Think you have seen all of Bonaire? Think again! Here are 5 places on Bonaire you never thought to visit!
For those who think they know all of Bonaire, we throw down the gauntlet and challenge you to see if you have been to these 5 places on Bonaire you never thought to visit! These are small, unknown, hidden gems on Bonaire, which provide either stunning views, or a chance to climb, or both!
1. Hike up Bara di Karta.
Although a hike up to Bonaire’s highest point on Brandaris is always a special activity, you can get nearly the same expansive feeling by hiking up the much shorter Bara di Karta. Only about 40 meters/130 feet high, the hill is located smack dab in the middle of Bonaire and provides a 360º view of nearly the entire island, encompassing the east coast, west coast, salt pans, and the hills of the Rincon Valley.
The climb takes about ten to fifteen minutes. I like to pack a thermos of coffee, some breakfast sweet rolls, known as pan dushi, and then climb right at sunrise. I can sit at the top and enjoy my breakfast before coming back down and returning to civilization.
The hill is part of the Bara di Karta trails for hiking, driving, and cycling.
2. Sit and relax at Para Mira Unjo.
Most visitors know about the scenic viewpoint overlooking Gotomeer, but few realize that there is another scenic viewpoint on the other side of the hill, in the island’s dry forest habitat, which provides a serene view of the village of Rincon.
To find Para Mira Unjo, turn inland at the dive site Karpata. This road will take you to Rincon, but before you get there, watch for the turn-off on the left-hand side of the road. Take this short road up to the top of the hill, where you’ll find rough-hewn benches, paths, and a lovely place to sit and watch the inhabitants of the Rincon valley go about their days. Bring a bottle of wine at sunset and toast another day in paradise.
3. Watch the wet ‘n’ wild ocean at the Panorama East Coast Viewpoint.
The Panorama East Coast viewpoint is located on the Trails of the Rincon Valley. The location puts you squarely on Bonaire’s east coast. Bring some beach chairs and a picnic lunch and watch the wet ‘n’ wild east coast do its thing! During windy seasons on Bonaire, the waves will crash in and spray high up into the air, so if conditions are wild, do keep your distance from the shoreline.
Keep watch for seabirds–you’ll see frigatebirds, terns, gulls in the summer months, and possibly Brown Boobies, as they whiz by in search of their own fish picnics. If you’re lucky, you’ll see them dive-bomb into the water and emerge with a fish in their bills. Have your camera ready!
4. Grotto of Lourdes.
In a literal translation from Papiamentu, “Gruta di Lourdes” means “Grotto of Lourdes,” and this religious shrine is located in Rincon and honors the Blessed Virgin Mary. The shrine itself is located in a small alcove on the side of a ridge overlooking Rincon. It’s a tranquil, quiet place for those of any faith to sit and contemplate with gratitude upon all the blessings we have been given.
But behind the grotto, there are two steep staircases that climb, climb, climb up to the top of the ridge. One staircase is high and steep, and the other one even higher! Take your time, as otherwise you will be breathless once you reach the top, but oh, the view from here over the Rincon Valley is outstanding! it just might take your breath away again!
Climb both!
5. The Balconies.
Did you know that there are two “hidden” balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea on Bonaire’s western, leeward coast? Yes, indeed! In fact, they were built decades ago, as part of a walking trail that ran along the coastline from Oil Slick Leap up past 1000 Steps. Today, only remnants remain of the trail, but the balconies can still be accessed.
The small balcony (pictured here) is south of 1000 Steps, while the larger balcony is located north of 1000 Steps. Either one is an absolutely phenomenal location to watch Bonaire’s famous ostracod show each month!
Make plans for your next Bonaire visit.
So, when planning your next visit to Bonaire, be sure and reserve some time to find one or two of these hidden gems. You’ll see a side of Bonaire that many visitors miss!
(Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter)
