5 Ways to Have Fun on Bonaire for Non-Divers

Bonaire is a diver’s paradise and that’s just the plain truth. With hundreds of dive sites, including dozens right off the shore, Bonaire should be at the top of every diver’s bucket list.

But what if you’re not a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus enthusiast? Is there anything to do on or around Bonaire that doesn’t require tanks?

You bet there’s a lot to do! Bonaire’s drier activities are just as much fun, and I daresay, even more thrilling than some of the dive sites.

Wondering where to stay on Bonaire? Check out: Sorobon Beach Resort, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort, Buddy Dive, Harbour Village

Here are my 5 picks for exploring Bonaire either as a non-diver, or perhaps one who just needs to dry out.

1. Take a Twizy car tour around the island with Road Runner Bonaire.

Hop in an electric Twizy, the smallest lil car you’ve ever seen, grab a few friends and buckle up! Despite looking like clown cars, these little rockets are not just wimpy golf carts – there’s a surprising amount of get-up-and-go.

If you happen to be following Road Runner’s German owner Hans, you’ll be Autobahning around some wild & hairy turns once you get out of capital Kralendijk.

Zip around the sparsely populated northern part of the island including kadushy cactus-covered desert and parts of Washington Slagbaai National Park. Keep your eyes open for flamingoes & don’t forget to stop for pictures.

2. Unwind with a yoga class at Sorobon Beach Resort.

We ended up at Sorobon Beach Resort one morning when our trip with East Coast Diving was cancelled due to high seas, and it was such a welcome respite from an active week of diving.

Sorobon shouts “zen” without shouting anything at all. Its muted colors, sea breezes and gentle whispers make it the perfect place on Bonaire for beach yoga.

Spend a morning chilling out here before moving to Jibe City next door for a bright Caribbean bar scene & windsurfing lessons.

3. Eat the freshest fish at Kite City food truck.

Whether you’re starving from a full day of diving or just exploring the topside of the island, Bonaire’s cuisine scene is exploding, so you’ll never have to go far for a delicious meal.

One of my favorite spots was the Kite City food truck on Te Amo Beach, where you can order a magnificent tray of fresh tuna, wahoo and mahi mahi, pull up a couple of beanbag chairs and veg out. Doesn’t that sound like heaven?!

4. Explore land caves with Flow Bonaire.

This one may be just a bit wetter than some of the other dry land adventures, but technically since you’re still on land, I think cave exploring is a fit for my Top 5 list.

Adventure guide Leo will not only show you some of Bonaire’s coolest caves – both wet and dry – but he’ll share more than you ever thought there was to know about the island’s ecology and history. Check out my story about what it was like to snorkel in a pitch black underground cave here.

Flow Bonaire offers a variety of activities aside from cave explorations, including biking, hiking, kayaking and kitesurfing, so adventurous folks, get in touch with Leo and get on his calendar early.

5. Laze away an afternoon at the Cadushy Distillery.

The colorful town of Rincon was probably my favorite spot on Bonaire, but I can’t say for sure because we zipped through so quickly in our Twizy car tour. We did stop for a taste of the island at the Cadushy Distillery, though, hallelujah.

Cadushy is a bright green liqueur made from the plentiful kadushy cactus, and my, my, my, is it ever refreshing when you’re racing through the desert with your gal pals and a speed-demon of a guide.

You can find cocktails made with this one-of-a-kind drink all over the island, but it’s worth a visit to the mothership to buy your own souvenir bottle (and taste the other signature liqueurs they’ve invented).

See what I mean? Bonaire didn’t disappoint, above or below the sea! 

Have you ever been to the B of the ABC Islands? Tell me your favorite activity – wet or dry – in the comments!

Thanks to Bonaire Tourism for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own.