Shore Excursion: North and South Sides of Bonaire

After cruise pick up, we will drive through the capital of Bonaire, Kralendijk, towards the North side. We will visit some of the island's most famous landmarks.

Of course we will make some extra stops when we spot flamingos. Best is to stay silent otherwise we might scare them away

1,000 Steps is a site of white sand and bleached chunks of coral, and the cove is surrounded by limestone cliffs. It's great for both diving and snorkeling, as turtles are often found in the shallow, turquoise waters.

Country house Karpata
The Karpata country house is located along the coastal road from Kralendijk towards Lake Goto. The Karpata Country House is located on the plantation of the same name. The plantation first bore the name Borneo; the large landowners often named their plantations after countries. Later this name was changed to Karpata. Karpata is a particular shrub species that was grown on the plantation and made into a laxative.
Of course the tourguide will tell you more about this highlight while taking photo's of the country house

A saltwater lagoon near the island's northern end and it is a flamingo hangout. Bonaire is one of the few places in the world where pink flamingos nest. Sometimes you can spot the flamingos very close. Apox 1 meter from you

The oldest village on Bonaire. Additionally, it is the oldest in continual existence within the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. Originally settled by the Spanish in the early 1500’s, Rincon was strategically nestled within a valley to ward off impending danger from pirates and other threats.
Of course the tourguide will tell you more about this highlight while taking photo's

* Please know that we will visit either the Cadushy Distillery or the Chichitan Museum. We do this in consultation with the guests
In this traditional distillery, you can see how the world's only cactus liqueur is made right on the premises, and of course, we invite you to sample some for yourself!
* Please know that we will visit either the Cadushy Distillery or the Chichitan Museum. We do this in consultation with the guests

A beautiful house aproximately 200 years old has turned into a museum and has a beautiful collection of old music instruments, tools, old pottery. You can see how they have been living back then in the 1800s

THE SALT PYRAMIDS OF BONAIRE
(Translated to english Pekelmeer is 'Salt flats'.
One of the most notable features that greet arriving visitors, both by sea and by air, are a distinctive line of white salt pyramids at the southeastern end of the island. Each pyramid, roughly 50-feet high, contains approximately 10,000 metric tons of 99.6% pure salt. Depending on the time of the year, there can be upwards of 200,000 metric tons of salt neatly stacked in long rows awaiting shipment

On Bonaire many black slaves from Africa are employed in the salt pans (on the coral island are eighteen salt pans) and on the plantations. In 1863 slavery came to an end, in that year slavery was abolished in the Antilles

Willemstoren, also known as Lacre Punt, is a lighthouse on the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands. It was the first lighthouse built on this coral island. It is not accessible to the public.

We will have a quick stop here, in case you would like to stay here, we will advise you how to get back.