around the kadushy cactus-covered desert and Washington Slagbaai National Park in search of pink flamingoes. Not only did we find flamingoes by the dozens, we also found some unique photo opps you won’t see in the more tourist friendly part of the island — or anywhere else in the Caribbean, for that matter.

The Cadushy Distillery

Cadushy is a neon green liqueur made from the kadushy cactus, a Bonaire icon. You’ll find signature cocktails made with the stuff all over the island, but it’s worth a visit to the distillery in colorful Rincon to taste this one-of-a-kind drink and buy souvenir bottles to take home.

Snorkel in a Cave

Snorkeling in a cave would be an adventure in and of itself, but did I mention that the cave is pitch black? With Flow Bonaire, you can (safely) descend into the depths of the porous, limestone island for a wet, dark adventure in one of the many caves of Bonaire. Leo the adventure guide shares island ecology and history and you get to spelunk. Not a bad day day in the Caribbean, and you won’t get a sunburn!

Learn to Windsurf

Jibe City is one of the best places in the world to learn to windsurf due to consistent on-shore wind and shallow, warm, crystal clear water. Lessons start at just $50. When your daily lessons are finished, there’s a bright, fun Caribbean bar where you can sip Cadushy cocktails and make new friends.

Yoga on the Beach

All these activities are bound to wear out even the most fanatical adventurer, so make some space in your schedule to check out Sorobon Beach Resort for a restorative yoga class. The property is next door to wild and fun Jibe City, but its vibe is the polar opposite. Muted colors and hushed whispers from guests give you an instant feeling of zen. It’s always nice to get a good stretch in after cave snorkeling and Twizy-car driving, am I right?

Scuba Diving

You really can’t visit Bonaire without at least a peek under the sea – it’s just too good to miss! Plenty of dive shops offer beginner classes and certifications, so if you’re thinking of taking the plunge, this is an idyllic place to get your flippers wet. My favorite dive: Salt Pier. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this dramatic underwater wonderland.