Washington Slagbaai National Park

In the north of Bonaire lies Washington Slagbaai National Park. This nature park covers nearly a quarter of Bonaire, so you can easily spend a full day exploring its diverse beauty. In this blog, you will discover what such a day in this versatile national park looks like. What should you bring along? Which animals can you spot? What are the 12 most beautiful spots in Washington Slagbaai? A day in Slagbaai is an authentic experience that you must not miss during your vacation on Bonaire!

The national park truly shines during our fully guided day tour to Washington-Slagbaai. All you need to do is enjoy!

Washington-Slagbaai Opening Hours

Washington-Slagbaai National Park is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

You may enter the park until 2:30 PM. The beaches at Wayaka close at 3:30 PM, and at that time, you are required to head towards the exit. The Slagbaai closes at 4:00 PM, and park rangers strictly enforce this.

The park is closed on Mondays and some public holidays. More information can be found on the park’s Facebook page. After heavy rainfall, the park also remains closed. You can read more about that further down. The museum at the entrance is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, even when the park is closed due to rain.

Washington-Slagbaai Entry Fees

To visit Washington-Slagbaai National Park, you need to pay the Nature Fee ($ 40,00). You can Pay your Nature Fee online or at the park entrance. Cash payments are not accepted. Make sure you can provide identification at the park entrance!

Children under 12 are exempt from the Nature Fee. Residents of Bonaire, Curaçao, Aruba, Saint Martin, Saint Eustachius, and Saba are also exempt upon showing official ID from the islands. Cruise passengers pay $10 at the park’s ticket office. Cash payments are not accepted.

What Should You Bring to Bonaire’s National Park?

In short: Everything! In Washington Slagbaai National Park you are expected to be self-sufficient. The roads are unpaved, there are no facilities except for a few toilets, and there might not be network coverage everywhere. However, we find that to be the charm of this nature park. During your safari, you will go completely back to basics.

During Your Washington Slagbaai Excursion

A visit to the national park requires quite a bit of preparation. That’s one of the reasons to book an excursion. Then, all you need is your swimwear and snorkeling gear. Everything else will be taken care of. At HopiBonaire, a day Washington-Slagbaai Day Tour truly lasts a whole day!

Myriam and Hen’s Review

At 7:30 AM, we were picked up from the resort by Bas from HopiBonaire for a day trip to Washington Slagbaai National Park. We had a bit of an idea of what to expect, as we had read about it on the website. But from the moment we met Bas and he asked if we had any specific wishes and we expressed them, we understood that it would truly be ‘our day’.
We got to know Bonaire in various ways. From history, birds, trees, flamingos, butterflies, bees, fish, the interaction of all elements in the park, from eating and being eaten, and much more. Bas led us on foot, by car, and swimming through the national park. At a beautiful spot on the coast, we were served a delicious lunch with all sorts of homemade products. This was really great.
Snorkeling with Bas in one of the most beautiful bays of the park was one of the highlights. He guided us through the coral and showed us beautiful fish. The refreshing shower afterwards and the delicious fruit salad allowed us to continue our adventure.
The next day, we received a message from Bas with all the photos of ‘our day’ as a tangible memory. What a day, what moments of happiness, unforgettable. It was TOP! Thank you Bas!

More reviews…

Going On Your Own

If you decide to go on your own, make sure to pack a lunch and some drinks, as well as an ample supply of drinking water. Regarding the car you use to visit the park, the following is recommended. Use a car with high wheel clearance, ensure the fuel tank is at least half full, and that the spare tire is in good condition. Not every car rental company allows visits to Washington Slagbaai, so inquire thoroughly beforehand. Experience with off-road driving is advantageous, especially during the rainy season and the months that follow.

Which Animals Can You Spot?

Washington Slagbaai is abundant in birds and reptiles. Just like the rest of Bonaire, there’s also a lot of beauty to discover underwater. Before we zoom in on four animals you shouldn’t miss, we’d like to highlight another benefit of booking an excursion. Your guide knows the best spots to spot animals, has an eye for them, and can tell you a lot about them. Moreover, we always bring binoculars on our tours.

Caracara

The caracara is an imposing bird of prey often found along the roads. Although this bird is fully equipped for hunting, it prefers to scavenge for roadkill. We often encounter it foraging along the roadside or perched on a cactus.

Green Iguana

This enormous lizard can grow up to two meters (6.5 feet) long. During its life, it undergoes a remarkable transformation. It hatches cute and apple-green from the egg, but will grow into an impressive creature that closely resembles a small dinosaur. Witness this metamorphosis in our Photo blog about the Green Iguana. Other Lizards of Bonaire can also be admired in Washington-Slagbaai.

Caribbean Flamingo

Flamingos can be spotted in the park year-round, often surprisingly close by. During the dry season, you can find them in one of the five saliñas that Washington Slagbaai has. In the rainy season, they might also be seen in the pools formed along the road. Using their unique beaks, they filter mosquito larvae, snails, and seeds from the water. Flamingos can be spotted in the park year-round, often surprisingly close by. During the dry season, you can find them in one of the five saliñas that Washington Slagbaai has. In the rainy season, they might also be seen in the pools formed along the road. Using their unique beaks, they filter mosquito larvae, snails, and seeds from the water.

Brown Pelican

Occasionally, along the west coast, a brown pelican flies by. In flight, the azure blue water reflects in the white of its wings. In Saliña Slagbaai, you have a good chance of seeing them hunting for fish. They plunge into the water from great heights, creating a stunning spectacle!

Snorkeling in Bonaire’s National Park

In the park, you can snorkel beautifully, especially at Wayaka and in Slagbaai. During a tour, we will accompany you into the water to point out all the unique fish and corals. Wayaka is known for the many species of parrotfish, which keep the reef free from algae with their gnawing. You can hear their teeth scraping!

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease

In early 2023, a severe coral disease broke out in Bonaire, known as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). As the name suggests, this disease affects hard corals. An affected coral loses its color and dies within a few days. Since the outbreak, large parts of the reef in the west have already been severely damaged. SCTLD is likely a bacterial pathogen that spreads through touch and water transmission. To prevent further spread, diving is not allowed in Washington-Slagbaai National Park. Snorkeling is still permitted.

The 12 Most Beautiful Spots of Washington Slagbaai National Park

Different people have different interests, which is why an excursion in Washington Slagbaai is always different. While some prefer to spend more time in the water, others like to go Hiking in Washington-Slagbaai. With true animal lovers, we visit different places than with those seeking tranquility. However, below is an overview of the ten places that most people are impressed by.

1. Plantation House Washington, the Park’s Entrance

The entrance to the park is at the plantation house of the former Plantation Washington. The house was built around 1920. Here, you check-in with your nature tag and ID. Many people quickly go to the restroom and then drive into the park. However, there is so much more to see here, such as the small museum and the Bryde’s whale skeleton. Two hikes also start from this spot: the Lagadishi Trail and the Kashikunda Trail. Additionally, there’s an intriguing open-air exhibition showcasing various remnants from the plantation era. Want to learn more about the island’s plantation history? Dive into The History of Bonaire.

2. Saliña Matijs

A saliña is a saltwater inland lake where a large amount of water collects during the rainy season. In the dry season, the lakes do not dry up because they are indirectly connected to the sea. The water exerts a strong attraction for various wading birds, including the flamingo. Especially in the dry season, they are often seen here.

3. Playa Chikitu

Playa Chikitu is a beautiful azure blue boka (a cove in the cliff coast) with a unique dune area behind it. Saliña Matijs is connected to the sea through the groundwater beneath these sand dunes. The muddy water that flows into the saliña during the rainy season from the surrounding mountains is filtered by the dune sand. This prevents the coral from being smothered by the mud. Moreover, various species of sea turtles dig their nests in the sand.

4. Seru Grandi

Seru Grandi is an imposing cliff that emerged from the sea a million years ago. You can read more about it in The Geology of Bonaire. The cliff and the barren landscape below give this place an otherworldly atmosphere. The rocks scattered here and there were deposited by tsunamis. During the last tsunami, 3000 years ago, a ten-meter-high wave swept over the plain.

5. Suplado Blowhole

We hope that on the day of your visit, there are significant waves (not ten meters high, of course). At the end of Seru Grandi, you’ll find the Suplado Blowhole. During heavy wave activity, the blowhole shoots a meters-high fine mist into the air. Be careful not to get wet! There is also a beautiful sea cave to explore here.

6. Boka Kokolishi

Boka Kokolishi is much narrower than Playa Chikitu’s boka. On days with strong winds, the waves crash against the rugged cliffs. You can view the boka from above, or you can descend into it. On calm days, you can enjoy wading in its waters. Swimming is not possible on the east coast.

In the parking lot of Boka Kokolishi, many Bonairean Whiptail Lizards live. During the dry season, they run en masse under the parked cars. They don’t do this to take advantage of the shade. They drink the dripping condensation water from the air conditioners. This helps them survive well in this dry area.
Do you love these kinds of unique facts? Book a tour with us!

Do you love the ruggedness of the Seru Grandi, the boka’s, and the waves crashing roughly against the cliffs? Then dive into the world full of hidden gems of The East Coast of Bonaire.

7. Seru Bentana

Bentana means window in Papiamentu, and that is no coincidence. From Seru Bentana, you have a beautiful view of the cliff coast and the Savana Valley behind Seru Grandi. On Seru Bentana stands the Ricardo Winklaar Tower, a lighthouse built in 1927. This lighthouse replaced the one at the northern tip, Malmok. The Malmok Lighthouse was too low and poorly visible from the open sea. If you follow the coastline to the west with your eyes, you will spot the distant ruins. You can also visit Malmok.

8. Boka Katuna

Boka Katuna is a beautiful dive site, but shore diving here was a nearly impossible task for a long time. Divers had to descend along the cliff with full gear. That changed in 2023 when a staircase was installed. Since then, this site has become a favorite not only among divers.

At the top of the cliff, there’s a palapa where you can take a break in the shade. The view is stunning. Using the staircase, you can descend to the pebble beach at the bottom of the cliff. But be careful, the sea can still be quite rough here in the north!

9. Playa Funchi

Playa Funchi was the former harbor of Plantation Washington. The plantation’s yields were loaded onto ships from a stone quay here. On top of the cliff stood a “kunuku” (a farm) with an aloe oven. Apart from a few remains, little reminds of that time. Now, it is mainly a beautiful spot where you can enjoy the stunning sea and the birds in the saliña.

10. Wayaka 2

Wayaka has three spots where you can enter the water, with Wayaka 2 being by far the most popular. A staircase leads you to a charming beach at the base of a cliff. You can snorkel beautifully in the channels of an ancient reef. As snorkeling is regularly done here daily, the fish are accustomed to people’s presence, allowing you to admire them from a remarkably close distance.

11. The Slagbaai

The Slagbaai is the most famous attraction of Washington Slagbaai National Park. There’s a lot to do here. The Slagbaai served as the harbor (and namesake) of Plantation Slagbaai but was used as a harbor by Bonaire’s first inhabitants. In 1868, Plantation Slagbaai was established, and the buildings that adorn this bay date back to that time. Slagbaai translates to Slaughter Bay: The name is derived from the thousands of goats that were slaughtered here and then shipped to Curaçao. To preserve the meat, it was salted with salt obtained from Saliña Slagbaai. Nowadays, the saliña is a true bird paradise, with lots of herons and other water birds present. You can often spot flamingos, pelicans, and various terns and herons there.

However, most visitors focus on the seaside of the bay. Here, you can take a refreshing swim or use your snorkel to search for the two cannons lying on the seabed. While some may choose to jump from the cliff, for those who prefer a less daring experience, taking a walk along the cliff offers a truly worthwhile adventure! Jumping off the cliff is dangerous and at your own risk. Looking to end the day actively? Walk the Oliba Trail, a short loop starting from the Slagbaai.

12. The Observation Tower and the Juwa Pass

From Slagbaai, it’s quite a drive back to the entrance and exit of the park. Plenty of reason to make a stop on the way at the two highlights of this part of the route: The observation tower and the Juwa Pass.

The observation tower is situated on the tip of a peninsula in Saliña Slagbaai. Once you’ve climbed the tower, you get a clear view of the size of this lake. It is the second-largest saliña on Bonaire. There’s a good chance you’ll spot some flamingos! From the tower, you also have a clear view of the Brandaris, the highest mountain in Bonaire.

In Saliña Slagbaai, salt used to be harvested. The goat meat from the “Slaughter Bay” was preserved with this salt to keep it in good condition. In the water, you can still see the outlines of the old salt pans. Nowadays, various water birds use these submerged dams to search for their food.

The other welcome stop on the way back is the Juwa Pass, the mountain pass between the Juwa (206 meters high) and the Seru Oom Wie (90 meters high). At the highest point, you have a beautiful view of the rolling landscape of Washington-Slagbaai National Park.

There are stories circulating on the island that the Juwa Pass is haunted. Walkers and cyclists hear the rumbling sound of an old car approaching. When they step aside and look back, the sound fades away. There’s no car in sight. Nonsense? Records show that three workers died here when their car went off the cliff. Do you love these kinds of local stories? Book a tour with us!

Pos Mangel and Put Bronswinkel

The ten highlights mentioned above will be appreciated by everyone. For wildlife enthusiasts, let’s take a closer look at the two water sources found in the park.

The springs Pos Mangel (pos means well in Papiamentu) and Put Bronswinkel (The Bronswinkel Well) are vital for many animals in the park. When there hasn’t been rain for a while, it becomes a bustling place with birds coming to drink. Goats, wild cats, and iguanas are also attracted by the water. Upon arrival, most animals immediately flee, but if you sit down and remain calm for about ten minutes, they will return, and you can observe them beautifully. By the way, for bird lovers, we have also written a series of bird blogs.

The Brandaris

We conclude with the ascent of the Brandaris, the highest peak in Bonaire. It is the ultimate hike on Bonaire. At the top of the Brandaris (241 meters), you will find the most beautiful view of Bonaire. The start of the trail is located on the short route. After two challenging kilometers, you reach the top, which is 200 meters higher. Along the way, you will encounter fantastic views. The hike mainly takes you through narrow paths with loose stones, some of which are quite steep. At times, you may need to conquer small sections of rock walls. The hike on the Brandaris can be dangerous and is at your own risk.

5 Tips for Climbing the Brandaris:

1. Come early (the park opens at 8 am) and take the short route. This way, you start the trail when the sun is still low in the sky.
2. Wear comfortable shoes that are also suitable for climbing.
3. Bring plenty of water and a snack for the journey. The round trip (total of 4 km) takes about one and a half to two and a half hours.
4. Reaching the top is one thing, but you still have to return. Conserve your energy for the way back.
5. Leave an extra set of clothes in the car. When you arrive back at the car tired and covered in sweat, such things are invaluable!

Find more advice in the blog: Helpful Tips: Hiking on Bonaire.

Is Slagbaai closed due to rain?

The roads in Washington-Slagbaai National Park are unpaved, making it easy to get stuck after a few tropical showers. Therefore, during the rainy season, Slagbaai is sometimes closed, alternative routes may be in effect, or certain parts of the park remain closed. Keep an eye on Stinapa’s social media channels, or send them a text message at +5997778444. The decision to open the park gates is made at 8 am.

If Slagbaai is closed, you can still book our full-day tour to Washington Slagbaai. We offer a comprehensive alternative program because on Bonaire, we are not solely dependent on the national park for nature and history. For more information about the alternative program, check the tour page.

An Excursion With HopiBonaire

During a tour with HopiBonaire, you will embark on an exploration of the most remote and beautiful spots of Bonaire. Moreover, you will be the only ones on the journey, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience at your own pace. We don’t rush things!

All tours can be customized according to your preferences, and there is an option to book a fully tailor-made tour. If you’re excited and would like to join the adventure, check out our offerings of island tours.

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