No matter the type of traveler you are – all inclusive-resort fan, outdoorsy, frugal, fancy, solo, with family – we can all agree on the allure of the Caribbean.

There is something so utterly relaxing about those warm blue waters, that even if you never left the beach, you’d still have a great vacation.

But if you seek a deeper adventure, let me introduce you to Bonaire. It is a quick trip from the East Coast (We flew Delta Airlines from Raleigh to Bonaire, with a short layover in Atlanta). The island is small and easily accessible with a 4-wheel-drive car. Its Dutch roots attract many European tourists. It is one of three regions of the world where Flamingos nest. Wild donkeys and goats are abundant. It is one of the diving and snorkeling capitals of the world. And best of all, it doesn’t feel kitschy, staged, and touristy in that annoying way that we have all experience before.

Our 8-day itinerary in Bonaire

Day 1: Arrive at airport around 1:30pm. Get rental car across from the airport. Check-in at the magnificent Hotel Delphin’s. Grocery shopping. Play in lovely hotel pool. Sunset cocktails. Dinner at hotel restaurant Club Tropicana Beach Brasserie

Day 2: Breakfast at home. Snorkeling cruise from 9:30 to 3:30. Lunch served onboard. Gelato in downtown at Luciano. Hotel pool. Dinner cooked at home.

Day 3: Breakfast at home. Drive to Washintgon Slagbaai National Forest. Packed lunch. All day snorkeling and sightseeing in the national park where a 4WD is required. Hotel Pool. Dinner cooked at home.

Day 4: Breakfast at home. Drive south to the salt flats and beaches like Pink Beach. Quiet, crowd-less, lots of good bird watching on this side of the island. Hotel Pool for some evening fun. Walk around Downtown, with Dinner and Sunset at Pier Dos

Day 5: Breakfast at home. Check-out of Hotel Delphin’s. Laundry drop off at the local laundromat. Arjun + Mom kayaking in the mangroves. Take-out lunch from a delicious food-bus called Stoked. Check-in at the extremely unique and gorgeous hotel called Sorobon Luxury Beach Resort on the east side of the island. Pool time. Delicious dinner at hotel restaurant called Reef Bar.

Day 6: Breakfast at home on the wrap-around balcony with lots of bird visitors. Wind Surf lessons at Jibe City for Ajay and Arjun. Sangria and lunch at Hangout Beach Bar. More play on the beach after lessons. Walk around downtown in the evening. Dinner at the super excellent It Rains Fishes.

Day 7: Breakfast at home. Beach play for some. Kayaking the mangroves for Ajay and Dev. Lunch on the beach from the Reef Bar. More beach time and cocktails. Walk around downtown. Excellent dinner of Peruvian chicken and seafood at Perù. Gelato at Gio’s

Day 8: Breakfast at home. Pack-up and check-out from Sorobon Beach Luxury Resort. Last bit of driving and sightseeing towards 1000 Steps and surrounding area. Delicious pizzas at Pelican’s. Head to airport for the flight back home.

I write these posts as much for my future-self as I do for you. I hope if you decide to take on the adventure, you have some place to start as to how to plan your time in Bonaire.

A few things to keep in mind:

Make the reservations for snorkeling cruise, kayaking, and the National Park entrance ahead of time.
Pay the nature fee ahead of time as well
There is another fee/form that is required to entire Bonaire. Complete this ahead of time so that when you land, you can walk straight out after immigration check.
Do not bring spray-can suncreen. Only bring lotion sunscreen that is designated “reef safe” on packaging. Blue Lizard is our personal favorite.
Take snorkeling gear with you if possible. The only time we didn’t have to use ours was when we were on the snorkeling boat cruise with Woodwinds. They had all equipment in every size. Couldn’t recommend them enough!
Beaches are mostly rocky so bring good water shoes if those kinds of things bother you
Bonaire’s local currency is USD and the local time is Eastern Standard Time.
The car rental facility is right across from the airport. Reserve ahead of time for 4WD options without which you cannot see the National Forest.
Grocery shops here are so much fun. We had a great time cooking many of our meals at home.
A fun fact: Sorobon Beach Resort used to be a nudeist resort the last time we were here over a decade and a half ago. Now it is this uber cool resort for all. We booked the Kas Grande villa since there are 6 of us. It came with a private pool and a wrap-around balcony. Oh and there are no TVs anywhere in the hotel rooms or common areas. They were not missed at all!
Delphin’s is a Hilton resort. I was so impressed with their pools, their food, their amazing room (we had the 3 bed, 3 bath penthouse with two jumbo balconies and oceanviews). They also have a really good gym on the facility.
I cannot say enough things about the National Forest. There are blow-holes, beautiful beaches, snorkeling hotspots, and so many flamingos. Take all your snorkeling gear along with lunch and snacks. Spend all day driving from one spot to another going in and out of the water. The giant cactus make for a very unusual sight.

You know I have a million pictures from this trip. Which is precisely the reason why I am being lazy about posting them all here – too many to sort through! But here is a minor sampling. Note also that this was truly a relaxing weekend when my phone did not make an appearance in my hands too often!