Caribbean Netherlands Pier

Bonaire shore excursions

Some of the Caribbean's best snorkeling straight from the shore, a protected marine park all around the island, and flamingos on the salt flats.

Bonaire

Getting ashoreShips dock at the pier in the center of Kralendijk, and only one ship can dock at a time. Downtown is about a 5-minute walk along the waterfront.

Bonaire port day essentials

read this before you book

Which pier you're at

Kralendijk pierIn the center of town, next to South Pier Mall. Only one ship can dock at a time.

The water taxi to Klein Bonaire leaves from the waterfront in town.

Taxis

Taxis wait at the stand outside South Pier Mall, and drivers often wait until the car fills up. Ask the price, per person or per car, before you get in.

Te Amo beach is about 5 to 10 minutes away, Sorobon on Lac Bay about 15 to 20.

Money

US dollars are the official currency. Cards are widely accepted.

Language

Dutch and Papiamentu. English is widely spoken.

Back on board

All-aboard is usually 30 minutes before sailing; your ship's daily planner has the exact time. Afternoon boats back from Klein Bonaire fill up on cruise days.

Be aware

  • Anyone who swims, snorkels or dives in the marine park needs the STINAPA nature fee. Cruise passengers can buy a one-day pass ($10 at our last check): pay online before you go and keep the QR code on your phone.
  • Klein Bonaire has no shade, shops or restrooms. Bring water, sunscreen and snorkel gear.
Last checked November 2026. Prices change; confirm before you pay. Spot something out of date? Tell us

Plan your day in Bonaire

pick by your time ashore

4 to 5 hours ashore

Snorkel from the shore

  1. Pay the nature fee online before you leave the ship.
  2. Taxi 5 to 10 minutes to Te Amo, or snorkel Bari Reef north of town.
  3. Swim straight in from the shore; the reef starts close in.

Rather book it? A guided shore snorkel with gear.

6 to 8 hours ashore

Klein Bonaire

  1. Water taxi from Kralendijk, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Snorkel and swim at No Name Beach; bring water and sun cover.
  3. Take an early afternoon boat back.

Rather book it? A snorkel boat that stops at Klein Bonaire.

9 hours or more

Flamingos and Lac Bay

  1. Drive south past the salt flats and look for flamingos.
  2. Continue to Sorobon on Lac Bay for calm, shallow water.
  3. Come back up the west coast with a stop at 1000 Steps.

Rather book it? An island tour covering the south.

Times are approximate. Whatever you choose, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Compare tours for each idea below.

Compare Bonaire tours

Start times and meeting points vary by tour. Check them against your ship's schedule before you book.

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Bonaire tours from GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide's own search results for Bonaire, in GetYourGuide's order. Check each tour's start time and meeting point against your ship's schedule.

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Bonaire tours from Shore Excursions Group

Shore Excursions Group sells tours built around cruise ship schedules, backed by their guarantee to get you back to the ship. Their tours aren't listed on this page; browse them on their site.

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Scout's notes on Bonaire

Short port days

Snorkel straight from the shore at Bari Reef or Te Amo, 5 to 10 minutes away by taxi, or take the water taxi to Klein Bonaire's No Name Beach, about 15 to 20 minutes each way.

Long port days

Head south past the salt flats to look for flamingos, then on to Lac Bay at Sorobon for calm, shallow water. 1000 Steps on the west coast is a favorite for turtles.

Getting back on time

Distances are short, but Klein Bonaire boats fill up in the afternoon on cruise days. Check the last return time before you go.

pay the nature fee online!

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