5-Day Bonaire Family Vacation Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Sun, Salt, and Adventure

littlewelchtravele
2 days ago
4 min read

If you’ve been following our journey at Little Welch Travelers, you know we are always searching for destinations that offer a perfect blend of relaxation and unique adventure. Our recent family vacation to Bonaire—a stunning Dutch Caribbean island—was exactly that. From March 14th to the 18th, our family traded the hustle of Atlanta for the turquoise waters and cactus-filled landscapes of this preservation-focused paradise.

Bonaire is world-renowned as a "diver’s paradise," but as we quickly discovered, it is a hidden gem for families who love the outdoors. Here is a look at our 5-day itinerary, where we stayed, and why this island should be your next tropical escape.

Where We Stayed: Plaza Beach & Dive Resort:

We called the Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire home during our trip. This all-inclusive oceanfront resort was a fantastic home base for a family of four. Between the private beach, three different pools, and a marina, there was never a dull moment for the kids. We especially loved having world-class snorkeling just steps from our room at their PADI 5-Star dive center.

Day 1: Bon Bini to Bonaire

Our vacation began with a warm welcome at the airport by the local tourism team. After picking up our rental vehicle—complete with booster seats for Aidan and Ava—we headed straight to the resort to settle into island time.

For our first dinner, we took a short walk from the resort to Sebastian’s Restaurant. Dining on the pier with an international menu featuring Mediterranean and local flavors was the perfect way to kick off the trip.

Day 2: Island Icons and Local Flavors

We spent our first full day on a Private Island Tour. Our guide met us at the resort and took us on a journey through both the north and south sides of the island. We explored:

The Salt Flats: Brilliant white landscapes that look like snow against the bright blue sky.
Coastal Viewpoints: Breathtaking vistas of the protected marine park.
Cultural Landmarks: Discovering the island's diverse history and landscapes.

For lunch, we headed to Maiky Snack, a popular local eatery only open on weekends. Their goat stew and fried fish offered a truly authentic taste of Bonaire. Later that evening, we visited The Jungle Restaurant, a lush spot where the atmosphere is as vibrant as the food.

Day 3: Mangroves and Landsailing

Monday was all about unique island activities. We started the morning kayaking through the mangrove forests of Lac Bay. It was an incredible way to see the island's eastern shore from the water.

After lunch at Foodies Bonaire, we geared up for a high-energy adventure: landsailing! We headed to Bonaire Landsailing Adventures to race "blokarts" on a dedicated track. It was a total thrill for the whole family. We capped off the day with dinner at Ingridients Restaurant, enjoying the ocean views from Buddy Dive Resort.

Day 4: Catamarans and Coastal Breezes

You can’t visit Bonaire without spending a day on a boat. We joined Epic Tours Bonaire for a Catamaran Snorkel and BBQ Sail. We sailed along the coast, stopped to snorkel in the crystal-clear water, and enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch on board.

In the afternoon, we visited the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. This sanctuary provides a protected home for over 800 donkeys. For a small entrance fee, you can meet these friendly residents and support the sanctuary's work. We finished our final full day with dinner at Seaside Krioyo Fushion Restaurant, where the conch fritters are a must-try.

Day 5: Island Farewells

Before our afternoon flight back to Atlanta, we took a final stroll through downtown Kralendijk. The colorful buildings and local shops were perfect for picking up souvenirs to remember our trip.

Bonaire Travel Tips for Your Next Vacation

Easy Logistics: There are no traffic lights on the island, and the pace of life is refreshingly unhurried.
Visitor Entry Tax: Visitors are required to pay a tax of $75 per person, which supports the island's sustainability and infrastructure. This can be paid online before you arrive.
Packing Essentials: Don't forget reef-safe SPF, snorkel gear, and comfortable clothing for outdoor adventures.
Hydration: You can safely drink the water straight from the tap.
Currency: The island uses the US Dollar, making travel very convenient.

Our Favorite Culinary Hotspots

Bonaire’s food scene is a delightful mix of fine dining and local "snacks":

Brunch & Coffee: Number Ten Bonaire and Bagel & Bloom.
Signature Snacks: Try a pastechi (fried pastry) from Pastechi and More.
Fine Dining: CHEFS Bonaire or Brass Boer for a more sophisticated evening.
Sweet Treats: Gio’s or Luciano's for delicious gelato and desserts.

Bonaire invited us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean in a way few other islands do. Whether we were sailing at sunset or exploring the desert landscape, it was a vacation we won't soon forget.

Are you planning a trip to the Dutch Caribbean? Let us know in the comments if you have any questions about visiting Bonaire!