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The beaches are as stunning as numerous, highlights like Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights shouldn't be missed. By contrast, major cruise lines - Carnival, Celebrity, Holland & America, P & O, Princess, and RCI - have many itineraries visiting Bonaire between the months of October and as late as May. NCL (with the Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, and Norwegian Jade) also calls a few times and so does Oceania (Insignia and Riviera). For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Bonaire (Kralendijk) cruise port visit the website of the U.S.
Stoked Foodtruck
For dinner, Mona Lisa is right in the centre of town and offers up some of the freshest Dutch-Caribbean dishes you could ever hope for. This family-run restaurant is considered an absolute institution in Bonaire, and have been popular for the twenty-five years they’ve been open. Bonaire is home to some fascinating historical and cultural sites you don’t want to miss. The island is relatively small, yet offers a variety of transportation if you wish to travel around the entire island or seek a specific destination. During the month of February, Bonaire comes alive with the vibrant colors and rhythms of the Carnival.
Shops and shopping in Kralendijk
You will also find that most locals working in stores, restaurants, and tourist information kiosks fluently understand English. The same can be said for those hired to act as tour guides and excursion operators. While most experienced cruise travelers will already know about Aruba and Curacao, relatively few know much about Bonaire. However, that does not mean it cannot be as beautiful and memorable to visit as the more well-known constituent parts of the ABC Islands. Are you considering booking a cruise that stops at the Bonaire Cruise Port? St. Kitts Island and its port - Port Zante (as it is officially named) - has become in the last years one of the most loved cruise port destinations in the Eastern Caribbean.
What currency will you need if you visit Bonaire?
Visitors are urged to follow these rules and regulations, such as staying on designated trails and not disturbing the wildlife or vegetation. Within walking distance of the cruise terminal, you can explore Kaya Grandi, Fort Oranje, and more. As you walk the streets, you can purchase eye-catching, hand-made souvenirs and hear the unique sounds of local street musicians. If experiencing different cultures is your thing, make time to visit the Bonaire Museum, which is also located in Kralendijk.
Bonaire tours, cruise and shore excursions

Indulge in the local cuisine and savor dishes like keshi yena (stuffed cheese), kabritu stoba (goat stew), and the infamous Bonairean cactus liquor, Cadushy. Exploring local markets is also a great way to discover fresh produce and sample regional delights. While these taxis do not employ meters, government-regulated rates ensure fair pricing. Typically, a taxi ride costs approximately $25 per person for a two-hour excursion, never exceeding $25 for a one-way trip to any corner of the island. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.
The island is part of the ABC islands, along with Aruba and Curaçao, and is often referred to as the “Diver’s Paradise”. Bonaire is renowned for its commitment to conservation, with the entire coastline designated as a marine park and a national park covering a large portion of the island. In this comprehensive cruise port guide, we will take you on a virtual journey through Bonaire, providing you with valuable information on the island’s top attractions, activities, and shore excursions. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, embark on an adventure-filled day, or simply immerse yourself in the local culture, Bonaire has it all. Cruise ships dock at the Barbados deepwater harbour just one mile north of Bridgetown.
It will be difficult to find a cruise passenger that has been in Key West whom will not have anything but words of praise for this Port of Call. Until a few years ago there were two different operators in two different spots. But for the last couple of years only one is operational - north of the Northern Pier, no more than 500 feet (150 meters), next to the famous Karels Beach Bar.
If your feet are eager to stay on land after cruising around the ocean, why not go for a hike? Head to the northern part of the island to the Washington-Slagbaai National Park. There are three hiking trails to choose from with varying levels of difficulty.
Barbados Cruise Port: Getting Around, What's Nearby and Guide - Cruise Hive
Barbados Cruise Port: Getting Around, What's Nearby and Guide.
Posted: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 02:07:06 GMT [source]
When docking at Bonaire, your cruise ship will dock at one of two piers along the coast. Divi beach resort (a 10-minute walk from the pier), or Sorobon beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Bonaire, located at a 15-minute driving distance from the terminal. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Bonaire’s local culture is by exploring the charming capital city of Kralendijk. The colorful Dutch colonial architecture that lines the streets adds to the town’s picturesque charm. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the enchanting views of the Caribbean Sea while soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

This reef-lined coast is protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park. Bonaire is home to some of the most stunning coral reefs in the world, making it a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Not only is the island popular with snorkelers, but there are also hundreds of diving opportunities to be found, and there are plenty of dive centres for divers of all levels and abilities. This was one of the world’s first protected marine parks, and the government (and locals) take the protection of their wildlife and waters very seriously; their dedication to the environment is impressive. Nestled off the north coast of Venezuela, in the Leeward Antilles, in the southern Caribbean, Bonaire forms one of the three ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao).
Considering that cruise ship dock next to Kralendijk, there is no need for a shuttle. Bonaire does not have Public Buses although there are private services that cruise travelers will find complicated to navigate. It has been called "Arizona by the Sea" for its climate and abundance of cacti. There is no rainy season and temperatures are consistently pleasant with lows in the 70s and highs in the 80s. Unlike its better-known neighbors, Aruba and Curacao, this isle of about 20,000 residents is quiet and laid-back.
You should not have any difficulty pulling out money, especially near Kaya Grandi, the city’s main shopping district. While the beaches and marine ecosystems may steal the show, there is plenty to do within the port itself and beyond! Cruise passengers should check out Wilhelmina Park or Bonaire Marine Park, one of the oldest marine reserves in the world. Curaçao and its cruise port in Willemstad - the capital - have a rare charm, stunning colonial architecture, very is both safe and comfortable to explore on your. Car rentals, scooters, and bicycles are available within walking distance of both piers.
The small two-person stone houses have small doors and very low ceilings. The interior headroom is around 4 feet or so (only a little larger than the height of a 5-year-old child). I only visited Sunshine Food and Drinks during the day for coffee, but they have some amazing looking salads, and a great dinner menu as well.
Alongside Aruba and Curacao, it is one of the “ABC Islands” dependent on the Netherlands. The three islands sit right at the southern edge of the Caribbean, so they are relatively close to the coast of Venezuela. At the heart of this tourism boom is the Bonaire Cruise Port, capable of servicing full-sized cruise ships, so their passengers can explore this picturesque Caribbean treasure. Discover where cruise ships dock, how to get to town, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Cabbage or Junkanoo. If you wish to explore St. Thomas on your own Taxis are fairly priced and can literally take the cruise ship traveler to all highlights, beaches, main sites and attractions.