The Bonaire Highlights North and South tour began just after breakfast. On this tour we learned Bonaire is a scuba paradise because of the quiet, clear waters. Scuba diving is the #1 industry behind the general economy of Bonaire.
Our group was split from 64 people into two smaller groups prior to boarding. The first group of 50 boarded a large bus and our smaller group of 14 boarded an 18-passenger microbus.
Heading North from Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands
The tour opened with a drive and detailed history of the principal town of Kralendijk. The national bird of Bonaire is the Caribbean Flamingo.
From here we reached a Salt Lake separated from the ocean, where we saw several groups of flamingos.
We passed the water treatment plant and learned that the drinking water on Bonaire is healthy for consumption being filtered and treated by a costly reverse osmosis process.
Our tour continued as we headed further north on the Queens Highway. Our guide pointed out the landscape features we were seeing, including the Dyewood from the Brazil Wood Tree. This red pigment obtained from the Dyewood is used to dye textiles.
We also saw the Devil’s Mouth, an arch-shaped limestone formation near the 1000 steps, and an abandoned Limestone Kiln.
Goto Salt and Flamingo Lake
Our next area to drive by was Goto Salt and Flamingo Lake home to local Flamingo breading grounds. From here we reached a salt lake separated from the ocean.
Scores of Flamingos were just gamboling about as if we did not exist! It was a stunning scene to watch, and the photo opts were superb!
Northern No Man’s Land
1-hour sightseeing drive
This northern part of the island is arid and uninhabitable. We began to see vast volumes of cacti growing wild alongside the road and in the forest. On many properties, the landowners had made entire fencing structures using the cactus for both the posts and the fence.
Our tour guide explained that watermelon and eggplant are two leading crops produced here. This area also includes a sizable population of bats primarily responsible for devouring the mosquito, an essential component to the island’s eco-system.
Museo Chich’i Tan
30-minute visit
Kaya Milon 4, Rincón, Caribbean Netherlands, Rincón, Caribbean Netherlands, Rincón, Caribbean Netherlands
This was more of a restroom break than a museum, as the facility was a simple home sporting examples of appliances and furniture from the region. I don’t know how else to interpret this other than to express it was an odd experience.
Behind the house was a modest outdoor shop where you could sample the Cactus Liquor. I found it to have a mint taste and wanted to purchase a bottle but could not locate where to purchase it.
To the East
Just before midday we began the trip to the east side of the island. Here we traveled through the cactus desert before heading inland and back to Kralendijk.
Old Laborer Huts
15-minute visit
EEG Boulevard, Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands
Now turning south, we found ourselves at the abandoned laborer huts. Erected in the 1850s, these huts housed Africans sold into servitude. The sleeping quarters were modest and very cramped. The Africans worked the salt pans throughout the week and generally were known to walk to Rincon (5-hour, 30-minute walk) each weekend to be with their families.
After photographing the huts, ocean, and its coral beach, we took a quick journey down the road to the Cargill Salt Plant.
Cargill Salt Works
3-minute drive | 10-minute visit
Cargill Salt Works, EEG Boulevard, Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands
From here we looked upon the massive salt ponds, some a salmon color made so by tiny brine shrimp ingested into the waters, and tall white salt cones. After taking photographs we gathered a few salt nuggets laying around.
Flamingo International Airport, Bonaire
Leaving the area, we crossed by Flamingo International Airport and the upper crescent area established as Bel Air. Here is the beautiful Courtyard by Marriott sporting multi-colored dwellings. Our tour guide explained this was the sole major hotel chain on the island.
Just prior to the end of lunch we arrived back at the pier and our tour around Bonaire was complete.
Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands
2-hour visit
Prior to returning to the ship, we trekked through the central area of shops, making our way to Gio’s for some amazing Gelato. Afterward, we stopped at the Trocadero for refreshments, and to relax, taking in the wonderful seaside views.
Cruise Port: Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Tour Name: Bonaire Highlights North and South
Cruise Line/Ship: Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas
Tour Operator: Bonaire Destination Service
