Shore Excursion: North and South Sides of Bonaire

• Increase your chances of spotting native wildlife

• Letting someone else drive allows you to enjoy the scenery

• Hassle-free port pickup and drop-off are included

Once you step off your cruise ship, meet your guide/driver and climb aboard your tour vehicle (air-conditioned or open-air, depending on the season).  Journey through Kralendijk, the island's capital, toward the north side, to see some of Bonaire's most well-known landmarks. Your first stop is 1,000 Steps, an island beach reached by a long, steep staircase. The bleached coral and white sand beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is a famous diving spot, due to the frequent presence of sea turtles in the clear, shallow water.  Continue to Goto Lake, a saltwater lagoon and popular hangout for the island's flaming-pink flamingos. Your guide will take you over the access road, through a cacti jungle, to the observation area. Stop to watch and photograph the flamingos in one of their very few nesting areas. You'll also have views of the Washington Slagbaai National Park.  In Rincon Village, learn about the settlement's history as the island's oldest village, originally established by the Spanish in the 16th century. Then, head for the Cadushy Distillery to see how cactus liqueur is made and sample some for yourself.  Stop at Mangazina di Rei, a museum dedicated to educating visitors about the culture, landscape and history of Bonaire.  Travel back through Kralendijk, listening as your guide points out the city's highlights and landmarks. Arrive at the southern end of the island, the location of the salt flats. These flats were the epicenter of Bonaire's once-booming salt industry. You can still see pools of pink water, mounds of white crystals and the slave huts that housed workers in the 1850s.  At the conclusion of your 3-hour tour, return to the cruise port for drop-off.

• Bottled water

• Driver/guide

• Food and drinks