Tips for Tours and Excursions During Your Carnival Cruise Stop in Bonaire

When you sail through the Caribbean on your Carnival Cruise, Bonaire is often one of the most relaxing and surprising stops. Bonaire, the “B” of the ABC Islands, is known for its unspoiled nature, colorful underwater world, and peaceful charm. Compared to other Caribbean destinations, this island feels smaller in scale, more authentic, and far less crowded. This makes Bonaire the perfect destination for cruise visitors looking for a unique and memorable tour or shore excursion. Want to fully enjoy the island’s nature, marine life, and laid-back atmosphere? With these tips, you will make Bonaire the highlight of your trip!

Sharing Island Love

Thank you for your interest in our beautiful island in the Caribbean! We love sharing our passion for Bonaire with everyone — locals, visitors, and of course, with our guests during Our tours. Curious how we do that? You can find all the details in Sharing Island Love.

With Island Love,

Tip 1: Choose a versatile tour

Bonaire will surprise you with its turquoise bays, flamingo-filled lakes, green hills, and rugged cliffs, all on one small island. Beneath the surface, a colorful world full of life awaits. Enjoy swaying corals, vibrant fish, and sea turtles, or sip a Caribbean beer by the crystal-clear water. Your day on Bonaire isn’t complete without spending some time by the sea!

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Tip 2: Better not book through your cruise line

Carnival Cruises and other cruise lines offer excursions that can be booked in advance, on board, or directly at the cruise terminal. It all sounds wonderfully carefree, but that convenience comes at a price.

• The itineraries are tightly scheduled, the number of stops is limited, and there’s little room for personal preferences.
• Cruise lines can take commissions of up to 70%, money that can’t be reinvested into a high-quality experience. Even local operators in the cruise port often have to pay high commissions to be featured there.
• You will also often be traveling with large groups, which can make the tours feel a bit impersonal.

Tip 3: Book locally

If you prefer to book independently from your cruise line, you will find plenty of alternatives on Bonaire. Local excursions usually offer a much better price-to-quality ratio and are more small-scale than those sold on board or in the port. A bit of research pays off. Choose a reliable provider that fits your wishes and enjoy your day on Bonaire to the fullest.

Tips when booking locally:

• Compare prices and inclusions; it’s worth checking a few options.
• Check whether the operator pays commission to resellers (platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide can take up to 25%).
• Look for a professional website and read independent reviews.
• Make sure the company uses modern, air-conditioned, and clearly marked vehicles.
• Verify what’s included: number of stops, tour duration, snacks, fruit, drinks, and so on.
• Check the maximum group size.
• Confirm how reliable the operator is when it comes to getting you back to the ship on time.
• Be cautious with vague terms such as “Private Tour,” “VIP Tour,” or “Special Prices.” These can sometimes be misleading!

Whether you choose to explore the island with HopiBonaire or another local operator, we encourage you to consciously support a small-scale company that values personal attention. For years, we have been organizing tours focused on quality, tranquility, and respect for nature, something we are truly proud of. At the bottom of this blog, you will find more information about our tours and philosophy.

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Tip 4: Use taxis wisely

Taxis are convenient but relatively expensive, and drivers operate without a meter. Always agree on a price before you leave and pay in cash using US dollars.

Want to truly experience Bonaire? A taxi driver can tell you a bit about the island, but a good guide will share stories, take you to hidden places, and let you not only see Bonaire but also feel and discover it.

Tip 5: Make sure you return to the ship on time

The port is close to the city center, but traffic or spontaneous photo stops can take longer than expected. Plan to be back on board at least one hour before departure. Keep in mind that the time on Bonaire may differ from the time on your ship. Always check whether your cruise follows ship time or island time to avoid being late.

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Tip 6: Protect yourself from the sun and heat

The sun is strong and the temperatures are tropical. Protect yourself with a hat, light clothing, and reef-safe sunscreen. Stay hydrated throughout the day. The tap water on Bonaire is produced by a modern desalination plant and is perfectly safe to drink. Feel free to refill your water bottle anytime.

Tip 7: Visit Kralendijk

In Bonaire, cruise ships dock right in the heart of the capital, Kralendijk. Here you can snorkel along the boulevard at Chachacha Beach and visit the Arts & Crafts Market at Plasa Wilhelmina. Want to explore the old town? Download our Free Kralendijk City Walk and let your phone guide you through the colorful streets.

Tip 8: Respect nature

Bonaire takes great pride in its natural environment, and you will notice that everywhere you go. Enjoy the crystal-clear sea, the coral reefs that start right off the shore, and the many birds that call the island home. To help preserve Bonaire’s natural beauty for future visitors, please follow a few simple guidelines.

Contribute to nature conservation:

• Do not touch anything underwater.
• Coral (both living and washed ashore) and seashells are protected and may not be taken.
• Do not feed local wildlife such as donkeys, goats, or iguanas, even if a guide or taxi driver offers it.
• Flamingos live in protected areas, so admire them only from public roads to avoid disturbing them.
• Drones are not allowed.

Tip 9: Greet and ask for help

Bonaireans are friendly and helpful, and many locals speak three or four languages! In addition to the local language Papiamentu, you can easily communicate in English, Dutch, and Spanish. A friendly “Bon dia” (Good morning), “Bon tardi” (Good afternoon), or “Danki” (Thank you) is always appreciated.

Need help? Start your question with a local greeting and a smile, and you will be met with kindness.

Tip 10: Bring some cash

On Bonaire, only US dollars are accepted, as there is no local currency. Most places take credit cards, but small shops, beach bars, and food trucks often prefer cash. ATMs are available in Kralendijk. If you have enjoyed good service during a tour or at a restaurant, a tip is appreciated.

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About us: A tour with HopiBonaire

Under our motto Sharing Island Love, we take you on a relaxed journey through Bonaire. Along the way, we share stories that bring places to life, offer binoculars so you can get a closer look at the flamingos, and sometimes leave the beaten path to find quiet and exclusivity. We adapt the pace to your comfort and ensure you return to the ship well on time. You will not find us on major booking platforms. The commissions we save there, we invest in excellent care during the tour. This way, we make your visit to Bonaire a relaxed, personal, and unforgettable highlight of your Carnival Cruise.

Of course, we would love to tell you all about it ourselves, but it might be even better to read how other cruise guests have experienced their day with us. On our website, you will find detailed Reviews from day visitors, and on Google Reviews, you can read many more. Take your time to discover what our guests have to say about us.

Would you like to know more about who we are and why we do what we do? Have a look at our Sharing Island Love page. Ready to go on an adventure with us? Start here by booking your tour.

We wish you an unforgettable day!

Whether you choose an excursion through Carnival, book a local operator via platforms such as Viator or GetYourGuide, set out on your own, or explore with us, Bonaire rarely leaves anyone untouched. Its small scale, natural beauty, and warm atmosphere make it a place that lingers in memory long after your ship sails on. We hope this guide has inspired you to make the most of your stop in Bonaire. And perhaps we will have the pleasure of welcoming you and sharing our Island Love in person!

Carnival Cruise Ships visiting Bonaire

In the cruise schedule below, you can see on which days a Carnival Cruise ship calls at Bonaire. Please note that the information may not be up to date. To be sure, check the current cruise schedule on cruisetimetables.com.

Carnival Cruise Ships visiting Bonaire in 2026

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