Bonaire Kralendijk Cruise Port Guide: Review 2023

Table Of Content

• Local Cuisine
• What currency will you need if you visit Bonaire?
• Carnival Freedom ship denied entry to 2 Caribbean cruise ports due to COVID cases
• Cruise Lines that Sail Here
• Central & South America

Bonaire’s cultural tapestry is a true reflection of its people, allowing visitors to experience an enriching blend of traditions, music, art, and flavors. When it comes to shopping and dining, Bonaire offers a delightful mix of local specialties, international flavors, and unique handmade crafts. From exploring vibrant local markets to indulging in delicious Caribbean cuisine, Bonaire has something to satisfy every palate and cater to every shopping desire.

Local Cuisine

If you find the kiosks too busy or closed, the main (and larger) Tourism Office is located behind the Protestant Church on Wilhelmina Square, right at the start of Kaya Grandi. Whatever you choose to see and do in Bonaire, it is easy and affordable to explore the Island on your own. With just a couple of streets to meander, Kralendijk is a jewel not to be missed, which is very for comfortable for disabled travelers. For those that wish to explore different sights and tractions, it is advisable to book a tour or an excursion. Although located in the center of Kralendijk, the one attraction that is not self-evident is the Terramar Museum. If you don't spot it straight away do ask for directions - this small museum is really worth a visit as it will take you on a journey through 7,000 years of Caribbean history.

What currency will you need if you visit Bonaire?

Most of Bonaire’s shopping is found in Kralendijk and is complimentary to most Caribbean Island shopping, offering dozens of boutique souvenir shops, advertising Bonaire, and the Caribbean. Pink Flamingoes are a popular attraction, as well as sea turtles and you will find more than your share of t-shirts, hats, and other items garnering the wildlife. Off the main street you will find several off-path shops, and strip malls. On Kaya Grandi - Kralendjik's main shopping street - the cruise visitorwill find some shops but don't expect to find the typical and ubiquitous ones found all over the Caribbean. Certainly, Bonaire is not a shoppers paradise like the sister islands of Aruba and Curacao.

Carnival Freedom ship denied entry to 2 Caribbean cruise ports due to COVID cases

If you want to get your learning cap on, visit the Terramar Museum to get to grips with Bonaire’s past. (Classic.) Eventually the Dutch turned up, winning Bonaire in an almighty war, and turning the island into a major exporter of salt. Africans, Arawak and convicts were forced into slave labour on the island, until they were freed in 1862.

Long Beach, CA

The donkeys are descendants of donkeys brought over by the Spanish when they were going about their island-conquering business; once humans had no use for them any more, they were left to wander the island. It also means that bitterballen are regularly spotted on menus here, so all bitterballen fans visiting Bonaire, REJOICE. In case you get hungry or just want to refresh yourself, you can get some delicious food and drinks at the food truck at the beach. A very nice and relaxing beach with an outstanding view of the capital of Kralendijk and gorgeous sunsets.

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Norwegian, the first cruise line to bet on Cabo Rojo.

Posted: Sat, 18 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Attractions and Activities in Bonaire

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This is partly due to its location at the southern edge of the Caribbean Sea and the fact that nearby Aruba and Curacao have more robust ports. While the beaches and marine ecosystems may steal the show, there is plenty to do within the port itself and beyond! Cruise passengers should check out Wilhelmina Park or Bonaire Marine Park, one of the oldest marine reserves in the world.

Taxis are readily available at the cruise port, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to get around. If you prefer more independence, car rentals are also available, allowing you to explore at your own pace. This little island is just across the water from Bonaire cruise port, and is an incredible snorkeling location.

With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World. Located next to Downtown Miami, disembarking/embarking can be far from smooth and at times frustrating when up to 8 mega-ships are docked. The Cruise Port is 3-miles away from Montego Bay's, but both the old town and the island have top attractions and highlights that must be explored.

From the stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs to the fascinating cultural and historical sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this Caribbean paradise. Beyond its underwater wonders, Bonaire boasts a unique landscape characterized by arid deserts, rugged hills, and sprawling cactus forests. The island’s semi-arid climate creates an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, iguanas, and parakeets. Exploring the natural beauty of Bonaire’s national parks, such as Washington Slagbaai National Park, is a must-do for nature lovers. On the other hand, if you decide to stay in Kralendijk, there are a few beautiful spots you can visit. Just a 10-minute walk from your cruise terminal, there is the Fort Oranje, a small 17th-century Dutch fortress that served as a government seat, fire, and police station.

As mentioned, the Bonaire cruise port is a short distance from some of Kralendijk’s main attractions. This includes an open-air shopping area, numerous tourist-friendly restaurants and bars, cafés, and a museum. The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise shiparrivals from all major cruise lines.

One of its oddities is that it has three officially recognized languages – Dutch, Papiamento, and English. The following are just some of the reasons why any fan of adventure and exploration should seriously consider visiting Bonaire. All items are compatible with American and European prices, and ATM’s distribute money in U.S. dollars.

Both piers can handle full-sized cruise ships, but larger vessels tend to be directed to the Southern Pier. There are two cruise ship ports coming into Bonaire, just south of the main town of Kralendijk. Kralendijk offers visitors the greatest opportunity for things to do while on the island, especially if you are limited to a couple hours. Just a short walk from the pier is shopping, sightseeing, and travel opportunities if you wish to go deeper inland. Whether you’re an avid hiker, birdwatcher, or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, exploring Bonaire’s national parks is a rewarding experience.

But this small island has much more to offer than just underwater wonders. Kralendijk is the capital city and major port of Bonaire Island, one of the Leeward Islands located in the Caribbean Sea. The island is owned by the Netherlands, and while the main language in the capital is the creole language of Papiamentu, English and Dutch are also widely used just like in the motherland. While the area is the typical island paradise one might expect from the Caribbean, with the ground mostly covered with scrub and cacti, tourists come for the unique bird watching and scuba diving opportunities. The lack of vegetation is also good for the beautiful beaches in the capital.

Many of Bonaire’s beaches are narrow coral beaches which can be problematic for people going in bare foot, but wonderful for photographers and amazing views. The leeward side of the island is popular for swimming, especially at Lac Bay Beach and Soroban which are both shallow water and popular for families. There are several sightseeing tours and busses, however, one of the most popular tours on the island is the walking tour of Rincon which is the oldest settlement on the island. Walking tour booklets can be purchased for $5 at several Bonaire resorts and the Cadushy Distillery in Rincon.

With over 20 beaches in Bonaire, there is a handful of famous spots like the 1000 Steps Beach, No Name Beach in Kein Bonaire, Playa Palu di Mangel, Sorobon Beach or Te Amo Beach. If you prefer above water sports, Windsurfing at Jibe City, Kayaking, Kite-surfing, Sailing or Fishing are top activities to enjoy in Bonaire. The cruise traveler contemplating the idea of exploring the island at leisure may look into renting a car, a scooter or a bicycle. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, beach activities, and a couple of usual cultural attractions and landmarks are the top highlights of Bonaire. Bonaire is the B on the island trio known as ABC - Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. These island have a lot in common but cruise passengers shouldn't infer that if you “have seen one you have seen them all”.

Kralendijk, Bonaire Cruise Port Guide Info

Table Of Content

• Northern pier
• Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
• Snorkeling and Diving in Bonaire
• Local Culture and Heritage
• RCI-Royal Caribbean International opens for sale 2022 summer Caribbean cruises
• Salt lakes
• Cruise LinesVisiting Bonaire

On your trip to Kralendijk, you'll find unusual local fare combining Spanish, Dutch and other influences. Sample keshi yena (Dutch Edam cheese stuffed with meat) and kabritu stroba, a goat stew that's the national dish. Hike through Bonaire's historic plantations while mingling with parrots, parakeets and brown pelicans in Washington Slagbaai National Park. The island is a favorite of birdwatchers, with an estimated 210 species present. Bonaire is one of only four places in the world where Caribbean flamingos breed, which is why the flamingo has been named the national bird. Bonaire is home to some fascinating historical and cultural sites you don’t want to miss.

Northern pier

It’s important to note that both national parks require an entrance fee and have specific guidelines in place to ensure the preservation of the natural environment. Visitors are urged to follow these rules and regulations, such as staying on designated trails and not disturbing the wildlife or vegetation. In short, Bonaire offers a range of transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs. It’s absolutely off-limits to approach the flamingos, so if you want to see them properly you might need to bring either a zoom lens for your camera, or some high-quality binoculars. Within walking distance of the cruise terminal, you can explore Kaya Grandi, Fort Oranje, and more.

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

Bonaire is not only renowned for its stunning underwater world but also for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Two national parks on the island offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Bonaire’s unique flora, fauna, and rugged terrain. Exploring these national parks is a must-do for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. One of the unique features of diving and snorkeling in Bonaire is the freedom of exploration.

Bonaire expects rise in cruise traffic over next two years - Cruise and Ferry

Bonaire expects rise in cruise traffic over next two years.

Posted: Tue, 19 May 2015 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Snorkeling and Diving in Bonaire

Thanks to its location right at the island’s heart, it acts as a gateway to its unique offers. Considering that the Island is small - 38 km long and between 5 and 8 km wide), the cruise passenger can easily explore all the major attractions in Bonaire on a day docked at Kralendijk. Known as one of the Top Scuba diving sites in the World, and promoted as such to exhaustion, many cruisers not interested in diving or snorkeling frequently wonder what else to do or see. The good news is that there is a good number of interesting attractions to explore and discover besides the ones found underwater.

Local Culture and Heritage

Let the tranquility and natural beauty of Kralendijk captivate your senses. Bonaire, with its mesmerizing natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, is a dream destination for cruise visitors. From snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters to exploring the national parks and immersing yourself in the local culture, there are endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Bonaire is often referred to as the “Diver’s Paradise” and for good reason. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, Bonaire offers exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

RCI-Royal Caribbean International opens for sale 2022 summer Caribbean cruises

If you want a high-end dining experience, It Rains Fishes offers guests gourmet seafood with first-class service. For those looking for a more low-key experience, the famous Karel’s Beach Bar is directly on the water and offers a mixture of local dishes and crowd-pleasing favorites. For beer lovers, there’s even a microbrewery called the Brewery Bonaire that you can visit.

The vibe in Kralendijk is wonderfully chilled; you can see the city from both of the two cruise piers, and you can easily walk from your ship to the city in about 3-5 minutes. This is the Vigo cruise terminal that you will find at the Vigo cruise port. This is your view from the cruise ship when your ship is docked in Vigo cruise port. The ship is docked just a few minutes away from the city center of Vigo.

Salt lakes

On this wonderful sanctuary, the cruise visitor will also have the opportunity to learn about the endemic species of Bonaire like parakeets, iguanas, sea turtles and many other species of birds and reptiles. Unwind onshore or go windsurfing in the tranquil, shallow waters of Lac Bay, the largest bay in the ABC islands. The island's near-constant trade winds and bathtub-warm waters make for a windsurfer's dream. Nearly all of the restaurants, food trucks, and markets are located within the capital city of Kralendijk. Bonaire’s cultural heritage is celebrated through various festivals and events held throughout the year.

Cruise LinesVisiting Bonaire

All the attractions of the island are within a short driving distance from the Bonaire cruise port, which makes it an attractive Caribbean cruise destination and easy to explore in one day. Old slave huts are located in the south of Bonaire, 12.5 km/8 miles from the Bonaire cruise terminal (a 15-minute drive). The Bonaire slave huts were constructed in 1850 during the slavery time, and are located along the main road in the vicinity of the salt flats, another Bonaire attraction. This is a frequent stop in the sightseeing tours of the north of the island due to the gorgeous views of the coast. The beach is located on the way between the Bonaire cruise port and the Rincon village (9.5 km/6 miles away from the cruise dock). Bonaire offers many activities whether you are staying a couple hours or a couple days.

Learn about the history, culture and beauty of Bonaire and its people on this small group excursion. Tour through the residential and resort areas of Kralendijk, then head to Goto Lake, the best spot in the Caribbean to see flamingos. Visit Rincon Village, which was originally settled by the Spanish in the 1500s.... Boka Slagbaai offers good snorkeling, diving, and picnic grounds as well as amenities in 19 th century buildings. You can also spend the night in one of the small rentals, and enjoy a drink as the breezy bar. You can also receive a guided walking tour for $5 on certain days of the week which is given in either English or Dutch.

Food trucks and local eateries serve up mouthwatering dishes, such as fresh seafood, BBQ, and traditional Caribbean fare. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties like conch fritters, keshi yena (stuffed cheese), and grilled fish prepared with local seasonings. Known for its warm and welcoming locals, Bonaire offers a safe and friendly environment for visitors. English and Dutch are widely spoken, making it easy to communicate with the locals and navigate the island. The ABC islands- that’s the Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao– are a big old contrast to the rest of the Caribbean islands.

Beautiful pastel stucco houses line the Kralendijk limits and look out onto the appealing pink sands and clear surf. There is a marine park for divers, as well as numerous dive shops to procure equipment. There is a small casino and a number of trails and paths to hike, jog, run or bike. The cruise terminal is located within 5-15 minutes walking distance from the main city’s historical landmarks. Bonaire cruise port doesn’t have a terminal building, so the meeting place for the shore excursions is normally on the pier. In front of the terminal area, you can find ATM and a tourist information office, where you can collect Bonaire maps and get all the necessary information.

There is a charming stone lighthouse right by, offering unique photos of the seaside and cruise port. The tour buses (which are usually smaller than regular 50-seater buses) and taxi vehicles are located behind the shopping mall area, in the street. Located in the north of the island, 22 km/14 miles (a 30-minute drive) away from the Bonaire cruise port, Goto Lake is a saltwater lagoon and one of only a few pink flamingos nesting places in the world. If you book a guided tour, the guides usually take you to the observation point from where you can see flamingos in their natural habitat. You can reach Klein Bonaire islet by water taxi which you’ll find outside the pier, in the vicinity of your cruise ship. Some cruise lines also offer water taxi services, as well as shore excursions to the Klein Bonaire.

The three islands sit right at the southern edge of the Caribbean, so they are relatively close to the coast of Venezuela. Today, we are going to take a deep dive into this bustling cruise port so you can discover why it is considered by many to be the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. At the heart of this tourism boom is the Bonaire Cruise Port, capable of servicing full-sized cruise ships, so their passengers can explore this picturesque Caribbean treasure.

On February 1, 2018, the Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wonder became company's first-ever liner to visit Bonaire. The disney ship was on 7-day Southern Caribbean cruise (itinerary Janu 28 - Feb 4) roundtrip from homeport San Juan Puerto Rico. The salt pans or salt flats of Bonaire have been used for the extraction and exportation of salt for centuries. These natural ponds were first worked by African slaves who were brought to Bonaire to work the salt pans and plantations.

Take a stroll through the colorful capital city of Kralendijk, visit local art galleries and boutiques, and savor the flavors of traditional dishes like keshi yena (stuffed cheese) and kabritu stoba (goat stew). The reason this island has the wow factor for me (and many others) is actually what lies beneath the water. Sorobon Beach, often considered the island’s crown jewel, is a breezy 15-minute taxi ride from the Bonaire cruise dock, priced around $20.