Kralendijk, Bonaire Cruise Port Guide Info
Nestled off the north coast of Venezuela, in the Leeward Antilles, in the southern Caribbean, Bonaire forms one of the three ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao). The island of Bonaire has the status of a special municipality within the Kingdom of Netherlands, and the capital city is Kralendijk, a gorgeous little city and a major cruise port of Bonaire.
The cruise terminal is located within 5-15 minutes walking distance from the main city’s historical landmarks. Bonaire cruise port doesn’t have a terminal building, so the meeting place for the shore excursions is normally on the pier. In front of the terminal area, you can find ATM and a tourist information office, where you can collect Bonaire maps and get all the necessary information. There is also a shopping mall consisting of a wide variety of souvenir shops, jewelry stores, boutiques, as well as a nice café-bar where you can get snacks and refreshments.
The tour buses (which are usually smaller than regular 50-seater buses) and taxi vehicles are located behind the shopping mall area, in the street.
Upon exiting the area, on your left side, you’ll spot many local vendors selling tours and water taxi tickets, that transfer the tourists to Klein Bonaire, a small uninhabited islet that is part of the protected area of the Bonaire National Marine Park, rated among top 10 diving and snorkeling sites in the world.
The water taxi ride lasts only 15 minutes, and upon reaching Klein Bonaire and the No Name beach you can enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear, deep azure waters of the national park. The islet doesn’t have any facilities, and there is no shade either, so make sure you bring all the necessities to ensure a pleasant stay on Klein Bonaire. There are also many shore excursions and catamaran/boat tours that you can take if you want to have a guided tour and fully enjoy the experience.
On the other hand, if you decide to stay in Kralendijk, there are a few beautiful spots you can visit. Just a 10-minute walk from your cruise terminal, there is the Fort Oranje, a small 17th-century Dutch fortress that served as a government seat, fire, and police station. There is a charming stone lighthouse right by, offering unique photos of the seaside and cruise port.
A stone’s throw from there, you’ll come across Bonaire arts and crafts market, where you’ll find many friendly locals selling hand-made jewelry, cosmetics, clothes, and souvenirs. It is a lovely place full of beautiful, authentic Bonaire souvenirs that you should check out.
If you are into history and want to learn about the history of the island, head over to the Bonaire Museum of Natural History and San Bernard Church, two beautiful historical landmarks housed in typically yellow and orange Dutch colonial buildings. Kralendijk is a colorful capital and exploring its picturesque houses and a lovely promenade overlooking the marina is a one-of-a-kind experience.
If you decide to explore further, there are many options available. Bonaire is an island with a wide range of natural treasures and attractions, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit salt flats, slave huts, Mangrove Nature Reserve, Washington Slagbaii National Park, and many others.
Last but not least, if you want to soak up the Caribbean sun, head over to Te Amo beach, one of the closest ones to the cruise port (around 3 km)
Divi beach resort (a 10-minute walk from the pier), or Sorobon beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Bonaire, located at a 15-minute driving distance from the terminal.
If you want to read more details about the Bonaire cruise port and the shore excursions, feel free to check out the article: Bonaire Cruise Port: 5 Best Bonaire Shore Excursions
