Annual Events on Bonaire: Swim To Klein Bonaire

Marjorie Keith Bonaire , , , ,
Annual Events on Bonaire: Swim To Klein Bonaire

Annual Events on Bonaire: Swim to Klein Bonaire

Planning on coming to Bonaire this fall? Want to participate in a fun local event, do some sightseeing and get some exercise at the same time? Try the Swim to Klein Bonaire! Swim from the closest point on the main island to the small uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. This is one of Bonaire’s most fun and iconic annual events and of course everyone is invited. 

Proceeds from the event go to benefit Jong Bonaire, the local, very active, youth foundation. The Jong Bonaire youth development program provides young people on Bonaire the chance to learn new skills, find potential career paths and receive guidance from professional youth leaders — all while having fun. For instance, Jong Bonaire organizes hundreds of activities for kids including everything from educational events to table tennis to musical instruments to beach clean-ups. Because the foundation organizes events for all the youth and sometimes adults of Bonaire every youth on the island has likely been touched by the organization in one way or another. So check out their website for info on making donations and for upcoming events.

Annual Swim to Klein Bonaire Logistics

  • Location: Spice / Eden Beach Resort , north of downtown Kralendijk
  • Date: each year this event kicks off Regatta Week. It’s usually the first or second Saturday in October. Check this space for updates on next year’s race
  • Time: the race is typically at 9am. Look for updates on Facebook for Jong Bonaire Swim to Klein Bonaire for 2020 regarding the race this October.
  • Who can participate: Everyone is invited and everyone can do it. Kids from age 3 to adults to age 93 have participated. The race attracts about 500 participants yearly.
  • Cost: The price last year was $15/ adult and $10/child and includes T-shirt, lunch and a drink! Price may vary from year to year.
  • What to bring: you can use floats, you can use goggles, you can wear a wetsuit. A fun swim, with no need to be competitive
  • Who organizes this event? Jong Bonaire, a not for profit youth foundation, organizes the Swim to Klein Bonaire each year at the beginning of October.
  • For additional information, call Jong Bonaire at 717-4304

What to expect

This physical and social event brings together families and individuals of all ages, with tourists swimming next to local residents and young and old alike swimming side by side. All this supports the children of Jong Bonaire and consequently the children of Bonaire itself. If you don’t want to swim come and cheer from the shore and enjoy the festivities at Spice Beach Club.

The Swim to Klein Bonaire is not a race, but a fun swim although there is a competitive element at the top end. For those who do not wish to swim back, there are many, many boats available to pick up swimmers and return them back to the shoreline. Participants can use fins, masks, or even flotation devices. Tens of Rescue boats, canoes, kayaks, etc. line the entire route so if you feel tired you can hop in and end your swim early. No judgement! Lots of swimmers just go for a short distance and hop into a boat.

Those who wish to save time in the early morning of the swim should purchase their ticket in advance, but all participants must be on the beach by the start of the race.

Everyone is welcome.

The annual Swim to Klein Bonaire is a super fun event for tourists and locals alike. Participants in the swim to Klein Bonaire are all ages, shapes and sizes. Swimmers can bring goggles, mask, snorkel, fins, floats, wetsuit – in short whatever makes you comfortable. Swimmers depart from Spice Beach Club at 9am and swim out to meet The Woodwind Snorkel Sail Trimaran.

What? well, almost swim to Klein Bonaire

Although it’s called the “swim to Klein Bonaire” swimmers do not actually set foot on the small island of Klein Bonaire. Instead the end point of the race is the Woodwind Snorkel Sail. At the woodwind you check in with your name and make the decision to swim back or get a lift. Lining the entire route from Spice to the Woodwind (and back) are volunteer rescue boats. Any swimmer too tired to continue is simply picked up by a rescue boat and taken back to Spice Beach. Swimmers can choose to end their swim at The Woodwind or turn around and swim back to Spice Beach. Generally speaking the swim TO Klein Bonaire is an easier swim than the swim BACK to the main island of Bonaire due to the direction of the wind and waves. If there’s a wind reversal, an unusual event, the swim to Klein Bonaire will be more difficult and the swim back would be easier. The total distance of .5 miles is do-able for most everyone so give it a try!

 

Places to Eat on the Beach: Jibe City Hangout Bar

Marjorie Keith Bonaire , , , , ,
Places to Eat on the Beach: Jibe City Hangout Bar

the hangout bar at jibe city where to eat lunch in Bonaire  red snapper and pita jibe at jibe city

best places to eat lunch on the beach  jibe city hangout bar pina colada and beer

Places to eat on the Beach:

Looking for the best places to eat on the beach? Seven days a week at Jibe City Hangout Beach Bar dine on sandwiches, salads, fresh fish, ribs and more. If you are on Bonaire to windsurf this is your home restaurant! Divers tend to discover this place on their last, non-diving day. The good news is that if they weren’t already planning a return visit this little excursion will likely seal the deal.

The relaxed atmosphere, good food and friendly service at Jibe City Hangout Bar make it a great spot to unwind after a tough day on the water. But what makes it spectacular is the waterfront location. Just look at where that hamburger is located in the photo above! So close it may fall right in.

Hangout bar hours of operation:

Get to Jibe City as early as 8am for a nice cappuccino or coffee served with a gingerbread cookie or stay for lunch. The hangout bar is open until 7pm daily and 11pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Thursdays make a reservation for their famous Table BBQ night where you grill your own dinner right at your own BBQ on your dinner table! Special tarps cover the restaurant when wind would make this event into a fire hazard! Friday nights Tapas are served until 11pm.

What to eat:

On a windy day like the one pictured below we suggest avoiding the salads  on the menu. Not because we don’t like them – but because eating a salad in this much wind doesn’t work so well. We suggest burgers, chicken sate, or the smoked salmon sandwich served with capers and onions on your choice of white or whole wheat fresh soft baguette. Our overall favorite is the “Pita Jibe,” a pita chicken wrap served with a basil pesto, tomato and cheese with chips on the side. I tried the Pita Jibe on my first visit to Bonaire in 2003 and it’s still a favorite 16 years later. The special on the day I took these shots was the garden salad with crispy fried red snapper and a mango dressing – pictured above. Delicious!

Places to drink on the beach?!

You cannot get closer to the water. And as an added bonus you get to watch some of the best windsurfers in the world race right by you as you sit back and enjoy every minute.

If you get a tropical drink any time of your life, do it now! A traditional beer after windsurfing with friends – your choice of Heinkeken, Amstel, Amstel Bright (extra alcohol), Corona, or the Curacao based Polar. Brewery craft beer has not hit Jibe City quite yet so if you don’t like the old school beers try my personal favorite tropical drink a pina colada. Jibe City also makes a great mojito. Bon appetit and cheers!

 

What are The Best Beaches on Bonaire: Thousand Steps

Marjorie Keith Bonaire , , , , ,
What are The Best Beaches on Bonaire: Thousand Steps

One of the best beaches on Bonaire: Thousand Steps

Put Thousand Steps Bonaire on your list of must see beaches for your next trip to the island. 1000 Steps entrance is at the top of a long staircase. Not exactly one thousand steps high so don’t let the name intimidate you!

Getting there

To get to Thousand Steps, drive North through Kralendijk, turning to the right past Caribbean Club Bonaire and continuing along the Queen’s Highway. Although it’s called a highway, it’s actually a narrow, oceanside road with two way traffic. In my opinion the Queen’s Highway is the most scenic road on Bonaire. Come back to the Queen’s Highway for a scenic walk or run if you enjoy this drive.

What to bring

Bring snorkel gear – mask, fins, rash guard, bathing suit, towels, sunglasses and sunscreen.

There is no place to sit and no facilities at Thousand Steps. Bring a folding beach chair if you plan to stay a while or want to get comfortable outside of the water. Snacks and water can’t hurt either. At breezybonaire we provide a cooler, cool pack and folding beach chairs for  these off-the-beaten-path beach excursions.

There is no shade at all at this beach so bring sunglasses, hat and if you have access to it bring a beach umbrella. Expect hot, sunny weather and not too much breeze.

Tips:

When I visit Thousand Steps it’s usually for a short snorkel and some sightseeing. I don’t tend to stay too long because of the lack of shade. It’s a great place to check out the coral on the beach. I’ve often found hermit crabs with my kids, sometimes by the hundreds if you know where to look. There are some cave-like areas and lots of exploring to be had for children. When along the Queen’s highway stop off at the lesser known Jeff Davis Dive site, Tolo and Weber’s Joy as well.

 

The Lazy Tourist’s Guide to Shopping for Gifts on Bonaire

Marjorie Keith accommodation, accommodation, Bonaire, Kralendijk, thingstodo, travel, vacation rental, vacation rental bonaire , , , , , , , , , , , ,
The Lazy Tourist’s Guide to Shopping for Gifts on Bonaire

photos sold at the grocery store with island scenes        tekibon liquor made on bonaire   van den tweel shopping bags make great gifts       souvenir bonaire photo mugs

 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 eat lunch on the Beach in Bonaire: Spice Beach

Marjorie Keith Bonaire , , , , , , ,
Where to eat lunch on the Beach in Bonaire: Spice Beach

lunch on the beach at spice beach club  dinner at spice beach club bonaire

At Spice Beach Club lunch is served here: right on the beach (left) and breakfast and dinner are served in the covered restaurant on the right.

Where to eat lunch on the beach in Bonaire

When visiting the island for a week you want to find that perfect combination of beach vibe, good food and view. Maybe you noticed from my previous blog posts, but I’m always after that relaxing turquoise view. I search for great places to relax and have a meal right on the water.

I like Spice Beach Club especially for lunch as you can dine with your feet in the sand and your eyes on the water. The food is decent – the atmosphere relaxed. And best of all you lunch barefoot in the sand with turquoise water views.

What to eat

On our last visit we tried the catch of the day, mahi-mahi, pictured above. It comes with fries and a small salad. Spice chefs serve up a simple, fresh and filling meal – not fancy but just right. If not more than right at $14.75 for fresh fish, ocean view and feet in the sand. I also recommend chicken Sate –  a good choice for picky kids and adults alike. On the day we lunched at Spice the special was a big slice of meat Lasagna, another crowd pleaser again at $14.75.

What not to eat:

Try the “Dutch treats” if you’ve never tried them – bitterballen, krokets, frikandel and other fried, crunchy and sometimes slimy goodies comprise these so-called treats. We are not huge fans if you didn’t gather from the use of the word slimy.  But frikandel, a fried sausage made from chicken, pork and beef, bitterballen, breaded balls of meat and stew, krokets, a fried cylinder shaped snack filled with ragout and described by google as containing “strands” of meat are well known Dutch comfort foods. These and other Dutch treats are a sort of tradition in the way Americans traditions include peanut butter and Australian traditions include Vegemite. The Dutch comfort themselves with these little balls of fried meat and goo. Have I convinced you to try them yet?

Restaurant Hours:

  • Breakfast in the dining area 8-11am
  • Lunch at the beach hut 11am-6pm
  • Dinner in the dining area 6pm-10pm
  • happy hour every day – call for hours
  • live music friday nights
  • beach bbq Friday nights

The Spice Beach Hut is open in the evenings for happy hour and has live music and other entertainment on Friday nights as well as a special BBQ night on Friday evenings.

What else to do at Spice

Bring your bathing suit, mask and flippers. Jump in the sea after lunch and go for a snorkel. Beach chairs and cabanas are available for rent. It can be crowded on the beach and we actually prefer more isolated spots but this is a kid friendly way to pass some time and not a bad place to park your family for a day of relaxation on Bonaire.

Free events on Bonaire: Connecting People with Nature STINAPA event

Marjorie Keith Bonaire
Free events on Bonaire: Connecting People with Nature STINAPA event

Looking for Free educational  events on Bonaire?

To add to your arsenal of diving related knowledge it’s always a treat to attend some seminars when visiting Bonaire. Looking for free events on Bonaire where you can connect with other divers and underwater enthusiasts? Here’s your invitation to a one hour educational talk on Bonaire: Connecting People with Nature. Presented next Tuesday, November 19th by STINAPA Bonaire.

STINAPA marine biologist Caren Eckrich hosts the evening. With over 20 years of experience in the Caribbean, most of it on Bonaire, she expertly discusses intricate details of the nature of Bonaire and its underwater ecosystem. Caren will bring up interesting and challenging topics on Bonaire’s nature. In addition she will respond to audience comments and questions on all topics underwater and beyond. Other marine biologists may also present on their current field of interest.
  • what: a one hour discussion about Bonaire Nature and consequently connecting people and nature. The exact topic still to be determined
  • where: Kaya Finlandia 10a at the DCNA Dutch Caribbean Nature Association
  • when: Tuesday November 19th 2019 7pm-8pm
  • who can come: tourists, locals, everyone!
  • cost: free of charge!
  • contact: for more information contact STINAPA Bonaire at 717-8444

More about STINAPA Bonaire:

STINAPA, the national park association of Bonaire, a non-governmental, not for profit foundation, manages Bonaire’s National Marine Underwater Park and Washington Slagbaai National Park. According to it’s website, STINAPA’s mission statement: to manage, share, protect, restore, promote and educate about the resources, biodiversity and values of Bonaire’s nature.

 

What to do on Bonaire: Land Sailing

Marjorie Keith accommodation, accomodation, Bonaire, landsailing, off-the-beaten-path, off-the-beaten-path, sailing, thingstodo, travel, vacation rental, windsurfing , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
What to do on Bonaire: Land Sailing

Land Sailing Bonaire: An outstanding windy adventure

As an experienced windsurfer I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about land sailing. My thoughts were – why, why, why? If you fall off your board while windsurfing on Bonaire you fall into some turquoise pool like water – or as my family calls the color,”Lac Bay.” At worst you’ll swallow some salt water and maybe a little pride. If you fall off of your “Blokart” while land sailing you hit dirt, earth, cactus, rock, rock and more rock. I was scared.

So why risk it on wheels? And if windsurfing is as challenging as it is then how could one possibly get this right and not get hurt?

How to Land Sail?

Well, it turns out that land sailing is a lot like going go-carting. Anyone can do it. On Bonaire Land Sailing’s website they advertise it as “fun, fast, safe and easy!” Control of the sail is a lot like control of a gas pedal. A handlebar shaped wheel steers the blokart, unlike a windsurf board where you have to steer using sail technique. And then a pulley controls your speed. The more you pull, the more wind you expose to your sail and the faster you go. The wind on Bonaire blows steadily in more or less the same direction and the land sailing course is designed with this in mind.

You speed around the same track over and over and you always have wind in your sail – you just control the amount by pulling on a rope. Some real life human help (with a smile) awaits you at the sharpest turn where power goes out of your sail and you may need help getting moving again or making it around that one tough turn. The wimpier you are – uh…me… the more help you need because you’ll slow waaaay down for the sharp right and need help to speed up again.

The people running the show are fun, friendly and laid back. You’ll get a good explanation of what to do, how to sail, how to start and stop and what not to do prior to starting to sail. The lesson lasts about 10 minutes. Everyone gets a helmet, seatbelts and gloves to keep a good grip on things.

What can go right and what can go wrong…

My daughter, age 10, got distracted at one point and managed to go straight over the middle of the course, over all that rock and earth I was just mentioning.  I am not sure the people working there even noticed. I also had a bit of a hard time at the end of my course and sort of crashed… It hurt.  I’d counted on my windsurf expertise but instead I think my fears got the most of me. Despite the crashes and burns it was an exhilarating ride and we WILL be back.

The kids loved it. This makes the list of kid-friendly Bonaire activities and will certainly win you some points with yours. You do need some wind and it can’t hurt to make reservations in advance.  When we were there we only saw 8 blokarts, making reservations all the more meaningful.  Fun, fast, safe, easy… well, for some of us.  Some went fast, some stayed safe, some found it easy and we absolutely all had fun!

child land sailing on the course at bonaire blokart
A land sailor coming around the bend on a blokart on Bonaire’s East Coast
anyone can try land sailing on bonaire
Catching some wind land sailing on Bonaire

Details, details…

  • Location: Road to Rincon beside Arawak Center on the East Coast of Bonaire
  • Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 1 – 5pm and weekends and holidays or by appointment starting at 9am
  • Reservations are encouraged but you can drop in M-F 1-5pm
  • Number to call for reservations +599-786-1572
  • price $30 for 30 minutes, $50 for an hour and $60 if you need a ride from your accommodation on Bonaire, $350 for the entire track if you are hosting a special event or have a large group

Where to eat on Bonaire: We LOVE Kite City Food Truck

Marjorie Keith Bonaire , , , , , , , , , , ,
Where to eat on Bonaire: We LOVE Kite City Food Truck
sashimi on the beach kite city bonaire
Sashimi Platter at Kite City Food Truck! Sashimi on the beach!
ordering at kite city food truck bonaire
Step up to order! The truck is located at Te Amo Beach
kite city food truck parked at te amp beach bonaire
You can see the Kite City food truck from the road right in front of the airport. Hours are 11am – 4pm daily

We LOVE this place and here is why:

  • they love their customers back
  • freshest of fresh food
  • right on the beach
  • you can have their sangria, beer, soda or bring your own! (we supply a cooler in the apartment you are staying in so you can byob or bring your own drinks and snacks)
  • the barracuda wrap!
  • the sashimi!
  • the fresh tuna burger!
  • did we say fresh? did we tell you how they always recognize you when you come back?
  • This is real, oceanfront, open-air dining at ridiculously reasonable prices with the best view and friendly faces
  • food is served on a ceramic plate – not on styrofoam or cardboard

The kite city food truck always comes highly recommended – just look at their reviews online. You pretty much cannot go wrong. Super friendly service, crazy fresh fish, reasonable prices and right on the beach.

The kite city food truck parks at Te Amo beach across from the airport. Opening hours are for lunch only – 11am-4pm every day. They are responsive to Facebook messages so if you have any doubt about hours or want to plan a special event you can get in touch with them easily. They do catering for small to medium size events including weddings and for large groups staying in villas.

Tips for visiting Kite City:

  • Kite City places  a couple small bar tables in front of their truck. For more seating or if you want to sit on the beach to eat, bring chairs from your vacation rental
  • Bring your own bottle of wine or beer. At breezybonaire apartments we offer our guests beach chairs,  a cooler, cold packs and acrylic wine glasses that you can bring to the beach
  • Bring a side dish or order a sashimi appetizer. Sandwiches are served either alone or with a few potato chips
  • Get there early for the best selection
  • Bring Cash; credit cards are not accepted. There is an ATM machine at the airport right across the street.
  • Bring your snorkel gear – this is a GREAT place to go for a snorkel and swim after lunch

Should I visit Bonaire during Hurricane Season?

Marjorie Keith Bonaire , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Should I visit Bonaire during Hurricane Season?

Should I visit Bonaire during hurricane season?

September? May? What is the best time of the year to come? A frequent question from new Bonaire visitors regards vacationing on Bonaire in hurricane season. Bonaire, along with Aruba and Curacao are considered to be relatively free from hurricanes during Atlantic hurricane season which runs from May to November.  Yes, we will experience some rain and yes, there will be some puddles to walk through, but we snapped this photo in November 2019,  during the low (hurricane, rainy) season. Rainy season does not mean that it actually rains all day. Bonaire experiences typically sunny weather with occasional rain in very short bursts during rainy season. In the windier months there may be more cloud cover as well.

Pros of traveling to Bonaire in the low season:

  • fewer tourists and crowds, fewer cars on the road than in winter (high season) months
  • cheaper plane tickets than in high season
  • cheaper car rental and low season prices in most rentals and hotels
  • much less worry about bad weather than in other Caribbean destinations

Cons of traveling to Bonaire in the low season:

  • this is the warmest time of the year on Bonaire. September is considered the warmest month
  • more chance of rain but expect heavy, isolated downpours occasionally combined with a lot of sunshine for most of the day
  • more mosquitos (stay in a place with mosquito screens!)
  • fewer flight options; many airlines servicing Bonaire cut down the number of flights. For example Delta Airlines offers service from Atlanta on Saturdays and Sundays throughout most of the year but only on Saturdays in the fall months.
  • winter months are often considered more ideal because tourists are escaping the harsh winter months back home. This makes winter more desirable for those of us that don’t live in Florida, Texas or the like – but travel costs also go up in the winter along with the crowds

Activities and things to do, restaurants and nightlife are more or less the same in high, medium and low season.

Fun events take place throughout low season to keep things interesting. The annual Bonaire Regatta takes place in October. The annual swim to Klein Bonaire is a fun event for all ages that takes place in early October. There are usually major windsurf races in June, classes for Divers, courses to learn to kite surf, etc.  And of course you can dive, snorkel, sail, sunfish, kayak and explore Bonaire 365 days of the year. Should I visit Bonaire during hurricane season. YES absolutely!

Grocery Shopping On Bonaire

Marjorie Keith Bonaire , , , , ,
Grocery Shopping On Bonaire

 

Grocery Stores and grocery shopping on Bonaire

So… you rented an apartment and you want to make the most of it by eating in? We’d like to offer little bit of information and advice  about grocery shopping on Bonaire.

The largest grocery store on the island, Van Den Tweel Supermarket, part of a large Dutch chain called Albert Heijn provides the largest variety of groceries on Bonaire. Van den Tweel’s central location at the end of Kaya Industria makes it a quick stop from most anywhere on the island.  You will find it on the left side of the road just before the traffic circle. Van Den Tweel is open from 8am to 8pm every day including Sundays.  You will need a quarter in order to get a shopping cart – the money will be returned to you when you return the cart. If you arrive without change just ask at the service desk to the left once inside. They will provide you with a free token to get your shopping cart.

Change on Bonaire…

If you haven’t been back to Bonaire in a while a few things have changed.  You no longer weigh your own fruit or vegetables at Van Den Tweel, or any other supermarket on the island. Cashiers take care of that at the checkout counter. If you buy fresh olives or tapenades over in the cheese department you no longer need to ask a clerk to weigh it for you before checking out

No more rotisserie chickens inside Van Den Tweel. Instead try Kiptukkie. A few years back well-known eccentric Dutch artist, Fred Ros started selling smoked chickens out of the back of a rehabbed old Land Rover. Fred named the business Kiptukkie after the chicken chain of a similar sounding name. To get the joke, it helps to know that the word kip is Dutch for chicken. Twice a week, Kiptukkie’s smoked chickens are sold in a food truck outside the entrance to Van Den Tweel supermarket for $12 each.

Warehouse Bonaire is another supermarket owned by the same food group. To get there just drive two blocks back toward town on Kaya Industria from it’s sister store, Van Den Tweel.  Here you won’t need a quarter but it is standard procedure to return the shopping cart to the front entrance anyway. Although Warehouse is now owned by the same chain as Van Den Tweel, they do have different items and different prices. Store hours for Warehouse Bonaire: Open seven days per week 8am – 8pm.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for you can also try More For Less Supermarket on Kaya Nikiboko Noord or Top Supermarket in downtown Kralendijk. Top Supermarket is the former Cultimara Supermarket and is located right downtown.

Where to buy wine, beer and liquor on Bonaire

Famoso supermarket, next door to Warehouse Bonaire sells a good selection of wine, liquor and dry goods. Across the street from Warehouse Bonaire, Antillean Wine Company sells the best wine found on Bonaire outside of Capriccio Restaurant‘s wine cellar. Antillean Wine Company hosts a popular monthly wine tasting for $15. We also love the newly renovated Zhung Kong market at 98 Kaya Gob Debrot for a very large selection of beer, wine and alcohol. Van Den Tweel Supermarket sells an ever increasing variety of beer and wine. Across the street from Van Den Tweel, Best Cellars Bonaire wine, beer and spirits store offers a huge choice for your vacation drinking pleasure. Downtown Kralendijk

Shop local

To support the local economy while on vacation you can shop small! In an effort to combat rising costs of food and produce on Bonaire, the newest supermarket on the island BonDiGro opened it’s doors in 2013 and moved to a central location at Kaya Industria 29 in 2016, across the street from it’s rival supermarket, Warehouse Bonaire. BonDiGro sells everything from kiwis to refrigerators… stop in if you are looking to save on groceries. Great prices on fruits, vegetables and dry goods.

Where to buy fruit on Bonaire

Try Shely’s Fruteria – just past Van Den Tweel supermarket going straight at the second traffic circle. Shely’s is on the right side of the road about two blocks past the traffic circle. Occasionally they sell local fruit that actually comes directly from Bonaire. If you are looking for coconuts ask here – they are kept in back. They get the good stuff.

Where to buy fresh local fish; aki ta bende piska

Looking for fresh local fish? Try the last house on the right side of the road on Kaminda Lac. Coming from town this is on the way to Sorobon. If you arrive at the baseball field you’ve gone too far. Look for a brown house with a sign out front aki ta bende piska.  If the sign is not out, they don’t have fish.

Farmer’s Markets on Bonaire

Kriabon Farmer’s Market:

The first Saturday of every month you can try Kriabon Farmers Market.  It is located on Kaminda Jato Bako 55 in Nikiboko Noord. Hours are at 8:00 AM to 1pm – but go early for a better selection. Visitors will find locally grown produce, often so unusual that you won’t recognize it as a fruit you’ve seen before.  Plants, herbs and spices are also sold at the Kriabon Farmers Market. What a great way to meet and support the locals. But don’t expect to get your grocery shopping done here. Selection is VERY limited but very local and unique.

Krusada Bonaire Organic Market

The Krusada foundation helps individuals suffering from addiction to start a new life through various initiatives and work training. They teach and coach addicts, prisoners, former prisoners, young adults, the physically handicapped and people with mental disabilities. One of their initiatives regards producing organic produce like spinach, mint, basil, curly lettuce, long beans, tomatoes, okra and mixed lettuce in their six large greenhouses. All cultivated, according to their website, in Bonairian soil with great patience and love, under constant supervision for the best quality. You can purchase products made by Krusada at their store located on Kaminda Lagun 191. If you pass Lagun Hill Subdivision you will see the Krusada sign on your left. Hours are Monday through Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm. Krusada harvests and packs their vegetables daily and also markets them at various grocery stores on Bonaire.

Other Organic Food on Bonaire

Van Den Tweel now sells a large variety of organic food. When we say large variety we are comparing it to what was sold here in the past, not in comparison to what you’ll find back home. But still, we’re very happy now that it’s possible to eat organic, gluten free and a variety of other healthy foods. Organic lettuce, spinach, greens in the refrigerated section as well as an entire aisle in the supermarket are now dedicated to organic or healthy products.

GoGreen Ayurveda located at Kaya Grandi 32B offers organic, vegetarian and vegan meals but they no longer sell groceries. For tourists looking for a healthy meal Go Green serves lunch and dinner Tuesday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12pm -9pm.

Food Shopping for Holidays and special occasions on Bonaire

On special occasions, like New Years Day, the supermarkets carry Local, mostly Dutch specialities.  Around Christmas you can find a deliciously satisfying almond-paste filled cake known as Kerstkrans or another variation called Banketstaaf. Every New Year the supermarket sets out a big tent where they sell the famous olieballen or literally, oil balls! These heavy but delicious holiday treats are coated in powdered sugar, sold warm and come with or without raisins. In the US we’d probably just call them doughnuts but without the doughnut hole. In reality olieballen are more dense than traditional American doughnuts. We love them so much we buy the packaged dough mix to try to make them at home.

For suggestions on gift ideas you can pick up at the grocery store on Bonaire to bring home for your loved ones see this blog post. Happy grocery shopping!

 

What’s on Bonaire? Guided Sunset Hike Bonaire – in the National Park

Marjorie Keith Bonaire , , , , , , , , , , , ,
What’s on Bonaire? Guided Sunset Hike Bonaire – in the National Park

Hike to the Top of Bonaire after hours – Sunset Hike Bonaire

What: Climb during daylight and watch the sun set from the top of Mount Brandaris, the highest peak on Bonaire.

When:  Sunset, Sunday November 4 from 4pm to 7pm. A guided hike to experience the sunset from Bonaire’s highest peak. 

Where: Meet at the entrance to Washington Slagbaai National Park before 4pm.

Why: You get a rare opportunity to be in the park after it closes and get to witness the sunset from Bonaire’s highest peak. Normal park hours have you at back at the main entrance by 4pm but in this instance 4pm marks the START of your adventure in Washington Slagbaai National Park.

How much: Admission price $10 for all pre-registered sunset hikers. 

Who: The Sunset Hike Bonaire is presented by STINAPA Bonaire (the national park association of Bonaire). There is space for 20 participants. Call +599 717-8444 to reserve your spot. Registration is required for participation. In addition participants must arrange their own transportion to and within the park. You will be back at the park entrance at 7pm.

What else: This is an uphill climb on rocky terrain and some of it in the dark. You need to be in good shape and, have a light and have shoes appropriate for hiking.

What to bring: Water, snack, flashlight, hiking shoes. Keep in mind that part of the descent will be after sundown so it’s important to have a working flashlight. 

Have fun!

Did you miss this event?

If you weren’t on the island November 4th, you can do this hike on your own during daylight hours:  Information about hiking Mt. Brandaris

Watch for future full moon or day time guided walks, hikes, birdwatching events on Stinapa’s website.

Lazy Sunday Music and Lunch at Lac Cai Bonaire

Marjorie Keith Bonaire , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Lazy Sunday Music and Lunch at Lac Cai Bonaire

Lac Cai Bonaire

Sunday lunch, or brunch at Lac Cai should not be missed if you are looking for real local food and a real local experience.

Lac Cai, a nature reserve with a large mangrove forest, white sand beaches, a small scale restaurant/bar finds itself pretty far from most tourist itineraries. So lunch at Lac Cai is a secret for those in the know.

Conch shell hills:

If you are familiar with Sorobon Beach and Lac Bay, you may have noticed l a couple small hills on the inlet in the distance. Those hills consist entirely of conch shells discarded by fishermen at a time when hunting conch was still legal on the island. The hills of shells now serve as a reminder of those times.

Off-the-beaten-path Bonaire

Lac Cai is definitely off-the-beaten-path. Although visible from Jibe City and Windsurf Place it can really only be accessed by a long, windy dirt road; or by windsurf board and sail! You will need a vehicle that can withstand the bumps to get you there along the long dirt road, but it will be worth it, especially if you go on a Sunday at lunch. You can go any day of the week to just relax in unspoiled surroundings but on Sundays with the locals, music and fresh fish prove the most entertaining.

Lunch and Music at Lac Cai Bonaire

The small restaurant at Lac Cai serves lunch every day of the week except Mondays. Live Bonairian music and entertainment takes place most Sundays.

Get away from it all!

A great place for an isolated beach day, Lac Cai boasts great snorkeling, swimming, and definitely some bird watching. Sunday’s you won’t get much privacy but other days of the week you may find yourself all alone. The perfect place for some serious “getting away from it all.”

Lac Cai Tips

Bring everything you would need for a beach day – snorkel gear, rash guards, water, beach chairs, etc. And bring your appetite. Oh and cash. If it’s not a Sunday we don’t guarantee finding the restaurant open but according to their website they serve food six days a week. On Bonaire you never know. So bring food if you want to be absolutely sure. A cooler, cool pack and acrylic wine glasses are located in your apartment if you are staying with us at breezybonaire apartments.

Getting to Lac Cai

Check google maps for “Lac Bay Bar” to get to Lac Cai. Lac Cai is at the end of a long, windy, bumpy dirt road located off of Kaminda Sorobon. You can’t really mess it up – only one road leads to Lac Cai.

Pictured above is the fresh catch of the day with pumpkin, plantains and yucca -it was $11 in August 2018. And pictured below that are some fishing boats and kayaks at Lac Cai during the same Sunday Brunch in August 2018.

Have a very lazy Sunday and enjoy your lunch!