Salt Pans

Bonaire has a history producing salt and continues to do so. Salt is collected from the large salt pans in the south of the island and gathered into large, white pyramids before being shipped. The salt mountains are almost surreal - giant, sparkling white, symmetrical hills lined up towards the seaside loading point at Waf Di Saliña. Beneath them lie the salt pans which often turn pink in colour due to the bacteria and algae in them. Truly bizarre and makes for some memorably different photos.

Willemstoren Lighthouse

At the very southern tip of Bonaire you will see the Willemstoren Lighthouse built in 1837 (Bonaire's oldest and, apart from the obelisks, the only other discernible land feature from the sea in this part of the island).

Kralendijk

Bonaire's capital is like many towns in the with Dutch heritage in the Caribbean -  it is neat and efficient, well signposted and well organised. Buildings are typically painted in bright colours like orange and yellow with bright red roofs. Much of the colonial architectural style is maintained and gives the town a unique feel.

Washington Slagbaai National Park

Northwest of Rincón lies the Washington/Slagbaai National Park which celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2009. The park entrance is at the end of the road that heads north out of Rincón. The park spans 13,500 acres and covers virtually all the top Northwest segment of the island. It is an excellent bird sanctuary and there are tens of local and itinerant bird species as well as lazy, elusive iguanas. The route through the park is rugged, so drive carefully.

Rincón

Rincón was the first 'settlement' in Bonaire and dates back to 1527. There is a small crest just before the town and makes for an ideal photo opportunity looking down the road into the settlement. Rincón has a number of pleasant walkways and cycle paths and has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. It is the cultural centre of Bonaire.

Gotomeer

In the north of Bonaire in the shadow of the island's highest point, Brandaris, Gotmeer is great for watching flamingos and other bird life.

Lac Bay

Lac Bay is the windsurfing, kitesurfing and sea-kayaking capital of Bonaire. It's also an excellent place to snorkel and check out the marine life contained in the giant aquarium that forms Lac Bay.

Seru Largu

On top Sera Largu you get a great view of the Capital Kalendijk and the island of Klein Bonaire that lies just off it. A great photo opportunity.

The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey sanctuary is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to provide badly needed care for the donkeys  left on Bonaire in the wild (approx. 200) in addition to the 92 in our Sanctuary. Donkeys are very much a part of Bonaire's history; they were essential for transporting goods, especially salt, before motorised vehicles were introduced. They are now no longer needed but, in turn, need our help. They need adequate supplies of food, water, shelter and medical attention. With your donations (there is no entrance fee) the Donkey Sanctuary can help them to grow old in peace.