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You’ll be given a map and I’d also recommend downloading a map of Bonaire from Google Maps for offline use prior to your visit. A well-known haven for sea turtles, 1000 Steps is a cruiser highlight. While it’s not really a thousand steps down to the water (it’s actually 67 steps), you will want to make sure you are able-bodied to make the relatively steep descent down to the water. If you’re a cruiser looking for a Caribbean destination with a little something for everyone, hopping on a cruise ship to Bonaire is a great choice.
Cruise Visitor FAQs - InfoBonaire.com
Cruise Visitor FAQs.
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Cultural attractions
And there are also quite a few options close to town that don’t require a rental car. If you’re looking for history and culture you won’t have to look far. Right outside of the port, you will see many vendors/tour companies set up to take you on a northbound or southbound tour of the island. Many tours help you explore the slave huts, experience the salt pans and even see the island’s pink flamingos.
Cruise Ports in Netherlands Antilles
The sanctuary is home to more than 10,000 flamingos, as well as a variety of birds. Cruises to Bonaire dock their ships in downtown Kralendijk, which is conveniently located near an open-air shopping market, public restrooms, shopping, bars, and restaurants. It’s an easy jumping-off point to continue on to excursions and activities from there. Washington Slagbaai National Park is a stunner of a place, and a big old contrast to other national parks you might have visited on your Caribbean cruise.
First, What to bring ashore for your Bonaire Cruise Port Adventure?
In short, Bonaire offers a range of transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs. As you walk the streets, you can purchase eye-catching, hand-made souvenirs and hear the unique sounds of local street musicians. If experiencing different cultures is your thing, make time to visit the Bonaire Museum, which is also located in Kralendijk. If you want a high-end dining experience, It Rains Fishes offers guests gourmet seafood with first-class service.
Take a Bike Self-Tour of the Southern Island
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Head back north and stop to check out the Cargill salt ponds You can’t tour them but it is worth it to stop and spend time viewing them because they are such a striking feature of the landscape. Seru Largu means “large hill,” and this lookout point offers the best possible view of Krendalijk and Klein Bonaire in the distance. It’s one of the most popular spots in Bonaire for New Year’s Eve and is great for witnessing a breathtaking sunset. While on your cruise, Bonaire and its history might be something you’re not too familiar with. Take the afternoon to explore the Terramar Museum, which offers an in-depth overview of the history of Bonaire along with thousands of years of Caribbean history. Cruise visitors can rent a golf cart and explore the entire island on their own.
It’s a scenic 30 to 45-minute drive from the Bonaire cruise dock, with an entrance fee of $25 per person. The park is renowned for its hiking trails and exciting 4×4 vehicle tours. This can be overwhelming for someone just visiting for the day on a cruise. After gauging your activity level and determining your interests, they can recommend the best diving spot suited for your needs. The beach is located on the opposite side of Sorobon Beach and Lac Bay Beach, on the other side of Lac Bay.
Shopping in Bonaire
Although located in the center of Kralendijk, the one attraction that is not self-evident is the Terramar Museum. If you don't spot it straight away do ask for directions - this small museum is really worth a visit as it will take you on a journey through 7,000 years of Caribbean history. With over 20 beaches in Bonaire, there is a handful of famous spots like the 1000 Steps Beach, No Name Beach in Kein Bonaire, Playa Palu di Mangel, Sorobon Beach or Te Amo Beach. Enjoy a fun day visiting with donkeys that have been rescued, rehabilitated, and are now sheltered and protected. There are more than 400 donkeys at the Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary; most were sick, wounded, or orphaned when rescued. If you are fascinated by lighthouses, you will enjoy a stop at Bonaire’s first lighthouse, which was built in 1837.
A visit to the Lac Bay Mangrove Forest is a must to witness the beauty and importance of this delicate ecosystem. Join a guided kayak tour through the mangroves, observing a variety of plant and animal species that rely on this unique environment for survival. Bonaire’s compact size makes it an ideal destination for a day trip. With limited time on the island, it’s important to plan your itinerary wisely to make the most of your visit.
Visit the Salt Pyramids
These stone structures are so small that the slaves could not stand upright in the huts. Colonial slaves in Bonaire were forced to work primarily in the salt flats although some others were forcibly brought to the island to cut maize or dyewood. Like the entire slave trade, not only in Bonaire, the stories will break your heart but history is worth learning so that this is never repeated. However, while it is fairly easy to access there are no facilities located on the uninhabited island.
Witness traditional dances, music performances, and taste local dishes prepared using freshly harvested ingredients. For those seeking a unique dining experience, Bonaire offers a “pasa bon” (“dine-around”) program where you can sample a variety of cuisines in different restaurants throughout the island. This allows you to savor the best culinary offerings of Bonaire while exploring different dining venues. It’s important to note that both national parks require an entrance fee and have specific guidelines in place to ensure the preservation of the natural environment. Visitors are urged to follow these rules and regulations, such as staying on designated trails and not disturbing the wildlife or vegetation.
Bonaire is home to some fascinating historical and cultural sites you don’t want to miss. The huts were built for the slaves who were extracting salt from the salt ponds, which was exported from Bonaire as one of the island’s major export products. Six slaves used to share one hut – they slept here and kept their personal belongings and working equipment. St. Kitts Island and its port - Port Zante (as it is officially named) - has become in the last years one of the most loved cruise port destinations in the Eastern Caribbean. All major credit cards are widely accepted, with exception of American Express that is not as ubiquitous. The cruise passenger will find useful to have cash for small purchases like souvenirs, taxis and tipping.
Not only will your guide take you to some of the best snorkelling spots in Bonaire, but they’ll also take photos of you on your underwater adventure. Discover the very best things to do in Kralendijk, the colourful and super-pretty home of Bonaire Cruise Port. From flamingos and donkeys, to the underwater world of the coral reefs, there’s plenty of adventures to be had in this quiet pocket of the Caribbean. Though ecotourism is one of the latest buzzwords in the travel world, Bonaire, just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela, was a world leader in the field of ecology long before the term was even coined.
Bonaire is the B on the island trio known as ABC - Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. These island have a lot in common but cruise passengers shouldn't infer that if you “have seen one you have seen them all”. I have been cruising since 2004 and have sailed on dozens of cruises all over the world.
For those looking for a more low-key experience, the famous Karel’s Beach Bar is directly on the water and offers a mixture of local dishes and crowd-pleasing favorites. For beer lovers, there’s even a microbrewery called the Brewery Bonaire that you can visit. At the heart of this tourism boom is the Bonaire Cruise Port, capable of servicing full-sized cruise ships, so their passengers can explore this picturesque Caribbean treasure. Due to Bonaire’s history, the island offers a unique cultural experience combining the Caribbean and Netherlands cultures. The beach is secluded and peaceful, not very crowded, and boasts postcard-perfect crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
When it comes to shopping and dining, Bonaire offers a delightful mix of local specialties, international flavors, and unique handmade crafts. From exploring vibrant local markets to indulging in delicious Caribbean cuisine, Bonaire has something to satisfy every palate and cater to every shopping desire. Castries, St. Lucia - Your Cruise Port Guide In Castries, St. Lucia, you'll discover several cruise docks to enhance your Caribbean adventure.
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