Sleepy Bonaire has always been known primarily as a dive destination, and for good reason: It’s ringed by a series of glorious offshore reefs.

Bonaire has started to take its place as a landlubber’s destination also, with a developing art and dining scene, and a slew of fascinating land-based activities. In the main town, Kralendijk, art lovers flock to several Art Galleries, founded by local artists. The permanent displays feature evocative oils, photographs, sculptures and more. Sophisticated visitors are taking advantage of an increasing number of fine restaurants featuring French, Italian, Argentine and creative cuisines.

Still, Bonaire is a long way from becoming an urban mecca – and, thankfully, it will never be one. Here, the flamingo population rivals the human one, building size is strictly limited, and the circumference of the island is a protected marine park. On Bonaire, ‘nightlife’ means heading out for a night dive. Locals gather at a few spots in Kralendijk to watch the sunset, socialize and tip a few.

Park And Dive
Prime among these wonders is the underwater life. Drive down the coastal roads and you’ll see stones marked with the names of dive sites. Pull over, suit up or don snorkeling gear, and jump in. Two minutes’ swim (literally) brings you to a reef teeming with colorful fish and complex landscapes of coral. You’ll find drive-through dive stations where you can refill your tanks before heading out on your own to alluring spots.

Amazing as the diving is, there’s much more to do on this underappreciated island. Drive north along the stunning road up Bonaire’s west coast past a prime flamingo-viewing lake called Gotomeer. Spend a day in Washington-Slagbaai National Park, more than 13,000 acres of flora and fauna, where wide dirt paths are lined with prickly pears and many-armed guida cacti and become surrounded by native trees. Here, startling rock formations like Seru Bentana (Sky Window) rise against the sky, and any number of birds and beasts stroll or fly by at the Pos Mangel watering hole. Looking for pure isolation? Head to one of the park’s many beaches, some no bigger than couple-sized.

Heading south down the east coast, you’ll come to the tiny village of Rincon where you can enjoy the historical and cultural background of the island. Catch the panorama from Seru Largu, a hilltop viewpoint that’s a favorite with lovers. Drive south to the eerie salt pans, signs of the salt industry that still thrives here. Just below the white mountains of salt rising from purple ‘lakes’, you’ll find the Flamingo Refuge. You can stand roadside and (very quietly) observe these elegant and shy creatures. Park yourself close by on Pink Beach, and at sunset you can see them lighting up the sky as they wing their way on their nightly trip to Venezuela. Nearby, tiny former slave huts bear testament to a part of Bonaire’s history, preserved for visitors to see.

Up for a watery adventure of a different kind? Sign up with the Mangrove Info and Kayak Center for a kayaking session through Bonaire’s pristine mangrove system – one of the few left in the world. Other water activities include wind- and kitesurfing.