Virgin Voyages' guide to Kralendijk, Bonaire
Bright colors, laid-back vibes and bathed in endless sunshine, Kralendijk, Bonaire’s coral reef-ladened capital nestled into the crystalline Southern Caribbean waters is an idyllic place for divers, dreamers & everyone in between.
Paradisiacal Relief & Coral Reef
The capital of the beautiful Southern Caribbean island of Bonaire is Kralendijk, a kaleidoscope of candy-colored Dutch facades, tranquil turquoise waters, laid-back island vibes and incredible outdoor adventures. Often referred to simply as “Playa”, due to its sprawling white sand beaches seemingly at every turn here.
Nearby you’ll spot Klein Bonaire, a tiny, uninhabited islet that’s only a short water taxi ride away. Surrounded by a protected marine park, here you’ll find nearly untouched white sand and crystalline waters ideal for spotting neon fish and underwater gardens.
After a day kayaking through mangrove forests, exploring the pink-shimmering salt flats, following flapping flamingoes and taking in the sights from the comfort of a glass bottom boat, you’ll have the perfect appetite to try lionfish tacos (a local delicacy that doubles as reef conservation) and sip on a rum punch as you watch the sun settle.
Shore Excursions
Bonaire’s Best
Colorful corals, flapping flamingoes & stunning settings.
Bonaire Highlights: Flamingoes, Rincon & History
Explore all the best sights, sounds and tastes Bonaire has to offer on this driving tour through Kralendijk. Take in the coastal views with Klein Bonaire in the distance, the pink flamingos of Goto Lake, learn the history of the Rincon Valley, taste locally-sourced Cactus Liqueur and ascend Seru Largu for panoramic views of Kralendijk. Finally, you’ll learn about the process of salt production, its sordid historical roots dating back to slavery and the related architecture that still stands.
Bonaire Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Appreciate the wide variety of marine life that call the eco-friendly Bonaire National Marine Park and its adjacent waters home. From parrot fish painting the waters with their vibrant colors and sea turtles gliding gracefully to brightly colored coral reefs that look like they were made for an art gallery, there’s no telling the amount of things you’ll see from the comfort of your glass bottom tour. Plus, with this 1.5 hour tour you’ll still have plenty of time to explore more of Bonaire.
Sustainable Catamaran & Snorkeling Safari
Explore Bonaire's marine biodiversity on an eco-friendly catamaran tour to two top snorkeling spots in Bonaire National Marine Park. Board the zero-emission vessel, receive a safety briefing, and enjoy a 30-minute cruise to the first site before snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs and marine life for 45 minutes. Then, head to the second location for more snorkeling or relaxation. Conclude with a smooth sail back, enjoying a rum punch, beer, or wine with a snack platter.
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
We have even more in our curated catalog.
There’s a reason the coral reefs here are unlike anywhere else in the world
100% of Bonaire’s surrounding coastline is a protected marine park.
Whether you’ve spent the day fin-deep in Bonaire’s world-renowned scuba diving sites, tracing flamingos across the pink salt flats or simply soaking up the sun while curing your soul with a condensating glass of rum punch, Kralendijk is certain to become one of your favorite Caribbean destinations. From the pastel-storefront-lined streets, quiet hum of music that’s always lingering and an eco-conscious lifestyle that makes everything a little brighter, Bonaire is the perfect reminder of how absolutely breathtaking mother nature – and warm locals, can be.
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