Aruba to Bonaire: A Quick Escape to the Wild Side
If you are spending time in Aruba and want to see something a little more off the beaten path, consider jumping over to Bonaire. We love Aruba, that’s not what we’re saying. But it is a great jumping off point to other places in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Bonaire also has beautiful beaches, diving, and sunsets. If you’re looking for a change of pace, Bonaire offers a different wonderful vibe.
Getting from Aruba to Bonaire is not complicated. Divi Divi Air and ZAir offer short, easy hops. It takes less than an hour, but you’ll feel a world away from the bustle of Aruba. Bonaire feels salwar and more personal. You’ll cut out the crowds and be able to just unwind.
If you make the trip, there are three things we think you definitely have to do.
Snorkeling or diving is a must. Bonaire is a water lover’s paradise. Bonaire offers over 80 marked dive sites and the reef starts right off the shore, making shore dives super easy and abundant. if you’re not certified, grab your fins and a mask and just float along the shore.
Rent a truck and explore Washington Slagbaai National Park. It is rugged and beautiful, with dirt roads that lead to cactus-lined trails, remote beaches, and cliffside views that feel like they belong on another planet.
Stop at a local food truck. There’s a food truck culture in Bonaire! The food is amazing, and there’s something about eating seafood right next to the sea that just hits different.
Aruba makes for the perfect jumping-off point if you want to see more of the ABCs without going full backpacker. If you’re already on Aruba, think about taking a day or two to see what Bonaire has to offer. You’ll come back with salty hair, sea turtle memories, and a sense of discovery that Aruba alone can’t quite match.