Kralendijk, Bonaire - Cruise Port Guide
Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands, located 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Along with Aruba and Curaçao, it forms the ABC islands. While Aruba boasts luxurious resorts and Curaçao has a lively capital, Bonaire is all about nature. The Bonaire National Marine Park surrounds the entire island, protecting coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. It’s a world-renowned diving destination and a haven for birdwatchers, thanks to its flamingos and nesting sea turtles. The island’s unique landscape also features salt flats, historical slave huts, and windsurfing beaches.
🚢 Docking in Kralendijk: Port Basics
Your cruise ship pulls into the capital of Kralendijk — a calm and colorful town where nature meets charm. The port is compact, with room for three ships, and the water? Crystal clear. No formal terminal here, but you’ll find:
A vendor-filled square right off the dock
Fixed-price taxi dispatch tent
Public restrooms (just past the tour tents)
Quick access to the town’s main street with shops, restaurants, and ATMs
Currency: US dollars with cards widely accepted
Transport: Taxis, rentals, or scooters (via Hopp app) — no rideshare or real public transport
Exploring Kralendijk on Foot
Kralendijk is a laid-back town with colorful architecture, street art, and oceanfront restaurants. Here’s what you’ll find nearby:
Tourist Information Office: Located near the pier.
Shopping & Dining: The main street has souvenir shops, tropical drinks, and local eateries.
🛻 Jeep Life: Rental Tips & Driving Bonaire
We wanted freedom, so we cabbed it 10 minutes south to the airport to rent a Jeep from Avis. Total: $137.72 + insurance — which we always get abroad for peace of mind and quicker returns.
Tips:
Many in-town rentals require multi-day contracts (not great for cruisers)
Airport has more options for single-day
Roads are just rough enough to warrant a jeep over a golf cart
Driving is chill but slow—goats, narrow roads, and potholes await
🧭 Northern Route: Culture & National Parks
We headed north first toward Washington Slagbaai National Park — a haven for hikers and birdwatchers. It took about 40 minutes to reach Dos Pos, a scenic viewpoint. Roads here are narrow and rugged, requiring careful driving. Expect twisty mountain roads and slower travel — Google Maps underestimates drive times here.
Along the way, we stopped at Rincon, Bonaire’s oldest town. Highlights:
Museo Chich’i Tan: A small, well-preserved home showcasing local life.
Local Market: Great for a quick snack.
Restrooms (small fee).
🌬️ South: Salt, Surf & Striking Landscapes
From the airport, we cruised south through otherworldly flatlands dotted with flamingos and windsurfers.
🌊 Sorobon Beach
Windsurfing capital of the island
Roped-off water (preserve zone), but you can chill at the beachfront restaurant
Free, clean restrooms
Everything costs extra, including beach chairs
🧂 Salt Flats & Slave Huts
The real highlight? Driving past:
Massive salt pyramids from active production
Tiny, haunting slave huts used historically for salt workers
Color-coded obelisks once used to signal ships
Empty roads, wind-whipped beaches, dive sites galore
Closer to the airport, we passed luxury villas—perfect for snorkelers and divers.
Final Thoughts: How to Make the Most of Your Day
With limited port time, focus your route:
North if you’re into birding, hiking, and heritage
South for windsurfing, salt flats, dive spots, and wild scenery
Or stay in town and ferry to Klein Bonaire for snorkeling
Bonaire is compact, but it’s dense with natural wonders. Whether you’re spotting flamingos, floating in the turquoise shallows, or pondering its complex past, this island is unforgettable.