Go Local

North of Kralendijk the touristic and scenic road to, Rincon with 2000 inhabitants, meanders between the Caribbean Sea and characteristic rock formations. When the road deflects away from the coast, you will find Lake Goto, a land-locked-salt-water lake. Along its irregular shoreline the groups of pink flamingos stand out from the blue water and from the view, which is breathtaking.

Rincon is the oldest village on Bonaire and it has maintained the charming atmosphere of the old times. It’s sure worth to make a stop for a local lunch and cold drinks in one of the restaurants.

Lac Cai has a nature reserve with a large mangrove forest, situated on the north side of Lac Bay. These natural nurseries for our coral reef fish can be visited with a nature tour aboard kayaks. The large stacks of conch shells still remains of the rich underwater culture of Lac Cai. Every Sunday the local people are enjoying listening mariachi music.

Salt is the most important export product of Bonaire. Through small canals the sea water is pumped into the salt pans. The evaporation turns the water slowly into a pinkish coulor. Sometimes this complete evaporation of a salt pan can take up to a year. After that, the unprocessed salt is harvested, washed and dried. The salt deposits or mountains can be seen from a great distance.

Nearby you will find the monumental slave huts where in the erlier days the slaves, who werking in the salt pans, stayed overnight In those days, every weekend the slaves were sent to premises in Rincon, a 22 mile long hike.

A visit to the unique and rugged Washington Slagbaai can not be missed. The rough nature along the coast line and the beautiful lagoons with excellent dive and snorkel possibilities and beautiful views make from this trip a trip you won't forget. A number of trails (by car, bike or to go hiking) will lead you through the best spots.