Sightseeing and scenic rides in Bonaire
Bonaire's scenic side is mostly about the north. Washington Slagbaai National Park covers most of the top of the island, with dramatic scenery, salt pans and rough coastal roads. Panoramic tours of the south offer a shorter look at the island's landmarks and views. Most visitors who want the scenery take either a park drive or a guided tour.
Places to go
Washington Slagbaai National Park
Washington Slagbaai National Park is a wild reserve covering most of Bonaire's north. Visitors drive rough dirt roads past salt pans, blowholes and bird spots, with flamingos and the endemic Lora parrot among the wildlife.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Cultural Museum, Island Sightseeing with Optional Beach Drop Off
Full Island Sightseeing Tour and Beach Break
What to expect
Most of Bonaire's named natural sights sit in Washington Slagbaai National Park, which covers most of the north of the island. The long park route takes about two hours and covers about 34 km of rough dirt road. Along the way there are about 20 points of interest, including bird spots, beaches, salt pans, blowholes and historic sites. You will need an off-road vehicle or a mountain bike, so most people book a tour or hire a suitable vehicle.
For a shorter outing, the Southern Bonaire Island Highlights tour runs about two hours and takes in iconic landmarks and panoramic vistas. A guided hike to Mount Brandaris, the island's highest peak, runs about five hours and passes through the park. The island is mostly flat and there are no stoplights, so driving is simple. Most of the outing is seated, with short walks at each stop.
Where to go
- Washington Slagbaai National Park. Dramatic north-island scenery on the long route, with blowholes, salt pans, bird spots and historic sites. By off-road vehicle or mountain bike. A trip that goes here: Small Group Mount Brandaris and Washington Park Hike, 5 Hours, $249 a person
- Mount Brandaris. Bonaire's highest peak, reached by a guided hike through the park for summit views. By guided hike. A trip that goes here: Small Group Mount Brandaris and Washington Park Hike, 5 Hours, $249 a person
- Southern Bonaire. Iconic landmarks and panoramic vistas on a two-hour island highlights tour. By tour. A trip that goes here: Full Island Sightseeing Tour, 3 Hours, $129 a person
Getting there
The park is reached by off-road vehicle or mountain bike over about 34 km of rough dirt road, and the southern highlights tour is a booked tour. Driving is on the right and there are no stoplights on the island.
When to go
The park gets hot and dry, so going early in the day is the usual advice. It is closed on national and local holidays and can close after heavy rain, so check before setting out.
Good to know
- Bring plenty of water, sun protection and a hat for the park drive.
- Do not go alone into the park, and do not leave valuables in the car.
- Bring your park admission ticket and photo ID, since the park nature fee is checked.
Questions
What is the best scenic drive on Bonaire?
The long route through Washington Slagbaai National Park is the main scenic drive. It takes about two hours and covers about 34 km of rough dirt road, so an off-road vehicle or mountain bike is needed.
Can I see Bonaire's scenery without a rough-road vehicle?
Yes. The Southern Bonaire Island Highlights tour runs about two hours and takes in iconic landmarks and panoramic vistas. It is booked as a tour, so you do not need to drive the park roads yourself.
Is the Mount Brandaris hike a good choice for people who enjoy walking?
The guided Mount Brandaris hike runs about five hours and goes through Washington Slagbaai National Park to the island's highest peak. It is a moderate outing that suits people who enjoy walking.
