Hike around Bonaire

Hiking Around Bonaire

Once a year, an extraordinary journey unfolds on the sun-kissed shores of Bonaire, a Dutch Caribbean island renowned for its vibrant marine life and pristine landscapes. This is not your average holiday escape but a thrilling three-day hike around the island, an adventure blending endurance, nature, and camaraderie. This tale is about me and my group of friends who annually embrace the challenge of hiking approximately 115 km around Bonaire, closely following the island’s mesmerizing shoreline. Our expedition is a testament to our love for the island, adventure, and the sheer joy of discovery.

The Journey Begins at Te Amo Beach

Our adventure kicks off at the crack of dawn from Te Amo Beach, a place where the turquoise sea meets white sands, offering a tranquil haven for both locals and visitors. It’s not just a starting point; it’s a promise of the breathtaking views and the spirit of Bonaire that accompanies us throughout our hike.

Day 1: Salt Flats and Historic Lighthouses

The first day sees us covering an ambitious 50 km, starting south towards the island’s salt flats. These flats are not only a marvel of natural beauty but also a significant part of Bonaire’s history, reflecting a time when salt was gold. As we round the southern tip near the Willemstoren Lighthouse, a sentinel standing guard since the 19th century, the sun casts its early rays, and the lighthouse seems to nod a silent ‘good luck’ to us.

Our path then veers along the rugged east coast, passing the serene Lac Bay, the challenging terrains near the golf course, and the mysterious Boka Lagun. Our day ends at Plantation Bolivia, next to the captivating Spelonk Caves, where we pitch our tents. The caves are a sight to behold, a hidden world of stalactites and history, providing a perfect backdrop for our night under the stars.

Day 2: Through the Heart of Bonaire

The second day introduces us to the east coast’s raw beauty, with the early hours bringing us past Arawak and Landsailing and towards the imposing windmills of Morotin. Our trail then leads us to the gates of Washington Slagbaai National Park, a sanctuary of Bonaire’s most unspoiled landscapes. Inside, we tread along the long route, passing by the Seru Bentana lighthouse, and conclude our 35 km journey at Slagbaai, where we camp for the night, surrounded by nature’s silence.

Day 3: A Toast to the Adventure

Our final day, a 31 km trek, begins with leaving the national park via Playa Frans, circling Bopec, and traversing the scenic tourist road, Queens Highway. As we pass renowned dive sites like Karpata, Tolo, and 1000 Steps, the island reveals its underwater jewels. But it’s the unique Bonaire tradition that marks the end of our journey – as we enter Kralendijk, we stop at every ‘snack’ for a well-deserved cold beer, a toast to our adventure, our friendship, and the island that has given us so much.

The Circle Completes at Te Amo Beach

Finally, we return to where we started, Te Amo Beach, bringing our journey full circle. Tired but exhilarated, we share stories over cold beers, our feet etched with the trails of Bonaire. This annual hike is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a pilgrimage of sorts, a way to connect with the island’s spirit, and a tradition that keeps us going year after year.

As we pack up and promise to return, Bonaire remains etched in our hearts – a reminder of the beauty that awaits when we choose to step off the beaten path and embrace the adventure.

Luite Berkenbosch- owner of 123 Car Rental – hiked around Bonaire 4 times and holder of the record time together with Floris Josten. Together they hiked around bonaire within 36.5 hours in 2023.