Kralendijk, Bonaire
Bonaire, a small island in the southern Caribbean, is a nature lover's paradise. As a Dutch Caribbean island, it has a unique culture and is famous for its commitment to marine conservation. The entire coastline of Bonaire is a marine park, making it one of the world's premier destinations for snorkeling and diving. Its capital, Kralendijk, is a charming and relaxed town with colorful buildings and a laid-back atmosphere. For a cruiser, Bonaire is a fantastic destination for those who want to experience the island's incredible underwater world or simply enjoy a quiet day in a peaceful setting
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock directly at the Kralendijk Cruise Pier, which is a modern, deep-water port located right at the edge of the capital city. There are two piers, and they are situated right on the main promenade. The walk from the ship to the town is very short, only about 100 meters, and on a flat surface. You can walk right off the ship and begin exploring immediately.
⚓ Terminal Information
The cruise port is in the town itself, so there is no large, enclosed terminal building. You will disembark directly onto the pier, and from there you are just a few steps from the town's main street (Kaya Grandi). The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and you'll find a variety of shops and amenities.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
While there is no main terminal, the area right by the pier is well-equipped for visitors. You'll find a small tourist information point with maps and brochures. There are also public restrooms available. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the pier, and you are immediately surrounded by the town's charming streets and harbor.
🗣️ Language
The official languages are Dutch, Papiamento, and English. Given the island's strong tourism industry, English is widely spoken and understood, and you will have no problem navigating or communicating.
A few useful phrases:
Bon bini (bohn BEE-nee) - Welcome
Danki (DAHN-kee) - Thank you
Pasa un bon dia (PAH-sah un bohn dee-ah) - Have a good day
Pasa dushi (PAH-sah DOO-shee) - "Have a sweet time," a common local phrase.
💰 Money
The currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). There is no need to exchange money. Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, from cafes to major dive shops. Cash is also widely used, and ATMs are easy to find in Kralendijk.
🚗 Transportation
Bonaire is a small island, and the main town is best explored on foot. To get to the main attractions outside the town, you have a few options.
Walking: The town of Kralendijk, with its unique shops, cafes, and waterfront, is all within walking distance of the cruise pier. The walk is flat and easy.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise port. The rates are fixed and regulated, and it's a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before you get in. Taxis are a good option for a group or if you are going to a specific location.
Public Transportation: There is no public bus system on Bonaire.
Tours: The most popular way to get to attractions outside the town is to book a pre-arranged tour, either with your cruise line or a local tour operator.
♿ Accessibility
Bonaire has an accessibility rating of 3 out of 10. While the cruise pier is flat and the town of Kralendijk has some accessible streets, the island's main attractions, like snorkeling and diving, are not easily accessible for people with limited mobility. The terrain outside the main town can be rugged and uneven.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town is to simply walk. The pier is located right in the town center, and you are immediately surrounded by shops and local sights.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are not very common in Kralendijk. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in local cafes and restaurants. Be aware that you may have to pay a small fee.
💊 Drugstore
Botica Boneriano: Kaya Grandi 43, Kralendijk, Bonaire. This is a local pharmacy located in the town center.
Kruidvat: Kaya Korona 46, Kralendijk, Bonaire.
✨ Authentic Experience
Walk the Waterfront Promenade and Explore Kralendijk: For a taste of the town's unique charm, take a walk along the waterfront promenade. You can see the colorful colonial buildings, the historic forts, and the local fishing boats. From there, you can walk to the town's main street, Kaya Grandi, which is filled with unique shops and local cafes.
Go Snorkeling at a Local Beach: Bonaire is famous for its incredible underwater world. You can easily take a taxi to one of the local beaches, like Eden Beach or the Divi Flamingo Resort, and go snorkeling. You'll be amazed at the variety of colorful fish and coral reefs you can see just a few feet from the shore.
Dine on Local Fish and Visit a Salt Flat: For a taste of local life, take a taxi to a local restaurant and try a dish of fresh fish. Afterwards, you can take a scenic drive to see the famous salt flats, where you can see the pink water and the thousands of flamingos that live there.
