Helpful Tips: Hiking on Bonaire

Bonaire offers a wealth of natural beauty, often explored only by car. But to truly immerse yourself in the rich landscapes, with their unique birds, trees, and cacti, walking is the way to go. A hike lets you experience nature more intensely. That’s why we love to start our tours with a walk. Keep in mind that hiking on Bonaire comes with its own set of considerations. With these tips, you’ll be ready to hike safely and enjoy all Bonaire has to offer!

Tip 1: Avoid the hottest hours

It can get very hot. That’s why we prefer to hike on Bonaire early in the morning, when temperatures are at their lowest. Additionally, you can enjoy the warm colors of the sunrise, and many birds are active during this time. Not a morning person? You can also take advantage of cooler temperatures in the late afternoon, although it’s never as pleasant as in the morning.

There is usually a pleasant breeze that provides cooling during the hike. You can check the wind forecasts on Windfinder.

Never hike during the hottest hours of the day. At midday, the sun is directly overhead, meaning its rays are intense and direct on your skin. The combination of high sun intensity and high temperatures can quickly lead to overheating and dehydration. The risk of sunstroke and sunburn also increases significantly, even on cloudy days.

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Tip 2: Protect your skin

Apply sunscreen generously before you head out hiking on Bonaire. Even in the early morning, late afternoon, or on overcast days, you can easily get sunburned. If you have sensitive skin, reapply sunscreen during your hike. A hat or cap provides additional protection from the sun.

Tip 3: Bring enough water

Hiking on Bonaire causes significant fluid loss, so make sure to bring enough water. For an early morning hike, plan for at least 200-300 milliliters of water per kilometer (7-10 ounces per mile). On hotter or windless days, you’ll need more. Also, pack a snack for the journey.

A handy tip:
Freeze a layer of water in your bottle beforehand and then fill it with cold water. This keeps your drink nice and cool for longer.

Tip 4: Wear closed shoes

Flip-flops and sandals may feel airy but don’t provide enough protection for Bonaire’s rugged terrain. Wear closed shoes to protect your feet from sharp limestone and prickly thorns.

Tip 5: Bring tweezers

Bonaire is home to many cacti. One of the most notorious among hikers is the tuna cactus, also called the Mickey Mouse cactus. A brief moment of inattention, and its pads can attach themselves to your leg. A pair of tweezers makes it easier to remove these pads. Tweezers are also helpful for pulling out thorns or spikes that might penetrate your shoe soles.

Tip 6: Pay attention to markers

Most trails are well-marked with colored stones. For example, follow the pink stones to stay on the route. Haven’t seen a marker for a while? Turn back! Avoid getting lost, as it can lead to unpleasant situations.

Hikers in trouble at Dos Pos

In 2023, two hikers got lost during an evening hike in the rugged terrain around Dos Pos, triggering a large rescue operation. The police and Stinapa searched on foot without success until the women’s light signals gave away their location. The terrain was so impassable that the Coast Guard helicopter was called in to safely evacuate them. After a medical check, they were relieved to head home.

Tip 7: Start with a Short Hike

Is it your first time hiking on Bonaire? Don’t begin with the challenging climb of the Brandaris. Start with a short, accessible hike instead, such as the Seru Largu hike or a section of the Wayaka Trail. This allows you to gauge how the temperature affects your stamina and how much water you’ll need. We’ve detailed all the island’s hiking trails in our hiking blogs. Prefer to hike with an experienced guide first? Check out Our guided hikes on Bonaire! A bonus is that you’ll learn all about Bonaire’s nature, geology, and history along the way.

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Tip 8: Learn about what you might encounter

During your hikes, you can encounter a variety of animals, such as birds and lizards. Prepare in advance by reading our blogs about the Nature on Bonaire or book a guided tour with us.

The Hermit Crab

One fascinating creature often spotted while hiking on Bonaire is the hermit crab (Sòldachi in Papiamentu). This land crab has a soft abdomen that it protects by retreating backward into a sturdy shell. As it grows, the crab moves into larger shells, so you’ll find them in all sizes. The smallest hermit crabs inhabit shells less than a centimeter in size, while the largest carry shells as big as a fist. During your hike, we’ll tell you much more about these fascinating animals.

Tip 9: Choose a suitable hike

On Bonaire, you can choose from 14 designated hikes of all types and lengths. We have extensively described each hike and provided practical information such as the distance, difficulty level, and a handy Google Maps link to the starting point.

About Us: A hiking excursion with HopiBonaire

Want to get the most out of your hike? Book a hiking excursion with HopiBonaire and set off worry-free. Along the way, your guide will point out plants and animals you might otherwise overlook, and fascinating background stories will bring the surroundings to life.

At HopiBonaire, your hiking excursion is exclusively with your own group. This way, you can choose a route that suits you and walk at your own pace. We’re happy to help you pick a trail, and everything will be taken care of during your tour. All you need to do is enjoy the stunning scenery and, of course, the company of your fellow hikers.

Would you like to discover Bonaire’s hidden treasures from the comfort of your car? Check out our tours!

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