For an exciting way to see Bonaire, this excursion will take you by land and by sea. With this great combo excursion, you'll get to sail, snorkel, enjoy snacks and beverages, and then enjoy passing picturesque beaches, salt flats, and iconic locations by land. This great combo has something for everyone.
You'll meet with your excursion guide close to your Bonaire cruise ship pier and will board a bus that will take you to the harbor. Please note that this excursion is only for guests arriving on a cruise ship. Your captain and crew will welcome you aboard the 44-foot sailboat and offer you a welcome drink. Pick a spot and get settled in...there is plenty of room with a maximum of 18 guests. Then you'll receive a short safety briefing and then sail out of the harbor.
The captain will give you interesting information about Bonaire and the snorkeling guides will be handing out the gear. Sailing time to the snorkel location will be approximately 45 minutes. Once the captain arrives at the snorkeling location, chosen by weather and water conditions, in you'll go with two guides to accompany you.
See the beautiful world beneath the surface as you marvel at the colors and active marine life. You'll see coral, sponges, tropical fish, maybe a lobster, or two along with many other sights that can be found in the beautiful waters of Bonaire. You will have approximately 60 minutes to snorkel. Your guide will lead you back to the boat and assist you back up the ladder. Although snacks and sodas are available at the open bar, it won't be until after your snorkeling that alcohol such as beer and wine will be made available. Then just kick back and relax for the peaceful sail back to the harbor.
This is when you'll board the safari bus for the land excursion. After a short briefing and everyone is seated, you'll first be driven through Kralendijk. You'll have panoramic views and, with the excellent audio system, you'll hear all about the sights you are seeing. Don't worry about the heat, the trade winds will keep you cool.
Then you'll take a break at Te Amo Beach where the Marine Park is located. A quiet, tranquil setting with spectacular scenery, you can certainly take some great photos in this location; you'll have ten minutes.
Then you'll pass Dunkey Beach, on the Caribbean, drive through the neighborhood of Belnem and Bachelor Beach until arriving in the protected southern locations. This is a fantastic location with miles of salt, pink waters, and light green salt pools. You'll take a break inside the local salt company close to the huge salt mountains and pink waters. This is where you can admire the Caribbean flamingoes in Bonaire. There is also a sanctuary for this interesting bird just south of where you'll be.
Then you're on to see mangroves, sea turtle nesting beaches and the obelisks of the salt plantation. You'll also hear about the history and culture as you take a break at the orange slave houses, and the plantation itself.
At this point, you'll head off to the most southern point. You'll see how the trade winds make for some spectacular waves as you pass the picturesque lighthouse, the Willemstoren. This is where the first European explorers appeared on the horizon. At Piedru Pretu you'll see the monument for the countless ships that have wrecked in the rocky waters.
Finally, the southern road will end with Lac Bay and Sorobon Beach. This is the largest shallow bay of the Caribbean and has a wonderful beach that you'll have time to stroll, or take a dip, or sip a cool drink at a beachside bar. Relax and take in the views, it's a gorgeous location. Your sightseeing time on land is approximately 60 minutes. When time comes to an end, you'll be brought back to your original meeting location with the knowledge you've seen the best of Bonaire.
Note: The itinerary can be done in two different ways. If you choose the 09:30 AM itinerary, you would do the sailing and snorkel first. If you choose the 10:00 AM itinerary, you would start with the land portion.
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