Kralendijk
What’s On: Bonaire Christmas Shopping Night
Bonaire Christmas Shopping Night
Get together with friends and family for a fun night of shopping and live music on Kaya Grandi. On Saturday December 21st the annual Bonaire Christmas Shopping Night takes place. The street will be closed to cars so that everyone can enjoy traffic free streets while they shop.
- Date: Saturday December 21st
- Time: Shopping 6-9pm on Kaya Grandi. Live music and entertainment 8-11pm in Wilhelmina Park, Pictures with Santa Claus 6-9pm
- Location: Kaya Grandi and Wilhelmina Park in the center of Kralendijk
- Organizers: TCB Tourism Corporation Bonaire and SKAL
- Tourists and locals will be there. Santa Claus too!
Watch for stands selling delicious traditional Christmas food including ayaka and oliebollen. Additionally expect to find arts and crafts and gifts from Marshe di Playa and Bonaire Art and Crafts Association.
At 7pm the “elderly parade” marches through Kaya Grandi. After that line up to take pictures with Santa Claus. He visits Wilhelmina Park between 6 and 9pm.
After you finish your Christmas shopping night come gather at Wilhelmina Park for the Fiesta di Bari starting at 8pm.
Tourism Corporation Bonaire invites all locals and visitors to come enjoy this event and celebrate this festive time of year.
A Recommended Day Trip on Bonaire – Woodwind Bonaire Drift Snorkel
An Amazing Day Trip – Woodwind Bonaire
When guests ask us about snorkeling recommendations, the Woodwind Bonaire always comes to mind first and foremost! A snorkel trip on the Woodwind is one of the best ways to spend a day and truly experience Bonaire. Sea and water lovers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the pristine underwater aquarium which we lovingly know as The Bonaire National Marine Park. The BNMPencompasses all water surrounding the island. The Woodwind, a tri-hull catamaran, accommodates about 25 guests. The vessel itself, replaced in 2018 with a larger and more modern boat also replaced it’s iconic bright blue color for a sleek white.
What to expect on your Woodwind Bonaire adventure
Each day, the crew sails guests out from the dock at Divi Flamingo Hotel toward the small uninhabited island Klein Bonaire for drift snorkeling. Snorkelers begin to drift at the first location off the coast of Klein Bonaire. Once drifting, they meet up with the boat at the next location. The boat sails to it’s next mooring while the snorkelers drift, guided by an experienced free-diving tour guide. You can choose to drift two or three times, depending on the tour. Some guests prefer to remain on board to relax in the sun. Enjoy your day whether in or out of the water.
The Woodwind’s Knowledgable and Fun Crew
Dee, the owner, and her captain and crew provide everything you could possibly ask for. They fit you with all snorkel gear including prescription masks if needed. Choose to try a full face mask with built-in snorkel, the newest gadget in the world of snorkeling. The crew also fits you with fins of all sizes, sea skins, wetsuits, booties and swim vests.
The tour begins with top-notch instruction on how to snorkel comfortably and safely including proper fitting of your mask, snorkel and other gear. Experts on everything underwater and the Bonaire marine park in general, the crew guide you with as much or as little information as you wish on marine biology and the ecosystem of the reef. Once comfortably outfitted with mask, snorkel and all other gear, the fun begins! Snorkelers slowly enter the water, divided into small, guided groups to begin the drift. Your guide will dive deep to point out sea life including turtles, parrot fish, lobster, barracudas, coral, etc. Your guides are expert both at spotting turtles and keeping you safe and comfortable while you drift. They also make sure you are well hydrated and well fed while on-board.
The rescue trained crew genuinely care about the marine life they are lucky enough to get to share with their guests on a daily basis. The crew assists you with the technicalities of the snorkel itself as well as information about underwater life.
After your snorkel lunch is served, dessert is served, drinks are served… And then it’s back to the Divi Flamingo for goodbye’s and plans to do it again next time.
Types of cruises, rates and schedule
Choose between sunset sails, lunch and dinner sails, three and four stop sails, etc. Drinks are unlimited, lunch is served. Additionally a photographer will be on board so your experience on the Woodwind can be captured with photographs or a video. Prices start at $85. The Woodwind books up about one week in advance so call ahead to reserve your place. They are very responsive on What’sApp. Exact schedules, contact information and current prices are available directly on their website.
Full Day (5 hours) – generally start at 9am
3/4 Day (4 hours)- generally start at 10am
Snorkel Sunsets
- Sunset snorkels generally start at 3:30 and end just past the setting of the sun.
- The Snorkel Sunset Cruise can be arranged for other nights upon request and availability.
Night Snorkels
- Inquire when on Bonaire for availability.
Woodwind Bonaire Tips
One useful tip is to watch the schedule for cruise ship days/hours and book your trip on the Woodwind in advance to avoid the big crowds. And a tip about tips – the Woodwind crew appreciate your gratuity at the end of another fabulous day on the water.
The Woodwind is docked at the Divi Flamingo Hotel. Enter to the left of the lobby and continue on the brick path towards the water and to your left. The boat is moored past the swimming pool at the end of the brick walkway. The crew will greet you on the dock right by the boat.
Vacation Rentals Bonaire
Whats on Bonaire: The last Beach Tennis Tournament of 2019
Come watch or join in for some Beach Tennis Tournament fun!
The final ranking Beach Tennis Tournament of 2019 takes place the weekend of December 14th and 15th 2019 at Spice Beach Club. The tournament can fill up fast so register early. Anyone can participate and all are welcome!
- What: The final Doubles Beach Tennis Tournament of 2019
- Who: Everyone is welcome to play at all levels. Sign up for your correct level: Fun, Intermediate or Advanced
- Mens doubles Saturday December 14th.
- Women’s doubles Saturday December 14th
- Mixed doubles Sunday December 15th
- Registration fee: $15 for one day, $25 for both days
- How: sign up here
If you don’t feel ready for a tournament yet, come watch and support the athletes! Main sponsors of the event include Amstel Bright, La Terrazza Food and Wine, It Rains Fishes Restaurant, and Luciano Ice Cream Factory.
Not ready to compete?
Or if you haven’t yet done so, give Beach Tennis a try. It’s not complicated to learn and lots of fun. And what a wonderful way to combine some physical activity with your beach vacation. The courts at Coco Beach stay open all day until 9pm and are open to the public free of charge. Racquets and balls are available at Coco Beach to borrow or you can purchase a racquet through Beach Tennis Bonaire’s website. Courts stay open all week but Wednesdays are generally reserved for League Play.
If you’re new to the game, try Beach Tennis Bonaire’s organized training sessions. Join trainer Paco every Thursday night from 7 – 8 pm for a Fun training and from 8 – 9 pm for Intermediate training. Lessons cost $5 each week.
By the way, Beach Tennis Bonaire just turned the big FIVE. That’s right. The first Bonaire Beach Tennis tournament took place in November 2014. Here is a little look back on that historic moment!
First Beach Tennis Bonaire from stills ‘n’ stories on Vimeo.
What’s On At The Cinema Bonaire
What’s on at the Cinema Bonaire?
Empire Cinema Bonaire, our, our one and only movie theater- of course 100% outdoors – offers the following films for the week of November 28th to December 4th.
Learn more here about why we LOVE Empire Cinema Bonaire. And get some tips about your trip to the movies during your next visit to the island.
To make a reservation at Empire Cinema click here
This week’s schedule November 28th to December 4th
Ford Vs. Ferrari:
- Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, Ray McKinnon
- Thursday Nov 28th 8:15pm
- Sun December 1st 8:15pm
- Mon December 2nd 8:15pm
- Tue December 3rd 8:15pm
- Rating: PG
- Genre: action
- Run time: 2 hrs 32 min
- English version with Dutch subtitles
- Tickets: $ 12
Frozen II English version
- Veteran voice cast Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Ciarán Hinds return as their previous characters, and are joined by newcomers Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood, Alfred Molina, Martha Plimpton, Jason Ritter, Rachel Matthews, and Jeremy Sisto.
- Friday November 29th 6:15pm
- Saturday November 30th 6:15pm
- Wednesday December 4th 6:15pm
- Rating: PG13
- English 3D version
- kids $ 9 Adult $ 11
Frozen II DUTCH version
- Saturday November 30th 2:00pm (sold out)
- Sunday December 1st 4:00pm
- Wednesday December 4th 4:00pm
- Rating: PG
- Genre: Disney Animation
- Run time: 1 hr 43min
- DUTCH version
- Tickets 2D: kids $ 8 Adults $ 9
Last Christmas
- Starring: Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding
- Thursday Nov 28th 6:15pm
- Sun December 1st 6:15pm
- Mon December 2nd 6:15pm
- Tue December 3rd 6:15pm
- Friday November 29th 8:15pm
- Saturday November 30th 8:15pm
- Wednesday December 4th 8:15pm
- Rating: PG13
- Genres: romance, comedy
- Run time: 1 hr 43 min
- English version with Dutch subtitles
- Tickets: $ 9
Addams Family DUTCH version
- Saturday November 30th 4:00pm
- Sunday December 1st 2:00pm
- Wednesday December 4th 2:00pm
- Rating: G
- Genres: animated, family comedy
- Run time: 1 hr 27 min
- Tickets: kids $ 8 Adults $ 9
The Best Hiking Trail on Bonaire: Mt. Brandaris
The best hiking trail on Bonaire
In our opinion the best hiking trail on Bonaire is the hike up Mt. Brandaris inside the National Park.
For adventurous guests looking for some real exercise in the middle of nature we have just the thing for you! Take a drive into the Washington Slagbaai National Park and climb Mt. Brandaris, the highest peak on the island of Bonaire. It’s a difficult, yet not so difficult climb. That is to say the peak is at only 784 feet and only takes about a half hour to reach. But, the climb is steep in places and best done by those that are are moderately fit and not too too scared of heights. The views from the top and along the way make it worth the effort. Do not expect guard rails, well marked trails or handholding. Do expect a steep, hand over foot four limbed climb as you near the summit. Just a few faded yellow dots painted onto rocks mark the way. Rocks can slip out from under you. Do not expect a crowd. Expect an adventure!
Tips:
- Park rules indicate you must reach the start of the hike by 12 noon so get an early start.
- Bring plenty of water and if possible it should be in a backpack, not hand-held. You need your hands free for climbing near the summit
- Wear a sun visor and sunglasses
- Wear sneakers or hiking shoes but not flip flops or sandals
- Exiting the park you have quite a long rough road ahead of you. Leave enough time for a stop at Wayaka II beach on the way out and enjoy the island’s most beautiful, isolated spot to cool off after your hike
- Bring snacks and/or picnic lunch
Keep in mind if you plan to visit the park’s other beaches by driving the long route inside the National Park – that should probably be saved for a separate day trip. It costs $25 to enter the national park no matter how many times you go in one year, so if you do the “long route”, consider doing the hike as well a different day to get the most bang for your buck. The Mount Brandaris hiking trail is located on the other route, known as the “short route.”
At the entrance to the National Park you will be greeted by the park service ranger where you will show or buy your admission pass. They can answer your questions about getting to Mt. Brandaris. The one-way rocky roads are abundant with nature; lizards, cacti, flowers, goats, iguanas, birds such as green parrots. The view from the summit is unlike anything else on Bonaire. Stunning!
Wine Tasting on Bonaire; Antillean Wine Company and Wine & Paint Night
Weekly and monthly Wine tasting events on Bonaire
Wine tasting on Bonaire, what a wonderful way to meet the locals! In addition to beaches, diving and windsurfing we find it so much fun to see what people living on Bonaire are up to in the evenings. These events are for everyone, tourists and locals.
Two recurring events not to miss if you are on the island the second Saturday of the month at Antillean Wine Company or each week Wednesday at Eddy’s Bar
Antillean Wine Company
- The next wine tasting takes place Saturday December 14th 2019 7-9pm
- and then 7pm – 9pm every second Saturday the month
Every second Saturday of the month locals and tourists meet up at an unexpected little wine tasting event. Unexpected because it takes place in a self storage facility. Antillean Wine Company (AWC) located across the street from Warehouse Bonaire Supermarket at Kaya Industria 23, literally in a self storage facility and literally on a street called Industrial Street – hosts this cheerful monthly meet-up. Other unexpected things about this wine company in a storage facility is that they have more or less the widest selection of imported wines anywhere on the island and they also sell refrigerators, lamps, rugs and Ikea products.
For $15 you get three glasses of white wine and three glasses of red wine. And you get some lively conversation to go along with it! This event can be quite popular so get there early to claim your seat. Because of the popularity of this event the hosts recommend bringing your own chairs.
Wine and Paint Night with Studio Sauvignon at Eddy’s Bar
For something with a little more going on than just wine, try combining wine and art! Get your creative juices flowing at Wine and Paint Night with Studio Sauvignon at Eddy’s Bar
You’ll find Eddy’s north of Kralendijk near Sand Dollar Resort. Make your reservation now!
- The next Wine and paint night takes place Wednesday, November 27th 7-9pm
- Dec 4th 7-9pm
- Dec 11th 7-9pm
- December 18th 7-9pm
- December 25th (we are not sure if this is correct but it’s listed on their calendar.)
Studio Sauvignon will give you step by step guided painting lessons no matter what your level. Group lessons at Eddy’s also include two glasses of wine. Pick your favorite and fill your glass before sitting down at your canvas to get painting.
The cost is $39 including painting lesson, all materials and two glasses of wine.
To reserve your canvas contact Studio Sauvignon on their website. Limited spaces available. Studio Sauvignon also offers private paint lessons at birthday parties, fundraisers, get-togethers, company parties, reunions, kid’s parties and any other celebration you have in mind. Contact them for details.
Places to Stay on Bonaire
The Lazy Tourist’s Guide to Shopping for Gifts on Bonaire
The lazy tourist’s Guide to Shopping for Gifts on Bonaire
Lazy, eh? Don’t get me wrong. I love shopping but I don’t particularly love shopping for gifts on Bonaire nor do I want to spend my vacation doing so. Get me out of the gift shops and out/in/on/around the Caribbean SEA! But… someone is feeding the fish, someone’s getting my mail… I may even have left a child or two back home. They’re going to need something to ease my guilty mind and tanned body… So here we go with the lazy tourist’s guide to shopping for gifts on Bonaire.
Van Den Tweel Supermarket for easy gift shopping on Bonaire
Of course when on Bonaire I always make a trip or two to the grocery store to load up for the week (or the month…) Conveniently nowadays the grocery store IS the lazy tourist’s gift shop. The folks back home will never know.
I snapped the pictures in this post at Van Den Tweel supermarket located on Kaya Industria about a mile or so from my apartment at breezybonaire. Choose from mugs embossed with glossy Bonaire Scenery, liqueurs – TikiBon Brand, or beer – Bonaire Blond brand, made and bottled right here on Bonaire. Other options include postcards, calendars with colorful Bonaire art and photography, a pretty good variety of local sea salt of both the edible and the spa treatment variety. Scenic photographs ranging from postcard size to just barely fitting in your suitcase also make great gifts or better yet, souvenirs of your trip. For friends that have actually been to Bonaire before some grocery bags with Bonaire scenery will remind them of their own visits to the island.
Food products to bring back from Bonaire as gifts
You can also get more creative by touring around the supermarket and looking for Dutch or Bonairian food specialties to bring home. When I’m on Bonaire I usually come back to the US with at least 8 or 10 packs of stroopwafels (A type of waffle cookie filled with caramel often served heated up). Unfortunately those are becoming more common in the US and as such, slightly less interesting as a gift idea. Still they are inexpensive, pack easily in your suitcase and pretty much a delight to anyone receiving them. As an aside – if you buy them before getting on the plane, store them in the refrigerator until time to pack up and go home.
To be honest, although simple, easy and yes – lazy, these ideas appeal to me more than t-shirts or little trinkets. If this isn’t your cup of tea there are a large variety of gift shops on Kaya Grandi, the main road in downtown Kralendijk. You’ll find t-shirts, key chains and Bonaire mugs. Try to avoid downtown when a cruise ship is in port.
Where to stay on Bonaire
