Explore the Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Bonaire

Seru Largu is one of the best spots on Bonaire to get a panoramic view of the island. Families can drive up to the viewpoint, where they’ll see Kralendijk, the salt flats, and even Klein Bonaire in the distance. It’s a great place for family photos and a quick break from the beach. The best time to visit is during sunset when the sky is painted in beautiful colors.

Bonaire is one of the few places in the world where you can see flamingos in the wild. At Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, kids will be amazed by the sight of hundreds of bright pink flamingos wading through the salt flats. Since this is a protected area, visitors can only observe them from a distance, but the view is still spectacular. Bring binoculars for a closer look and turn it into a fun bird-watching adventure.

Lac Bay is a calm and shallow lagoon, making it an excellent snorkeling spot for kids. The warm, clear waters are home to gentle marine life like starfish, seagrass beds, and small tropical fish. Since the bay is well protected, it’s an ideal place for young snorkelers to gain confidence in the water. Parents can rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the peaceful mangrove forests nearby, adding an extra layer of adventure to the experience.

Bonaire’s iconic salt flats are a fascinating sight for kids. These large, pink-hued pools are used to produce sea salt, and massive white salt pyramids can be seen in the distance. Parents can turn the visit into an educational experience by explaining how salt is harvested. Sometimes, flamingos can be seen feeding near the salt flats, adding to the excitement.

This vast nature reserve is perfect for families who love outdoor adventures. Kids can spot wild flamingos, iguanas, and parrots while driving through the park. There are plenty of stops for short hikes, swimming, and snorkeling. Some beaches, like Wayaka, have shallow waters where kids can safely splash and discover small fish. The diverse landscape, including cacti forests and rugged cliffs, makes it an exciting experience for little explorers. Be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen for the trip.

Bonaire’s calm waters make it a great place for a family-friendly fishing excursion. Many local charters offer trips where kids can try their hand at catching small reef fish. The captains provide all the necessary gear and teach beginners how to bait their hooks and reel in fish. It’s a peaceful way to spend the morning or afternoon on the water.

Located in Kralendijk, the Terramar Museum is a great indoor activity for families looking to escape the heat. This small but engaging museum takes visitors through Bonaire’s history, from ancient Indigenous artifacts to colonial times. Kids will enjoy the interactive displays and colorful exhibits that bring the island’s past to life. It’s a great educational stop before heading out to explore the town.

Despite its name, 1000 Steps Beach only has about 70 steps down to the shore, making it a doable adventure for families. This beautiful beach has crystal-clear water and a reef close to shore, making it an excellent snorkeling spot. Kids can see colorful fish swimming around the coral, and if they’re lucky, they might even spot a sea turtle. Since the beach is made of coral fragments, water shoes are recommended.

A visit to the Donkey Sanctuary is a must for families. This sanctuary provides a safe home for hundreds of rescued donkeys, and kids can feed them carrots, take photos, and even drive through the park to see them up close. The friendly donkeys often stick their heads into the car windows looking for treats, making it an exciting and interactive experience. The sanctuary also has an educational center where children can learn about conservation efforts for these gentle animals.

This wildlife conservation center is dedicated to protecting the endangered yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot. Families can take guided tours to learn about the parrots and see them up close. Kids will love hearing the birds squawk and seeing them fly freely in the reserve. The sanctuary also provides information on how to help protect these beautiful creatures, making it an educational and meaningful experience.

Klein Bonaire, a small, uninhabited island just off the coast of Bonaire, is a paradise for families looking for a quiet beach day. A short water taxi ride takes you to No Name Beach, where kids can play in the soft sand, snorkel in shallow waters, and explore the untouched natural beauty. Since there are no facilities on the island, families should bring food, water, and plenty of sunscreen.

After a day of exploring, a stop at a local ice cream shop in Kralendijk is a must. Gelato Dal Cuore and Gio’s Gelateria are popular spots serving delicious tropical flavors like passion fruit, coconut, and tamarind. Letting kids choose their own unique flavor is a sweet way to end an adventure-filled day.

Families can take a guided eco-tour through Bonaire’s protected mangrove forests in a glass-bottom kayak. These tours allow kids to see jellyfish, fish, and even baby sea turtles beneath the water without needing to snorkel. The guides explain how mangroves serve as a nursery for marine life, making it both an educational and fun experience. Paddling through the winding waterways feels like an adventure straight out of a storybook.

Families looking for a unique way to explore Bonaire can take a guided horseback ride through the island’s scenic landscapes. Horse Ranch Bonaire offers family-friendly tours that take riders along dirt trails and even into the ocean, where the horses can swim with their riders. The experience is safe for kids, as the guides ensure that everyone is comfortable before setting out on the ride. It’s a fun and different way to see Bonaire’s natural beauty.

Bachelor’s Beach is a small, family-friendly beach with calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Kids can jump off the low limestone ledge into the water or wade in from the shallower areas. Since the beach is less crowded than other spots, it’s a peaceful place for families to relax and enjoy the Caribbean sunshine. Bring some snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities nearby.

Te Amo Beach is a great place for a family-friendly beach scavenger hunt. Kids can search for unique seashells, small hermit crabs, and even tiny pieces of coral that wash ashore. Parents can make a fun checklist for kids to find different colored shells, sea glass, or driftwood. The calm waters also make this a safe spot for young swimmers.

Adventure-seeking families will love exploring Bonaire’s hidden caves. Local guides take small groups through the island’s limestone caves, where kids can see ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and even small pools of water. Some caves are home to harmless bats, adding a sense of mystery to the experience. This activity is ideal for older kids who enjoy learning about geology and history while exploring underground passages.

If your kids aren’t ready for snorkeling but still want to see the marine life, a glass-bottom boat tour is the perfect option. These boats have large glass panels that allow families to look directly into the clear waters, spotting fish, coral reefs, and even sea turtles. The guides share fun facts about the ocean, making it an educational and entertaining experience.

A visit to Rincon, the island’s oldest town, offers a glimpse into Bonaire’s history and culture. Families can explore the small streets, visit local markets, and try traditional Bonairean snacks. Kids will love the sweet coconut treats and freshly made pastechi (savory pastries). The town is also home to Mangazina di Rei, a cultural center where kids can learn about Bonaire’s history through interactive exhibits.

A sunset sailing cruise is a relaxing way for families to enjoy Bonaire from the water. Many boat tours offer snacks, drinks, and fun storytelling from the crew, making it a laid-back experience for all ages. Watching the sun dip below the horizon while sailing across the Caribbean is a magical moment for kids and parents alike. Some tours even allow for a quick swim stop before the sun sets.