The north side of Bonaire is more hilly and offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure.
Start your journey by driving through Kaya Grandi, the main shopping street in Kralendijk. Follow the main road north, and you’ll eventually pass through Sabadeco, a neighborhood known for its large villas.
Soon, you’ll reach a scenic road running along the water. This stretch is home to some excellent dive and snorkel spots, though they’re a bit harder to access, often requiring a walk down to the shore. On your right, you’ll see stunning rock walls.
One of the highlights along this road is 1000 Steps, one of Bonaire’s most famous snorkeling spots. Despite the name, there are 76 steps leading down to the beach, where you’ll have a great chance of spotting sea turtles.
After 1000 Steps, the road turns into a one-way loop. If you continue, you’ll reach a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Goto Meer, a serene lake often frequented by flamingos. From there, you’ll drive into Rincon, the oldest village on Bonaire. This is a great place to try local food, including dishes made with goat or iguana.
While in Rincon, don’t miss the Cadushy Distillery, where you can tour the facility, taste locally made cactus liqueur, and even buy a bottle to take home.
As you leave Rincon, you’ll pass Mangazina di Rei, a historic site that once served as a storage facility for the Dutch West India Company. Today, it’s a cultural center where you can learn about Bonaire’s history and heritage.
Continuing on, you’ll pass through a landscape of cliffs, cacti, and the blokart area, where you can try land sailing—a fun activity where you race across the flat, windy terrain in a blokart.
Finally, you’ll see a sign for Seru Largu, a hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic views of Kralendijk and the surrounding area. It’s the perfect spot to take photos and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
From there, it’s a short drive back to town.