A 3-Day Bonaire Itinerary: Beaches, Diving, and Adventure

What to Do in Bonaire in 3 Days: A Complete Itinerary

Bonaire is a Caribbean paradise known for its pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and untouched natural beauty. Unlike more commercialized islands, Bonaire prioritizes conservation, eco-tourism, and outdoor adventure, making it a haven for nature lovers. As part of the Bonaire National Marine Park, the island offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, with vibrant coral reefs just steps from the shore. Beyond the water, you'll find flamingo-filled salt flats, rugged coastlines, and world-class windsurfing. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, this 3-day itinerary will guide you through the best experiences Bonaire has to offer.

Best Time to Visit Bonaire

Bonaire is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is dry, and the temperatures are perfect for outdoor adventures. If you’re a diver, Bonaire offers excellent visibility and warm waters all year, but the months of May to October bring fewer crowds and great conditions for snorkeling and kayaking.

How to Get to Bonaire

Getting to Bonaire is easier than you might think, with direct flights from several major cities and convenient connections through larger Caribbean hubs. The island’s Flamingo International Airport (BON) is located just outside Kralendijk, the capital, and serves as the main entry point for international travelers.

By Air

• From the U.S. & Canada: Direct flights to Bonaire are available from Miami (American Airlines) and Houston (United Airlines), with seasonal flights from Newark. If flying from other North American cities, you’ll typically need to connect through Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten.
• From Europe: Non-stop flights operate from Amsterdam (KLM & TUI Fly Netherlands) several times a week, making it the best gateway for European travelers.
• From South America: Travelers from Colombia and other South American countries can reach Bonaire via Bogotá (Avianca) or connections through Curaçao.
• From the Caribbean: Regional airlines like Divi Divi Air and EZ Air offer short flights from Aruba and Curaçao, making island hopping between the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) easy.

By Sea

Bonaire is a popular cruise destination, with ships docking at Kralendijk’s cruise terminal. If you’re visiting by yacht or private boat, Harbour Village Marina and Plaza Marina offer docking facilities for sailboats and charters. However, there are no regular ferry services between Bonaire and nearby islands like Curaçao or Aruba.

‍Day 1: Arrival and Beachside Exploration

Welcome to Bonaire! Your first day is all about settling in, exploring the island’s stunning coastline, and experiencing its relaxed Caribbean charm.

Morning: Arriving in Kralendijk and Beach Walk (2-3 hours)
After landing at Flamingo International Airport, I picked up my rental car (highly recommended for exploring Bonaire) and headed straight to Kralendijk, the colorful capital of the island. Walking along the waterfront promenade, I passed pastel-colored Dutch-Caribbean buildings, local shops, and inviting cafés.

For a relaxed start to the trip, I grabbed a cold smoothie at Gio’s Gelateria & Caffè and wandered through the small artisan markets selling handmade jewelry and souvenirs.

Afternoon: Snorkeling at 1,000 Steps Beach (2-3 hours)
Next, I drove north along Bonaire’s scenic coastal road to one of the island’s most famous spots—1,000 Steps Beach (don’t worry, it’s actually only about 67 steps!). This white limestone beach with crystal-clear waters is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. I spent a couple of hours swimming with sea turtles, parrotfish, and angelfish in the vibrant coral reef just a few feet from shore.

Evening: Sunset Drinks and Dinner at Sebastians (2-3 hours)
I headed back to Kralendijk for dinner at Sebastians, one of Bonaire’s best oceanfront restaurants. I ordered the grilled lionfish, a delicious and sustainable choice, and watched as the sun set over the Caribbean Sea.

Local Tips:

• Renting a car is essential for exploring Bonaire—the island is small but spread out.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect Bonaire’s delicate marine life.

Day 2: Diving, Flamingos, and Salt Flats

Today was all about Bonaire’s incredible marine life and unique landscapes.

Morning: Scuba Diving at Klein Bonaire (3-4 hours)
Bonaire is one of the world’s best shore-diving destinations, but for my first dive, I took a short boat ride to Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island just off the coast. The underwater world here was absolutely stunning—vibrant coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, and even a few sea turtles swimming by. Bonaire’s commitment to marine conservation means the reefs are in pristine condition. If you don’t dive, Klein Bonaire is still great for snorkeling or just relaxing on its powdery white beaches.

Afternoon: Pink Salt Pans and Flamingo Spotting (2-3 hours)
After my dive, I drove south towards Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, passing by the famous pink salt flats. The surreal landscape of bright pink water, white salt mounds, and hundreds of flamingos was one of the most unique sights I’ve ever seen. Since the salt pans are a protected area, I admired the flamingos from a distance—Bonaire is one of the few places in the world where these birds breed naturally.

Evening: Beachside Dinner at Brass Boer (2-3 hours)
For my final dinner on the island, I treated myself to a meal at Brass Boer, a high-end beachfront restaurant with amazing seafood and craft cocktails. Watching the waves roll in while enjoying a fresh tuna tartare was the perfect way to wind down.

Local Tips:

• Even if you’re not a diver, Bonaire’s snorkeling is some of the best in the Caribbean.
• The salt flats are most photogenic in the late afternoon when the light is golden.

Day 3: Mangrove Kayaking and Beach Relaxation

For my last day on Bonaire, I wanted a mix of adventure and relaxation, and it didn’t disappoint.

Morning: Kayaking in the Mangroves of Lac Bay (3-4 hours)
I started the morning with a guided kayak tour through the mangroves of Lac Bay, one of the most important marine ecosystems in the Caribbean. Paddling through narrow channels surrounded by twisting mangrove roots, I saw colorful fish, crabs, and even a few rays gliding through the shallow waters. The tour also included a snorkeling stop where I got to see juvenile fish hiding among the mangrove roots—a completely different kind of reef experience.

Afternoon: Windsurfing and Relaxing at Sorobon Beach (2-3 hours)
After kayaking, I headed to Sorobon Beach, a windsurfer’s paradise known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters and steady breeze. Even if you don’t windsurf, the laid-back beach bars and warm waters make it an incredible spot to relax. I spent the afternoon floating in the lagoon, sipping on a fresh coconut, and enjoying the last of Bonaire’s peaceful island vibes.

Evening: Final Sunset at Jibe City (2-3 hours)
Before heading to the airport, I stopped at Jibe City, a famous windsurfing hangout with a chilled-out beach bar. Sitting with my toes in the sand, drinking a frozen cocktail, and watching the windsurfers glide across the bay was the perfect way to say goodbye to Bonaire.

Local Tips:

• Book a guided mangrove tour in advance, as visitor numbers are limited to protect the ecosystem.
• Sorobon Beach is great for beginner windsurfers, with rental gear and lessons available.

Wrapping Up an Incredible 3 Days in Bonaire

‍Three days in Bonaire gave me a taste of its stunning natural beauty, world-class diving, and relaxed island culture. Whether you’re here to explore the incredible marine life, kayak through mangroves, or simply enjoy the slower pace of Caribbean life, Bonaire is a place that leaves a lasting impression. I’ll definitely be back.