Bonaire Cruises

Explore the Gem of the Caribbean: Bonaire

**Bonaire** is a hidden treasure in the Caribbean, boasting vibrant coral reefs, stunning beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere that beckons cruisers from around the world. Visiting Bonaire on a cruise is an exciting way to experience its unique charm while enjoying convenient access to its beautiful landscapes and attractions. Highlights include world-class snorkelling and diving spots, pristine national parks, and a rich cultural heritage. Fun fact: Bonaire is renowned as a diver’s paradise due to its coral reefs, which are part of a protected marine park that spans almost the entire coastline! With its friendly locals and captivating scenery, Bonaire offers a delightful escape from the ordinary.

Top Harbours to Visit in Bonaire

Bonaire is primarily accessed through its capital, **Kralendijk**, which is the main harbour for cruise ships. Here’s what you can do while visiting this charming island:

• Kralendijk: It’s more than just the capital; Kralendijk is full of charm and character, with colourful buildings, unique shops, and local restaurants. While in port, explore the **Bonaire National Marine Park**, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Make sure to stroll along the waterfront promenade and grab a refreshing local drink from a beachside bar. Insider tip: Don’t miss the chance to try the local fish preparations at one of the waterfront restaurants!
• Washington Slagbaai National Park: If you’re up for an adventure, take a tour to explore this stunning natural reserve. The park offers hiking trails and breathtaking coastal views. Look out for the variety of wildlife and impressive geological formations among the landscapes. Pro tip: Bring your camera to capture images of the magnificent flora and fauna while hiking along the trails!
• Salt Flats: Venture out to the southern part of the island to visit the expansive salt flats, where you can find the iconic pink salt mountains. These colourful mounds are created during the salt extraction process and lend remarkable beauty to the landscape. If you’re lucky, you may spot flamingos that frequent the area! Insider tip: A visit at sunset provides the best photographs with vibrant backdrops.
• Divi-Divi Trees: The legendary windswept divi-divi trees are a symbol of Bonaire and provide fantastic photo opportunities. This area is perfect for enjoying leisurely strolls, soaking in the sun, and witnessing the gentle waves crashing against the shore. If you’re a nature enthusiast, don’t forget your binoculars to catch glimpses of various birds in the area!
• Beach Activities: With pristine beaches like **1000 Steps** and **Sorobon Beach**, there are plenty of options to relax under the sun or engage in water sports. Here, you can try windsurfing or paddleboarding if you’re feeling adventurous. Insider advice: Rent snorkelling gear to explore vibrant underwater life just off the beach, an unforgettable experience for nature lovers!

Best Times to Cruise to Bonaire

The Caribbean enjoys pleasant weather year-round, but for the best experience, consider cruising to **Bonaire** between **December to April** when temperatures average around **26°C to 30°C**. This period is ideal, as it coincides with the dry season, promising sunny days and mild humidity. Traveling during the **low season, May to November**, may see temperature fluctuations between **24°C and 31°C**, but be mindful of potential rain and storms.

Cost of Cruising in Bonaire

When it comes to budgeting for your trip, cruises to **Bonaire** generally range from **$1,000 to $2,500** for a 1-week standard itinerary and around **$2,000 to $5,000** for luxury cruises. Expect to pay higher costs during the peak tourist season (December to April), while travelling in the off-season can yield significant savings. Dining costs on the island range from **$15 to $50** per meal, depending on whether you’re dining at a casual café or a more upscale restaurant that offers local specialities!

Major Cruise Lines Offering Itineraries to Bonaire

• Holland America Line: With a fleet of **11 ships**, **five** of which offer itineraries to **Bonaire**, **Rotterdam** and **Eurodam** are the top picks. Departing mainly from **Fort Lauderdale** or **Miami**, Holland America Line is known for its exceptional onboard experiences and entertainment, perfect for cultured travellers looking to explore while relaxing in style.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises: Featuring **29 ships**, **six** of those navigate to **Bonaire**, including the **Serenade of the Seas** and **Brilliance of the Seas**. Frequent departures occur from **San Juan** or **Cartagena**. Royal Caribbean’s ships are renowned for their entertainment facilities and family-friendly activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone aboard.
• Princess Cruises: With **17 ships**, **11** are configured to visit **Bonaire**, notably the **Majestic Princess** and **Grand Princess**. This cruise line departs often from **Fort Lauderdale** or **San Juan**, aiming for exceptional onboard service and unique regional excursions that immerse you in local culture.
• Celebrity Cruises: Comprising **16 ships**, **five** offer itineraries to **Bonaire** with **Celebrity Beyond** and **Celebrity Eclipse** leading the charge. Departures typically occur from **Fort Lauderdale** or **Boston**. With sophisticated dining options and a focus on relaxation, Celebrity Cruises is ideal for cruisers who relish luxury experiences.
• Carnival Cruise Line: With a fleet of **26 ships** and **five** that head to **Bonaire**, **Carnival Vista** and **Carnival Magic** frequently set sail from **Miami** or **Port Canaveral**. Carnival Cruise Line offers a fun and casual atmosphere with diverse onboard entertainment, making it perfect for families and groups looking for a lively experience.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Oceania Cruises: This cruise line boasts a fleet of **eight ships**, four of which visit **Bonaire**, including **Sirena** and **Insignia**. They typically depart from **Miami** or **New York**. Oceania is celebrated for its culinary excellence, featuring gourmet dining and enriching shore excursions that offer an immersive experience into each destination’s local culture.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: With a fleet of **six ships**, four visit **Bonaire**, including **Seven Seas Grandeur** and **Seven Seas Mariner**. Departing frequently from **Miami** or **New York**, Regent is known for all-inclusive luxury experiences, impeccable service, and destination-focused itineraries with thoughtfully curated excursions.
• Seabourn: Offering a fleet of **six ships**, only one operates itineraries to **Bonaire**, the **Seabourn Ovation**. Departing from ports like **Bridgetown** or **San Juan**, Seabourn delivers upscale experiences with custom itineraries and a high crew-to-passenger ratio, ensuring detailed and personalised service throughout your journey.
• Silversea: This luxury cruise line features **13 ships**, with **three** sailing to **Bonaire**. The **Silver Shadow** and **Silver Moon** frequently operate from **Bridgetown** or **Cartagena**. Silversea is known for its bespoke luxuries, including all-inclusive offerings that provide an immersive experience onboard and ashore.
• Explora Journeys: With a fleet of **two ships**, both offer itineraries to **Bonaire**: the **EXPLORA I** and **EXPLORA II**. Departing often from **San Juan** or **Bridgetown**, this cruise line combines elegant, modern design with a focus on sustainability, ensuring responsible travel without compromising luxury.

Explore Alternative Regions

If **Bonaire** has piqued your interest, here are five alternative regions to consider for your next cruise:

• Caribbean: With its stunning beaches and vibrant cultures, the Caribbean offers a variety of islands to explore, each with unique local flavours and experiences.
• Southern Caribbean: This region features blissful beaches, diverse marine life, and charming port towns, perfect for cruising in search of sun and relaxation.
• Eastern Caribbean: Known for its beautiful landscapes and lively cultural scenes, the Eastern Caribbean boasts stunning scenery and plenty of activities for adventurers.
• Netherlands Antilles: Including islands like Curaçao and Aruba, experience colourful architecture, rich cultures, and beaches—an excellent alternative to Bonaire.
• Central America: Offering rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Central America is perfect for those who enjoy eco-tourism intertwined with cultural excitement.

Ready to explore Bonaire’s incredible landscapes and welcoming culture? Experience all it has to offer on a cruise holiday with **CruiseAway**! Your unforgettable Caribbean adventure awaits!