The colorful architecture of Kralendijk—the capital and main port of the Dutch Caribbean island Bonaire—greets you with a bright and cheery disposition. Even though it only comprises a few blocks, there are still plenty of things to do here. Stroll along the main street of Kaya Grandi; tour the Bonaire Museum to learn about the island's history; and visit historic sites such as Fort Orange. Although it’s the least known of the “ABC” islands, Bonaire and its capital attract plenty of cruise ship passengers and scuba divers.
Bonaire’s peak season runs from November through April, so expect the biggest crowds during this time, when lots of cruise ship passengers arrive in Kralendijk. You can scuba dive any time of the year here, so if you’re hoping for lower hotel rates and fewer tourists, consider visiting from May through October. Bonaire is situated outside the hurricane belt, so tropical storms are never a big threat.
It’s easy to explore the historical sites of Kralendijk on foot. You will need to rent a car, grab a taxi, or book a tour to see the rest of Bonaire though. Some Caribbean cruise itineraries dock for a day in Kralendijk and may offer shore excursions. Taxis are available from the Bonaire International Airport (BON), which is less than 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Kralendijk. There is currently no ferry service between Bonaire, Curaçao and Aruba.
Between January and July, you’ll be able to spot thousands of Caribbean flamingos during their breeding season in Bonaire. Book a ride from Kralendijk via a glass-bottom boat or water taxi to Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island home to turtle nesting grounds, eagle rays, turtles, and angelfish. All visitors to Bonaire must pay a tourist entry tax, which helps support education, infrastructure, tourism development, and sustainability initiatives on the island.
