North Tour with Local Guide
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

North Tour with Local Guide

Active
(6 reviews)
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

That is a Unique Small Group Tour guided by a knowledgeable, Local Bonaire resident who Loves the Island!

Why Shekhinah Tours is Different: Unlike other tours, this is not a big bus experience with long wait times and impersonal guides. We want you to feel welcome to the island the moment you step off the ship, and we're excited to share our knowledge of the history, culture, economy and food on Bonaire!

You will be greeted personally and shown to your vehicle.

There is a maximum of 7 guests per vehicle, so you will personally interact with your guide throughout.

You will see all the major sites and highlights.

Because of this tour's minor group nature, you can ask questions and make custom requests if there's something you want to see. Time allows, and we'll do all we can to make this trip memorable for you and your group!

Please click on the Itinerary tab at the top to see our 18 points of interest!

Available options

Standard rate

Pickup included

What's included

Transportation to and from your Ship or Hotel
Coca-Cola, Sprite, Water, or Coca-Cola Max
Clean and Safe Vehicle with Air-Conditioning & Working Seatbelts
Guided by an Experienced & Knowledgeable Bonaire Resident
Transportation via small van, car or pick-up. (Dependent on number of guests) 
A local appreciation after the tour

Detailed itinerary

1

Cruise Passengers: Your guide will welcome you with your first name or last name on a sign in front of the cruise ship exit/enter gate where your ship is docked.

As you walk away from your ship, you will be approaching a security checkpoint gate. When you exit the gate, walk straight forward, and look straight ahead. Your guide will be there 15 minutes before the start of your tour to collect you.

Please Note: If your tour starts at 08:30, your guide will pick you up 15 minutes (08:15) before the start time of your tour.

Non-Cruise Passengers: For the meeting, please meet your guide at the reception, and if
you are staying at an apartment; your driver will be at the address
you provided on the booking.

Your guide will arrive at your pick-up location 15 minutes before the start of your tour to pick you up. We will notify you if there are any changes.

2

At the start of the tour, we will tell you a little bit about the downtown area of Kralendijk.

Downtown Kralendijk consists of a few streets and is easily walkable. Kaya Grandi is the Main Street, where you will find most shops, restaurants, and cafes. After the tour, we can drop you off in the centre if you want to do some shopping and walk around. If you're on a cruise, the ship port is less than a 5-minute walk from the central downtown district, and you can easily see and walk back to your ship before departure.

3

Harbour Village Marina is one of two marina facilities on the island where both local and visiting yachts can book moorings and stay on the island. It's also a safe-haven for surrounding boats during storms to seek shelter and calmer water.

4

Trans World Radio plays a vital role in global radio and features a beautiful mural that you won't be able to miss. We'll tell you more about it on tour and give you a chance to take a photo.

5

Many of the island's hotels are located in a neighbourhood called Hato. We'll be passing through parts of this neighbourhood and sharing information as we head north.

6

Here you will see some of the largest homes on Bonaire. Your guide will share with you why people from all over the globe are moving to this area and, in particular, why this area is valued so highly.

7

At 1000 Steps, we will make a stop where you can get out, walk around and take pictures of the beautiful scenery and clear blue ocean. Whether you descend the steps to the sea or stay on top, you will still have a nice view of the area and coast.

8

Tolo Dive Site is one of the best dive sites on the island due to the large reef and schools of fish that inhabit this area of coral cliffs. From a distance, you will see interesting boulder patterns and your guide will point out lines on the cliffs that show you where the water level was thousands of years ago.

9

From the 17th century until 1863, Bonaire, like many islands in the Caribbean, relied on slave labour to work plantations and the salt pans. Throughout the island, you will see remnants of this time that serve as reminders of the hard work and hands that built the island's economy during this period. Here at Karpata, you will see a building where the women and the children would stay during the week.

10

Like all places, oil and resources play an essential role in daily life on Bonaire. But unlike many sites, islands do not allow for a natural supply found locally. Here at BOPEC, your tour guide will be showing you some of the island's oil tanks and the reason for their placement here on the island.

11

Goto (Pronounced Go - To) Meer is a beautiful protected reserve area where you will often see flamingos and native birds in their natural habitat. You also will see the sparkle of salt deposits and the dense greenery in this Northern part of the island. As this is a protected area, we will not be exiting the vehicle, but you will have the chance to take photos and spot the flamingos. In the distance, you'll see Brandaris, the tallest point on Bonaire, located in the Washington Nature Preserve Park.

12

Rincon was the first official town established in the 16th century. Here you will see some of the oldest buildings on the island, typical local architecture, and learn why this location was chosen many years ago to be the first official settlement when the Spanish discovered Bonaire.

13

You will visit a locally made liquor and spirits of Bonaire.
Please remember the distillery is open from 10 am to 5 pm, from Monday to Saturday.

14

After Rincon, we will embark on the windy and breath-taking east coast of Bonaire, where you can feel the crashing waves and often see roaming wild donkeys. We'll also pass Bonaire's Land Sailing Adventure track, where you can see people zipping around in their sail karts.

That is the last stop, and from here, we will drive you back to the ship. It is a great time to ask questions and chat with your tour guide.

15

We will be on a top of a hill where you can see Bonaire from a high point in the middle of the Island.

16

This is the second old neighbourhood on the Island where the Indians have moved to.

17

This is the largest neighbourhood in Bonaire.

18

Here your guide will tell you more about the inter Bonaire main street.

That will be our last point of interest; while driving back downtown, we encourage you to ask questions, and we will share more about the island.

What's not included

The snack at a local Stop on the tour is not included in the price

Available languages

Guide guide
EN NL ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We want you to feel at home and comfortable on our island and recommend you bring the following for this tour:
1.Sun Protection: Sunscreen, Sunglasses
2.Extra Water
3.Dress Comfortably for warm, sunny and humid weather
4.Camera (of course!)
Before the Tour:
Hotel or apartment guests: For the meeting, please meet your guide at the reception, and if you are staying at an apartment; your driver will be at the address you provided on the booking. Your guide will arrive at your pick-up location 15 minutes before the start of your tour to pick you up. We will notify you if there are any changes.
Cruise Ship guests:Your guide will welcome you with your first name or last name on a sign in front of the cruise ship exit/enter gate where your ship is docked. As you walk away from your ship, you will be approaching a security checkpoint gate. When you exit the gate, walk straight forward, and look straight ahead. Your guide will be there 15 minutes before the start of your tour to collect you. Please Note: If your tour starts at 08:30, your guide will pick you up 15 minutes (08:15) before the start time of your tour.
Very IMPORTANT: If you don't see your guide with your name, please stay at the gate of your ship and do not walk away and look for your guide, let your guide look for you.
We GUARANTEE to have you BACK TO THE SHIP 1 hour before the ship departure time.
This is a small group guided tour of up to 7 people per vehicle. You will be in a shared van, car, or pick-up depending on the number of guests. 
Our prices include a 6% government tax.
Our goal is for you to leave the Island happier than when you arrived.

Important notes

Thank you for choosing Shekhinah Tours!

Hotel or apartment Guests:  For the meeting, please meet your guide at the reception, and if you are staying at an apartment; your driver will be at the address
you provided on the booking.

Your guide will arrive at your pick-up location 15 minutes before the start of your tour to pick you up. We will notify you if there are any changes.

Cruise Ship Passengers: Your guide will welcome you with your first or last name on a sign in front of the cruise ship exit/entry gate where your ship is docked.

Please check if the ship time is the same as the local time. There may be differences. We will not make a refund because of that mistake.

Walking away from your ship, you will approach a security checkpoint gate. When you exit the gate, walk straight forward, and look straight ahead. Your guide will be there 15 minutes before the start of your tour to collect you.

Please Note: If your tour starts at 08:30, your guide will pick you up 15 minutes (08:15) before the start time of your tour.

Very IMPORTANT: If you don't see your guide with your name, please stay at the gate of your ship and do not walk away and look for your guide; let your guide look for you.

We GUARANTEE having you BACK TO THE SHIP 1 hour before the ship departure time.

This is a small group guided tour of up to 20 people per vehicle. Depending on the number of guests, you will be in a shared bus, van, car, or pick-up. 

If you have any questions, please let us know by email: info@shekhinahtours.com. You can also contact us at +599 787 4778 by call or WhatsApp.

Our goal is for you to leave the Island happier than when you arrived.

About Kralendijk

Kralendijk is the vibrant capital of Bonaire, a picturesque island in the Caribbean Netherlands. Known for its colorful buildings, stunning beaches, and exceptional diving opportunities, it offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and Dutch influence. The town is a gateway to Bonaire's natural wonders, including Washington Slagbaai National Park and the Bonaire National Marine Park.

Top Attractions

Bonaire National Marine Park

One of the most famous dive sites in the world, this marine park offers incredible underwater visibility and diverse marine life. It's a must-visit for snorkelers and divers.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate (entry fees and dive/snorkel equipment rental)

Washington Slagbaai National Park

This national park covers a significant portion of Bonaire and offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It's a great place to explore the island's natural beauty.

Nature Full day Moderate (entry fee)

Buddy's Reef

A popular snorkeling and diving site located just off the coast of Kralendijk. It's known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, and moray eels.

Nature Half day Free (bring your own snorkel gear or rent locally)

1000 Steps Beach

A beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand, accessible via a steep staircase. It's a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing.

Beach Half day Free

Cacao Museum

A small museum dedicated to the history of cocoa production on Bonaire. Visitors can learn about the island's cocoa industry and sample locally made chocolate.

Historical 1-2 hours Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Keshi Yena

A traditional Bonairean dish made with cheese stuffed with spiced meat, often served with rice and peas.

Dinner Contains meat and cheese, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Funchi

A cornmeal-based side dish similar to polenta, often served with fish or meat.

Side Dish Vegetarian, can be made vegan.

Bonairean Rum

Locally produced rum, often enjoyed straight or in cocktails.

Drink Alcoholic, not suitable for those avoiding alcohol.

Popular Activities

Diving Snorkeling Windsurfing Kitesurfing Hiking Beach lounging Sunbathing Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the peak tourist season with pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for beach activities, diving, and exploring the island's natural beauty.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Dutch
  • Widely spoken: English, Papiamento
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)

Time Zone

GMT-4

Electricity

127VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Bonaire is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming local community. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Avoid walking alone at night
  • • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air
  • Flamingo International Airport • 3 km (2 miles) from city center
By bus

Main Bus Terminal in Kralendijk

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are available but infrequent. They are more suitable for local residents than tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: No major apps, use local taxi stands

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Kralendijk Playa Belnem

Day trips

Klein Bonaire
1 km (0.6 miles) offshore • Half day

A small, uninhabited island off the coast of Bonaire, known for its pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. It's a great spot for a day trip.

Lac Bay
10 km (6 miles) from Kralendijk • Full day

A beautiful bay on the southern coast of Bonaire, known for its calm waters and excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions. It's a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts.

Gotomeer
15 km (9 miles) from Kralendijk • Full day

A scenic lake in the interior of Bonaire, surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. It's a great spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the island's natural beauty.

Festivals

Bonaire Carnival • February to March Bonaire Dance Festival • Annual, date varies

Pro tips

  • Visit the salt flats for a unique and educational experience
  • Explore the island's natural beauty with a guided tour
  • Try local dishes like Keshi Yena and Funchi
  • Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season
  • Rent a car for easy exploration of the island
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-120
1
Childs
Age 6-11
0
Infants
Age 0-5
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook