Bonaire: Private North and South Tour with a Local Guide

Trip overview

Bonaire was the second port on the cruise. We researched a private tour that could accommodate our group of eight. We found the Private North and South Tour with a Local Guide tour offered by the Bonaire Tours Center.

Our guide shared Bonaire’s history, culture, economy, and natural attractions. Our family group of eight fit in the van, which was comfortable and air-conditioned, and gave us the ability to ask questions. We took time at stops for photos.

Tip: Make sure the tour provider is aware of any travelers with mobility limitations. The guide made my mother-in-law, who uses a wheelchair, comfortable in the van.

Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire.

The tour

On our tour, we got a sense of the local atmosphere as we went through local neighborhoods like Rincon. Make sure you have some cash for drinks at local stops like the salt flats and slave huts, as there are local vendors offering a cold drink in case you forget to bring one!

The tour covers the major sites and highlights of both the North and South of Bonaire, including:

• 1,000 Steps

• Flamingo sanctuary

• Salt flats/pyramids

• Slave huts

• Rincon

Bonaire slave huts

Salina Goto & Rincon

Salina Goto is famous for being a crucial feeding and breeding ground for the majestic Caribbean flamingos. Rincon is the oldest town on the Island, where everything started many years ago. You will still see the oldest buildings on the island, and the lovely scenery that explains why Rincon was chosen many years ago when Bonaire was discovered.

Salina Goto is famous for being a crucial feeding and breeding ground for the majestic Caribbean flamingos.

Rincon is the oldest town on the island.

Seru Largu Mountain Trail

The Seru Largu Mountain Trail on Bonaire offers a rewarding and accessible hiking experience, primarily known for its stunning panoramic views of the island. “Seru Largu” translates to “long hill” in Papiamentu, and it lives up to its name by providing an elevated vantage point.

Seru Largu Mountain Trail

Salt flats & pyramids

At the salt flats/pyramids, we saw the pink water and the salt mountains. You can walk around and take pictures. This is the most beautiful stop on the island because on your right-hand side, you will see the two blue colors of the ocean, and on your left-hand side, you will see the pink water with the white foam on the ground coming out of the salt water.

At the slave huts, we were able to experience where the enslaved people working on the island salt-panned and slept.

Bonaire salt flats

Going back to the Carnival Horizon.

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (ABC Islands).

Recommendations:

• Bring sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses), extra water, and dress comfortably for warm, sunny, and humid weather.

• A camera is highly recommended.

• Make sure you confirm your pick-up point for the exact location. Your van may not be on the pier, but in the port-side village.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Caribbean page.