KRALENDIJK, BONAIRE Cruises

KRALENDIJK, BONAIRE Cruise Port

Kralendijk is the capital city and major port of Bonaire Island, one of the Leeward Islands located in the Caribbean Sea. The island is owned by the Netherlands, and while the main language in the capital is the creole language of Papiamentu, English and Dutch are also widely used just like in the motherland. While the area is the typical island paradise one might expect from the Caribbean, with the ground mostly covered with scrub and cacti, tourists come for the unique bird watching and scuba diving opportunities. The lack of vegetation is also good for the beautiful beaches in the capital. Beautiful pastel stucco houses line the Kralendijk limits and look out onto the appealing pink sands and clear surf. There is a marine park for divers, as well as numerous dive shops to procure equipment. There is a small casino and a number of trails and paths to hike, jog, run or bike.

• The Bonaire Marine Park offers more than 70 dive sites off of boat moorings, as well as countless others that can be reached directly from shore.
   
• Klein Bonaire, while yet another dive site, is also a popular beach and picnic area offering incredible views. The many surrounding reefs are a delight to behold.
   
• Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire was established in 1993 by a husband and wife team looking to save the Caribbean islands’ wounded or abandoned donkeys. Now housing more than 400 donkeys, it has become a popular tourist destination.
   
• On the eastern shores of the island, Lac Bay is a great beachside spot to see flamingos in the distance. Visitors also enjoy sunbathing, swimming, kitesurfing and many other water activities.