Exploring the Bonaire Cruise Port: What You Need to Know

Tucked away in the southern Caribbean, Bonaire is often overlooked on cruise itineraries, which can make it difficult for cruisers to complete the “ABC” islands trio. Many routes include Aruba and Curaçao but skip over this quieter sister island.

That’s a shame, because Bonaire is an absolute gem offering some of the most amazing snorkeling I’ve ever experienced and a charming port town worth exploring. Part of the trio known as the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), Bonaire is a Dutch Caribbean island located just off the coast of Venezuela.

As a nerd who always wants to learn things, especially when traveling, I dug into the geography a bit and was shocked to learn that while Bonaire is generally assumed to be European, it’s only 50 miles from the Venezuelan coast.

Like its sister islands, Bonaire has strong ties to the Netherlands and shares an interesting interdependent relationship with Aruba and Curaçao in terms of governance, economy, and infrastructure. Though close to South America, Bonaire is officially part of the continent of South America and not North America, as I had always assumed.

Bonaire’s official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, a local Creole blend that fuses elements of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and African languages. English is widely spoken, particularly in the cruise port and tourist areas, so communication is rarely an issue.

About the Bonaire Cruise Port

The Bonaire cruise terminal is located in Kralendijk, the island’s capital. Ships dock directly at the pier (yay, no tendering!), which drops passengers off right in the heart of town, so there’s no need for a long walk or shuttle ride.

Immediately outside the terminal, you’ll find a small open-air market where local artisans sell handcrafted goods like jewelry, wooden carvings, and other souvenirs. It’s a great place to pick up something unique while supporting local creators.

And unlike many other cruise ports, namely the big ones, these goods actually appeared to be hand-crafted, not imported mass produced junk.  This port is small, but I found it charming, easy to navigate, and worth exploring.

Where to Eat and Drink Near the Bonaire Cruise Port

If you're heading out of the port and looking for a bite or a drink, you’ve got great options in both directions, within short walking distance.

Luciano’s

Luciano’s is one of my favorite spots on the island. Just hang a left once you’re off the pier, and it’s right there past the local market. It’s a charming café with a laid-back vibe, great food, and fantastic gelato. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat, it’s a lovely place to relax and people watch, and you even get views of the port.

My favorite part about Luciano’s is that all drinks come with a tiny little scoop of gelato on a tiny little cone. It was an unexpected treat with my latte, and gave me the perfect little ice cream fix.

Karel’s

Just steps away is Karel’s Beach Bar, which sits on a long pier extending out into the sea. It’s a massive beach bar with a palapa roof, so you can’t miss it. This is a great spot for casual food and drinks with unbeatable views of the harbor. It tends to be lively and fun, especially when multiple ships are in port.

Divi Flamingo Resort

If you turn right instead of left out of the cruise terminal, you’ll find another great option, although it’s a bit farther (about a 10 to 15-minute walk). The Divi Flamingo Resort is the only full-service resort within walking distance of the ship.

To get there, head right along the oceanfront road until you spot the Divi Casino building. The main entrance to the resort is not oceanfront, so continue around to 40 Julio A. Abraham Boulevard, which runs parallel to the water.

The resort sells day passes that grant access to its pool, beachfront, and other amenities, making it a convenient option if you want a beach day nearby without booking a tour or taking a taxi.

Beaches Near Bonaire Cruise Port

There aren’t any sandy beaches within walking distance of the Bonaire cruise pier, but there is a popular jumping spot right off the dock where adventurous cruisers can leap into the turquoise sea. It’s a quick way to cool off and get your ocean fix, but it’s definitely not a “beach day” experience.

If you're in the mood for a beach day, you'll need to grab a taxi. Luckily, taxis in Bonaire are reasonably priced. On my recent visit, the cost for three of us to get from the port to Bonaire Harbour Village, for example, was just $15 total.

Related Video: Beach Towel Tips for Cruisers

Best Beaches in Bonaire

While there aren’t any sandy beaches within walking distance of the cruise port, Bonaire is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the Caribbean.

Most require a short taxi ride, but the payoff is worth it, since these beaches offer great swimming, snorkeling, and in some cases, a more secluded and serene experience than you’ll find on busier islands.

Te Amo Beach

Located just south of the airport and about 10 minutes by taxi from the port, Te Amo Beach is a favorite among both locals and visitors. It’s a sandy beach with calm, clear waters and a reef close to shore, making it a great spot for snorkeling.

There’s usually a food truck parked nearby, and it's a solid choice if you're looking for a low-key beach day without venturing too far.

Bachelor’s Beach

Just a few minutes past Te Amo, Bachelor’s Beach is a small but scenic beach at the base of a cliff, accessed by a staircase. The water here is calm and ideal for snorkeling. It’s less crowded than other beaches and feels tucked away, but space is limited, so go early if you want a spot.

Donkey Beach

Despite the name, there are no donkeys here—it’s just a quirky local name for a relaxed beach area not far from the airport. Donkey Beach is a good option for swimming and snorkeling and has shaded areas for lounging.

Eden Beach

About five minutes north of the cruise port by taxi, Eden Beach offers a beach club vibe with lounge chairs, drinks, and restaurant service. The reef just offshore provides decent snorkeling, and this beach is a good pick if you want amenities without going too far from the ship.

Klein Bonaire

If you're visiting Bonaire on a cruise and want the ultimate beach experience, Klein Bonaire is the place to go. This is the beach in Bonaire and hands-down the most popular destination among cruisers looking for that perfect mix of white sand, turquoise water, and phenomenal snorkeling.

You’ll sometimes hear Klein Bonaire referred to as Little Bonaire. "Klein Bonaire" directly translates to "Little Bonaire" in Dutch, so they are the same island
On a recent visit, I booked a private boat charter (more on that below) and spent the better part of the day at Klein Bonaire.

I’ve snorkeled at a lot of Caribbean ports, and I can confidently say this was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The water was crystal clear, the marine life was incredibly diverse, and the sand was that powdery, pristine white you usually only see in travel brochures. It felt untouched and unbelievably peaceful.

Klein Bonaire is a small, completely uninhabited island just a half-mile off the coast of Kralendijk. It’s part of the protected Bonaire National Marine Park, and because it’s undeveloped, there are no facilities.

And I’m not talking about a lack of beach bars. There are no restrooms, no food or drink vendors, no beach chairs, no shade structures, nothing.

You’ll need to bring everything you plan to use: water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and maybe even a hat or umbrella for shade, along with you. But that’s also part of the magic. It’s raw, quiet, and natural.

How to Get to Klein Bonaire

Water Taxi

Water taxis run regularly from Kralendijk to Klein Bonaire, and they’re the most common way cruisers get there. The two main operators are Kantika di Amor and Caribe Watersport.

• Departures: Taxis typically leave from the waterfront near Karel’s Beach Bar or Eden Beach Resort.
• Schedule: Boats generally run every hour starting around 10:00 AM, with return trips every hour or so in the afternoon, typically with the last return between 3:00 and 4:00 PM (though this can vary, so always double-check day-of).
• Cost: The round-trip fare is usually around $25–30 per person, and kids may be discounted.
• Arrival: It’s important to note that the boat drops you offshore in shallow water, so you’ll need to hop out and wade to shore—something to keep in mind if you're traveling with young kids or have mobility concerns. Wear water shoes if you're unsure about footing, although this area is pleasantly soft and not rocky.

Many of the cruise lines also offer formal excursions to Klein Bonaire, so if you prefer going that route, as there are advantages to booking cruise line excursions, it will generally be available as an option.

Private Boat Charter in Bonaire

If you’re looking for a more flexible or private option, a boat charter is a great way to reach Klein Bonaire. This is what I did, and I detail my experience below.

Whether you go by water taxi or private boat, though, Klein Bonaire is an absolute must if you want to experience the very best of what this island has to offer. Just remember—it’s wild and undeveloped, so pack accordingly and leave no trace behind.

Booking the Best Bonaire Private Charter

If you want to experience Bonaire’s true beauty, a private boat charter is the way to go. The island is known for its pristine marine park and is a world-class destination for snorkeling and diving.

On a recent visit to Bonaire, I booked a charter with Captain Jack’s, and it was one of the best decisions we made. This is is a small family business, and we spent the day with Hans and Rens, a father-son duo who moved from the mainland Netherlands to Bonaire to live the island life. Their hospitality was unmatched; they provided us free drinks and fresh watermelon, which was an unexpected treat.

We had the most magical day, even with some brief rain showers. We cruised along the coast, stopping by to snorkel at Klein Bonaire, and spotted a variety of sea life. I love snorkeling, and try to do it at all Caribbean cruise port destinations, and I have to say that Bonaire lives up to the hype.

It’s probably the most amazing snorkeling experience I’ve ever had. I’ve always known it’s a world-class destination for SCUBA divers, but it’s exceptional for snorkeling, as well. If you want more info on booking with them, or check pricing, you can do that here.

Booking a private charter can be especially worthwhile if you’re traveling with a group. Even with three of us, the cost was less than we would have paid for even the cheapest cruise excursion. We got the whole boat to ourselves and got to call the shots about where we wanted to go and how long we wanted to spend at each spot.

Related: Get pricing, check dates and book a private charter with Captain Jack’s here.

Language and Currency in Bonaire

While Dutch is the official language and Papiamento is widely spoken, most people in Bonaire also speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Bonaire uses the US dollar, so you don’t have to worry about exchanging currency. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants, but it’s always smart to carry a bit of cash for taxis or smaller vendors at the market.

Top Attractions in Bonaire

Beyond the port area, there’s plenty to explore on this small but stunning island.
1000 Steps: A scenic limestone staircase leading down to a quiet beach, ideal for snorkeling. On a recent visit where I booked a private boat charter, they steered us to the shore near this attraction, so I was able to experience it from sea.

• Salt Flats: Located on the southern end of the island, the pink-hued salt ponds and flamingo sightings make this a unique stop.
• Donkey Sanctuary: A quirky local favorite where you can feed and interact with rescued donkeys.
• Washington Slagbaai National Park: A large natural preserve with hiking trails, blowholes, beaches, and stunning landscapes. This is a huge reserve, though, and is located on the northern end of the island. This means that it’s about a 45-minute to one-hour drive from the cruise port, so if you plan to visit this one it will likely take up an entire port day.
  
  

Cruise Ship Schedule for Bonaire

Many cruise itineraries skip Bonaire entirely, focusing on Aruba and Curaçao. As a result, the port doesn’t get as crowded as some others in the region, making for a calmer, more enjoyable experience.

Check websites like CruiseMapper or What’s in Port to see how many ships are scheduled for your day in port. It’s helpful for planning whether to stay in town or venture further afield.

Climate and What to Wear

Bonaire enjoys warm, dry weather year-round. Daily highs hover in the mid-80s, and constant trade winds help keep it comfortable. Since it’s located outside the hurricane belt, it’s a reliable destination even during the peak storm season.

Plan to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and bring plenty of sun protection. Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses will serve you well, especially if you plan to be out on the water. Water shoes are also a good idea if you're snorkeling or swimming off rocky beaches.

Related: Shop my favorite cruise clothes and essentials

Time Zone in Bonaire

Bonaire operates on Atlantic Standard Time (UTC -4) and does not observe daylight saving time. Depending on your cruise ship’s home port and current ship time, there may be an hour’s difference. Always double-check the ship’s time before setting out on your own to make sure you’re back well before all aboard.

Final Thoughts

Bonaire may be the quietest of the ABC Islands, but it’s well worth your time, especially if you love exploring underwater. Whether you’re sipping coffee at Luciano’s, jumping into the clear waters off the pier, or setting sail with Captain Jack, this little island offers big rewards for cruisers willing to venture off the beaten path.