Best things to do in Kralendijk

Visit Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire and meet its charming residents. Founded in 1939 by a Dutch couple, the sanctuary provides refuge and care for sick or orphaned donkeys in Bonaire. Take a drive through the large park where the donkeys are free to roam--you can pet them and feed them carrots on the drive. Visit the special care meadow, where pregnant, injured, and baby donkeys are kept, learn about the efforts of the sanctuary, and support the donkeys by buying souvenirs from the gift shop. After the tour, you can admire tortoises and iguanas in the garden, or relax with a refreshing drink on the terrace, which overlooks a salt lake.

Relax or get sporty at Lac Bay, a scenic beach on the banks of a large lagoon. Laze around on the sun loungers, snacking on local seafood dishes served in the well-positioned bar and restaurant. Located in a national park, the bay offers good access to see three globally endangered species: queen conches, green turtles, and mangrove trees. To take things up a gear, consider trying a range of water sports on the lagoon, including windsurfing and kayaking.

Take a boat ride to the tiny islet of Klein Bonaire, and enjoy unspoiled natural beauty. Just 800 m (2624 ft) from Bonaire’s mainland, the uninhabited island of “Little Bonaire” was privately owned until 1999, when it became part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. Visit the deserted, isolated island for a day of peace, relaxation, and excellent snorkeling. The crystal clear waters allow you to explore the island’s tropical reefs and spot diverse marine life, such as sea turtles and flamingos. The island has no facilities, so you have to bring everything you need with you.

Dive and snorkel in the massively diverse marine environment of Bonaire National Marine Park, with 2700 ha (6672 ac) of protected waters to explore. You’ll have the chance to observe an enormous amount of life in this heavily populated underwater environment, including seahorses, rays, sea turtles, and moray eels. Choose one of the many dive shops and crews providing excursions out to various spots in the park, and remember to take care to have as little impact as possible on this delicate ecosystem when exploring it.

Rest in a tranquil, shaded garden while tasting the world's only liquor made of cactus at The Cadushy Distillery. The liqueur uses the Kadushi cactus as its distinct ingredient, a native plant of the island also used to make a cactus soup. The cactus is combined with fresh lime juice for a tasty tropical drink. The distillery offers a variety of other exotic liquors and basics including rum, whiskey, and vodka. Expect flocks of parrots and hummingbirds in the Calbas trees above to accompany you while you drink.

Adventure the rough roads as they wind through the dramatic terrain of Boca Slagbaai, a remote beach and dive spot. It's a long drive to get there, but you'll reap the rewards of a teeming marine life, good swimming, and the gorgeous color of the water. Back on land, you may spot a range of different critters, from goats and donkeys to exotic reptiles and birds, including flamingos. Due to the remoteness of the location and the lack of services (with the exception of onsite restrooms), bring lots of water and snacks to keep you going.