![8 to 9 hour Day Tour in Washington-Slagbaai National Park on Bonaire.](https://hopibonaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Washington-Slagbaai-Day-trip.webp)
Reviews Washington-Slagbaai
Below, you can read how our guests experienced their Washington-Slagbaai National Park Day Tour. You can also view the reviews on Google Reviews, for example, by clicking on the sender’s name.
On this page, you will also find Reviews of the Alternative Slagbaai Tour we offer when the park is closed.
![8 to 9 hour Day Tour in Washington-Slagbaai National Park on Bonaire.](https://hopibonaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Washington-Slagbaai-Day-trip.webp)
The tour through Washington-Slagbaai Park was an incredible way to spend the day learning about and experiencing the stunning flora and fauna the island has to offer. The tour is wonderfully diverse: hiking through the park’s ever-changing landscapes, from being surrounded by towering cacti and vibrant birdlife to crossing a nearly moon-like plain where the sea unleashes its full force. Later, we entered the water at a calmer spot, snorkeling among the coral and countless fish.
Beyond the physical ‘efforts,’ we also explored the park by car, stopping regularly to admire wildlife and nature. Bas made sure we were well taken care of, providing plenty of short breaks with refreshments at scenic viewpoints. And when it came to knowledge, we were certainly not left wanting—Bas has an incredible depth of insight into the island’s history, its nature, and the animals that call it home.
Bas is a fantastic guide! Incredibly kind, calm, and passionate about the island, he answered all our questions with enthusiasm. We had an amazing and enjoyable day with him :).
To top it all off, Bas captured beautiful photos throughout the tour—not only of the wildlife we encountered but also of us—and sent them to us afterward. In short: a day to never forget.
We highly recommend this tour to everyone!
For us, it was our first time exploring with HopiBonaire, and it turned out to be an experience we’ll never forget. The communication beforehand was smooth and direct, aimed at understanding our preferences.
We chose the WSNP tour but mentioned that we also enjoy hiking. As a result, Bas picked us up earlier so we could take a stunning hike before the day got too hot. This was truly a breathtaking route that we wouldn’t have missed for anything.
Bas turned out to be an avid photographer and bird enthusiast, and it was inspiring to see someone with so much passion, knowledge, and respect for nature. And nature on Bonaire is simply beautiful—not just underwater but, as we discovered, also on land! We loved the variety of landscapes, the atmosphere, and the vegetation, as well as the fascinating stories about Bonaire’s geological history.
It was clear that Bas was focused on creating a tailored experience for us. He adjusted to our wishes and made suggestions to tweak the program throughout the day, depending on the weather and our interests. The day was completely taken care of, so we felt truly spoiled. And equally important: we had a lot of laughs and fun along the way.
Thank you for the unforgettable moments!
What an incredible day we had! We took the Slagbaai Tour, and it was nothing short of fantastic. With two jeeps, guided by Jessica and Bas, we set off on an adventure.
At 7:30 AM, we were picked up, and we didn’t need to bring anything except our swim gear. Everything was perfectly taken care of. During the drive to Slagbaai, Jessica and Bas shared fascinating stories about the island. Their passion for Bonaire was palpable and added a special touch to the journey.
Upon arrival, we were given a choice: go for a hike or continue driving. We opted for the hike, and it was absolutely the right decision! At our own pace, we soaked in the stunning natural surroundings. Bas captured everything with his camera, from birds to breathtaking views.
After the hike, we got back into the jeeps and visited several beautiful locations. We had the chance to snorkel and fully enjoy Bonaire’s serenity and beauty at our leisure. The lunch, which was meticulously arranged, allowed us to relax and recharge. From morning coffee to a drink at the end of the day, every detail had been thoughtfully planned.
A few days after the tour, we received the photos Bas had taken along the way. What wonderful memories to look back on!
When we return to Bonaire, we’ll definitely book another excursion with Jessica and Bas. Everything was spot-on, from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to truly experience Bonaire!
If we could give HopiBonaire a 10 out of 5, we would! We took a private all-day tour of Washington-Slagbaai National Park with Sebastian that included hiking/walking trails, birdwatching, snorkeling, visiting the museum, and exploring the sites, sounds, and beauty of the park.
Sebastian was fun, adventurous, and knowledgeable about the landscape, blow holes, rock formations, birds, iguanas, bays, lakes, and beaches – we loved experiencing all the variety! He also knows and shared the history of the park and Bonaire.
Extra touches included a delicious homemade lunch, snacks, and drinks; Sebastian taking wonderful pictures both on land and underwater while snorkeling (he sent us 40+!); and attention to details – he even had bottles of water we used to rinse off after snorkeling.
I learned that Hopi Bonaire means “a lot of Bonaire” in Papiamentu, the native language of Bonaire, and this tour was Hopi excellent! We will be taking another tour with Hopi Bonaire and Sebastian next time we visit Bonaire!
We took a fabulous full-day tour with Sebastian with Hopi Bonaire. We went birding and hiking, and visited Washington Slagbaii national park. We saw several parrots, a falcon, a troupial, and lots of flamingoes (among other birds and lizards).
We also learned about the geology of the island (built on two tectonic plates—South American and Caribbean), trees, lizards, etc.
Our tour guide—Sebastian—was great. He’s also a nature photographer and sent us pictures of some of the birds and other animals that we saw. It was a great trip, well worth the cost!
I took both the Bonaire Island Tour and the Washington-Slagbaai National Park Tour with HopiBonaire. The island tour perfectly showcases Bonaire’s versatility and how each side of the island has its own unique character.
Both tours include well-known spots as well as hidden gems. Bas shared a wealth of information about the island’s history, geography, flora, and fauna at every stop. It was fascinating and fun to learn so much about Bonaire.
Since it’s a private tour, you get to set the pace (a big plus), and upon request, the tours can be enriched with stunning hikes.
The care provided is exceptional: a comfortable vehicle, plenty of breaks with delicious homemade snacks and drinks, and Bas captured breathtaking photos along the way, which were sent to me afterward.
For a perfectly organized private tour, I can wholeheartedly recommend HopiBonaire!
We had an incredible experience at Washington Slagbaai National Park! Bas’s enthusiasm for nature and marine life made the tour even more enriching. We enjoyed the lunch spot and the delicious food as well. Those kinds of days create lasting memories, and Bas’s photos captured those moments beautifully.
Thank you!
Went out twice with Sebastian from Hopi Bonaire for a birding and day tour. A fantastic experience on all fronts.
It all starts with the guide: Sebastian, who has a wealth of knowledge and shares it in such a pleasant way. The hospitality is truly exceptional, every detail is taken care of. He considers the wishes of his guests, ensuring everyone has a great experience. The island, the nature, the birds, the marine lifeis all beautiful and even more so through his stories and personal guidance, especially when snorkeling.
In short, if you’re looking for a small-scale organization that caters to all your wishes, Hopi Bonaire is the one. Thank you, Sebastian, for bringing the island and its inhabitants to life and showing me its beauty in a way I could never have experienced without such a fantastic guide.
Above and beyond, a fully customized day long adventure! I highly recommend this company-they offer amazing value for money and you won’t find friendlier, more thoughtful tour guides.
What you get: An incredibly friendly and flexible tour guide, dedicated to ensuring you have a wonderful time. Sebastian’s knowledge of the history of the island, its people, geology, plants, trees, birds, fish and animals is extraordinary.
What we loved: door to door service, detailed discussions of what we had done on the island already, what we wanted to do, what kind of things we love or don’t love. (In our case, we wanted to go to Washington Slagbaai park and we love seeing birds, plants, and enjoy snorkeling.)
We were blown away by how well Sebastian tapped into our likes and needs and turned that into a fun packed itinerary. At every point, Sebastian checked in with us about whether we were doing what we really wanted to do.
We started the day with a hike, followed by coffee, then we drove and stopped at some places of interest (geology, history, beauty). We were also taken to a stunning spot for snorkeling and Sebastian guided us on where to enter the water, where to swim, and helped us safely enjoy the water and its creatures. We ended the day with drinks and snacks before a quick stop at the visitor center.
Above and beyond highlights included Sebastian’s photography -he was willing to capture amazing shots of Flamingoes, Caracara birds, and even shots of my partner and I both on land and under water. We didn’t know that was part of the package and were so excited to get all the photos sent to us shortly after our trip.
In addition to the very comfortable truck ride (complete with binoculars for our use), Sebastian provided absolutely delicious snacks, beverages and lunch. He picked the most beautiful locations to set up full catering for us. It was like having a private chef/waiter! We felt so spoiled. We had requested vegetarian food and what we got was so tasty and healthy! We had an amazing couscous salad, a curried egg salad, and a tapenade with goats cheese-yum! We ate lunch sitting above the ocean, being caressed by a beautiful breeze and we didn’t have to lift a finger because Sebastian took care of all our needs.
Throughout the day, we had great conversations and were able to ask (and get answered) all sorts of questions about Bonaire. Sebastian was ready to point out interesting plants, or share unusual facts about a bird or an animal. We came away feeling we had gotten to know Bonaire in a very different and special way. It was THE most wonderful day.
THANK YOU HOPIBONAIRE!
Are you still hesitating to book a tour? JUST DO IT! What a fantastic experience, and we were so well taken care of with food and drinks. Every little detail was thought of.
Sebastian is incredibly knowledgeable about everything on the island and shares his insights in a fun and accessible way. I’m not a big fan of hiking, so our tour was completely tailored to our preferences. We even got to snorkel with Sebastian’s guidance, and thanks to him, even my 73-year-old mother felt confident enough to join in!
I went on a solo vacation for a week and booked the Slagbaai day tour with Bas and Jessica. I highly recommend HopiBonaire to everyone. The tour was fantastic in one word. The contact was immediately very pleasant, and the communication was quick and well-organized. The organization was well put together, which I noticed in everything.
Since I had seen little of Bonaire, Bas suggested driving to Slagbaai via the west coast so I could also enjoy all the beautiful sights of the North Tour. I also visited a cave, saw Indian drawings, and did the Wasao hike, parts of the Magic of the North tour. It was great that Bas thought along and provided a tailored experience. Bas has extensive knowledge of geology, history, nature, and culture. He shares this in a pleasant way, not forcefully or by just lecturing. He really gauges where there is a need.
Bas picked me up at my hotel with a beautifully polished pick-up truck, boxes of the most delicious snacks and drinks, and a nice camera, with which he takes the best close-ups of Bonaire’s fauna at every stop. I was given binoculars, and thus the day began.
And what a lot I saw of Bonaire! The most beautiful quiet beaches, the best views, and the most special places. We went on a fantastic snorkeling trip, where Bas also took photos and showed me even more of the underwater world. You visit beautiful places that tourists don’t usually go to. I saw many animals up close. And always, at yet another special stop, he would offer a nice drink, delicious cookies, fruit, and a homemade lunch.
It was a dream tour, away from the crowds and completely worry-free. It couldn’t have been better. Really, I recommend everyone book a tour with HopiBonaire. They deliver quality and individuality. And if they are fully booked, just get in touch; there might still be a possibility.
I give them 5 stars but would rather give more! A solid 10 for this unforgettable day! Bas and Jessica, thank you very much!
We had an exceptionell tour with a guide that is on the one hand so passionate about his guiding and on the other hand very caring about the people who he guides. In the centre of our tour was the national park. We made pictures our self but he had a professionell camera and made sure the whole day that he catches the best impressions and he send them afterwards.
The different stations of the tour had a clear plan but the fantastic guide made it feel so individual on every step, because he opened up on situations and was very flexible to create the best experience possible. Furthermore he catches the view to wild animals that missed our first attention.
Exceptionell is his ability to explain in depth, we had beautiful conversations the whole day. What made us warm our hearts was his passion for protecting nature and animals and interact in a respectful way. We find ourself in this agenda.
Last but not least he guides to spots that are not crowded or even overcrowded. It felt like the most personell experience. It’s not a normal day to go with him, he presents the highlights of the island in a very unique way. We were happy the whole day.
Amazing tour to WASHINGTON-SLAGBAAI. We had a fantastic day with Bas. Everything was perfectly organized, and Bas’s extensive knowledge was a huge plus.
Every detail was taken care of to ensure a top-notch experience, binoculars, chairs, tasty food and drinks, a beautiful lunch spot, and a cool snorkeling tour.
But above all, the stunning nature was the highlight. Danki Bas, also for the lovely photos!
Fantastic tour and day experienced with Bas! Enjoyed the nature and wildlife that Bonaire has to offer! A varied tour through the Washington Slagbaai Park with a refreshing snorkel dive at the right moment and a delicious homemade lunch! Meanwhile, fantastic photos are taken and sent the same day with beautiful memories.
The pace is adjusted to your preference, and since we had some time left at the end of the day, we even got to see some gems of the east coast as a bonus! Don’t hesitate, it’s really a must-do! Thanks again!
We did two tours with Bas and Jessica with our family: Gems of the East and Washington-Slagbaai, both amazing! They tailored the tours to our specific wishes. Additionally, Bas is extremely well-versed in the history of Bonaire, as well as its flora and fauna. He provides a lot of background information and knows the answer to almost every question, giving more meaning to everything you see.
Afterwards, he even sends photos he took during your tour, which completes the experience. Highly recommended!
After living on the island for 4 years, it was finally time for a tour with Hopibonaire through the park. I have driven this route many times with family and also with a cycling group on Sundays. So, we had set the bar quite high for our fantastic guides. And Bas and Jessica did an incredibly good job for Germaine and me.
A full day filled with interesting facts, pieces of history, knowledge of nature, and the beautiful birds at Pos Mangel. Bas and Jessica beautifully adapt to the needs of the customer, so Bas asked us if we wanted to start with a hike. As athletes, we couldn’t say no to that. Plenty of water for everyone and very interesting facts to learn, especially things I really didn’t know.
It was Germaine’s first time in the park, so our guides had to take that into account, of course. Bas and Jessica did this with a healthy dose of humor!
All in all: a day we would love to do again with Hopi Bonaire. Delicious food, plenty of water and other soft drinks available (even homemade iced tea), the snorkeling… the list goes on.
Keep it up, dear people! One tip: we missed some information about cannibalistic hamsters…
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!
We had a fantastic day at Hopi Bonaire, a day we will never forget! We wanted to go to the National Park, the guide Bas knew a lot to tell, had a lot of knowledge and showed us the most beautiful spots, spots where we ourselves would never come even on the way there. The day was carefully put together, taking into account our wishes and attention to detail.
We had binoculars in the car, Bas took beautiful photos, and we were well taken care of! A delicious lunch, tasty snacks, and drinks at the most beautiful spots! Occasionally, we also stopped to spot beautiful birds, all very surprising.
We snorkeled with Bas, and he took beautiful underwater photos. We received all the photos.
In short, the most beautiful day of the holiday, really wouldn’t want to miss it!
We did the full day Washington-Slagbaai National Park Tour with Bas. It was absolutely amazing!
Bas picked us up from our Airbnb. He spent the day making sure we saw and did everything we could possibly want in the park! Bas is a former teacher and it shows that he still loves to educate others. He talked about the history and nature of Bonaire. It was such a fun and interesting day!
Bas kept us hydrated and fed throughout the day. We had yummy snacks and a delicious lunch that he prepared for us. During the entire day Bas took pictures-he is an incredible photographer! He sent the pictures to us after the trip. It was nice to be able to enjoy the day without having to worry about getting the perfect photo – he did that for us!
We have been on tours in many countries and this one was one of our favorites by far! We highly recommend HopiBonaire and their private tours!
We booked a private tour with Hopibonaire during our vacation in Bonaire. We opted for the full-day tour to Washington Slagbaai.
During the drive to the national park, our guide Bas asked us what else we would be visiting during our vacation in Bonaire, so he could optimize the tour and make the most of our day tour. It was a fantastic day, we didn’t get bored for a second. We gained a lot of knowledge about Bonaire.
Bas is a wealth of knowledge and perfectly prepared to pamper you with facts, snacks, and drinks all day long. A super delicious fresh lunch was provided that we could enjoy with a fantastic view.
We were super satisfied that we booked this tour with Hopibonaire and we can recommend it to everyone! Thanks for the fantastic day, Bas.
What an amazing day we had in Slagbaai Park with Bas. A complete day with delicious food and drinks, but above all, a wealth of facts and knowledge. He knows how to find all the beautiful spots in the park, rugged sea, blowholes, and lovely coves. He can also identify all sorts of birds (And he recognizes them all!).
Bas takes you on a relaxed journey for a whole day, and you feel wonderfully pampered. Chairs are set up, a good lunch spot is chosen, and he even takes beautiful photos along the way. As the icing on the cake, he took us on a guided snorkel tour with a camera. So now we also have fantastic underwater photos.
In short, it’s not a cheap trip, but it was more than worth it. Bonaire is beautiful, and Bas knows how to convey that magnificently!
During my vacation in Bonaire, I wanted to experience the beauty of Washington Natural Park. The largest natural park on the island. After conducting some research online, I decided to take a private day trip with Hopi Bonaire to explore this natural park. The day trip starts early in the morning and lasts until late afternoon. The communication and information provided by Hopi Bonaire regarding the reservation and the day trip were clear and efficient.
I had a wonderful day trip with Hopi Bonaire. Sebastian, who was my guide, is an enthusiastic guide with a passion for the island and extensive knowledge about its nature, flora, fauna, and history. He introduced me to some interesting historical areas of Bonaire. He was also very flexible and receptive to my specific interests regarding the day trip.
I also enjoyed the organic meal served during lunch, which was included in the day trip. Sebastian also took some beautiful photos during the day trip, which he provided to me afterward. So if you want to experience Washington Park in Bonaire and you are looking for the right guide, then Hopi Bonaire is an excellent choice.
Great beautiful tour, the Washington Slagbaai. Bas knows how to present it very well, knows the beautiful spots, knows a lot about the area, adapts to your wishes, and he takes very nice photos. Highly recommended if you want to see and hear more about this special nature park.
Together with Bas, we drove to Washington Slagbaai National Park (WSNP) to walk and/or climb the Subì Brandaris together.
I have seen a lot of the island of Bonaire on my own, but I never dared to walk and/or climb the Subì Brandaris alone. It remained on my bucket list for a long time, but after searching for someone willing to do this with me, I ended up at Hopi Bonaire. After a pleasant contact, it was possible to drive to Brandaris together on the weekend.
Bas picked me up at the agreed time in his beautiful Toyota Hilux pick-up. We chatted all the way to WSNP. There were no moments of silence. We talked a lot about the island. Once we arrived at the park, we drove to the Subì Brandaris. During the walk, Bas told a lot about the geology of the Brandaris location. Bas had thought of everything. During the walk, he also brought tasty snacks. On the way back to the exit gate, we also stopped at Boka Slagbaai, where we had a nice can of Coca Cola. Finally, Bas dropped me off neatly at home and thanked me for the enjoyable walk.
In short: if you are alone and looking for someone to do a trusted private tour with, then Hopi Bonaire is for you. In my case, this was definitely worth repeating.
Thanks, Bas!
We did the Washington Slagbaai tour with Hopibonaire. It was fantastic in one word! We had a beautiful day where Bas picked us up from the hotel and drove us around the park. Because it had rained heavily in the morning and it was uncertain if the entire park was open, Bas, in consultation with us, adjusted the plan, and we started the first part by walking through the park. This allowed us to experience the park in a completely different way and see many extraordinary animals. Afterward, we continued the tour by car.
The tour was exceptionally well-organized, and everything was taken care of. There was food and drinks at the right moment, a snack, a refreshing drink, and even a “shower” with fresh water (from a water bottle crafted by Bas). You really didn’t have to think about anything, and the day flew by before we knew it (without feeling too short).
As our 10-year-old son puts it: I really liked that Bas told us so much about the animals; I was actually surprised by how much he knew (which is a big compliment since our son is a walking encyclopedia thanks to Freek)!
We’ve already booked the Washington Slagbaai tour with Hopi Bonaire at home and because we enjoyed this tour so much, we immediately added the Gems of the East tour.
With Bas as a private guide, you’ll experience an unforgettable day. We’ve seen so much, from blowholes, caracaras, iguanas, turtles, donkeys and of course, flamingos!
Bas has extensive knowledge and is enthusiastic. You visit places you wouldn’t normally go on your own. It’s also great that you don’t have to drive, allowing you to fully enjoy nature. Off-road Bas ensures that you navigate safely with the pickup. At the same time, he points out everything happening around you and takes beautiful photos, not only of the animals but also underwater during snorkeling.
During the excursion, you’re treated to a delicious lunch with a homemade salad, drinks, and tapenades. In short, a top-notch recommendation!
Embarking on a private tour with Sebastian (Bas) to Washington Slagbaai National Park marked a highlight during our second visit to Bonaire. Despite considering other tour companies, we were drawn to Hopi Bonaire for their outstanding reviews, Instagram posts and the prompt, courteous responses received when making pre-booking inquiries.
Before our tour, Bas informed us about the park’s conditions and closures. Fortunately, all roads had just reopened on the day of our excursion, leading to a thrilling and muddy ride to the initial two stops. Bas’s enthusiasm for Bonaire, its history and its wildlife illuminated our journey, providing a wealth of insightful information.
Hopi Bonaire offered a diverse array of beverages and snacks at each stop. The homemade lunch provided surpassed expectations in both accommodation and taste. Adding an unexpected and appreciated touch to our experience, Bas skillfully captured memorable moments with his camera both above and below water.
While on the island, we also followed Hopi Bonaire’s scenic drive tips for both the north and south, and the experiences did not disappoint. We even met Bas again at one of the snorkeling spots!
We wholeheartedly recommend choosing Hopi Bonaire for any of their offered island tours. Bas and the entire Hopi team exceeded our expectations, ensuring a day filled with exploration, knowledge, and culinary delights. Our sincere thanks to Bas and the Hopi team for crafting an unforgettable experience!
Cheers to 2024! Keep up the good work, and may you achieve all your goals and aspirations. Here’s to new opportunities, growth, and positive moments in the coming year!
Had an incredibly enjoyable day in the National Park. Despite the weather (which prevented the planned climb of the Brandaris), had a very fun, beautiful, and informative day with Bas.
The morning “pick-up,” the cup of coffee, the tapas/snacks, and the lunch—everything was well thought out.
The little extras, the explanations provided at the stops, the extra time taken, and the photos (taken by Bas). This makes the tour not just a moment but also a memory.
HopiBonaire, thank you!!
My wife and I booked a full day tour with Sebastian and greatly enjoyed our excursion to the Washington-Slagbaai Park. Sebastian is a fantastic host and very knowledgeable about the history, ecology and geology of the island. He is an expert photographer to boot! There was not one aspect of our trip that I would change. HopiBonaire is highly recommended!
Made a super beautiful and enjoyable tour through the Washington Slagbaai Park. Many thanks to our guide Bas, who knows what customer service means!
In early October 2023, had a wonderful day. Started the Slagbaai tour in the morning. Was picked up from the hotel. The experience and knowledge of Bas are absolutely top-notch. He has so much to share, and if you have questions, he draws from a vast wealth of knowledge.
Visited beautiful locations and was well taken care of. Coffee, fresh fruit, cold water, or anything else you’d like. Suddenly, you find yourself on top of the rocks enjoying a lovely cup. The lunch was fantastic as well, in a beautiful location with a neatly set table.
Then, a lovely snorkeling tour with some stunning photos taken. Finally, the last stop, and even an afternoon drink was thought of. Visited a multitude of beautiful locations, all at your own pace and according to your interests. A completely tailor-made tour.
Wishing everyone an incredibly enjoyable time with this fantastic Slagbaai tour. I say, go for it!
On our tour of the Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Sebastian provided many unique insights into the nature and history of Bonaire. During our day we were treated to yummy snacks and delicious lunch at the plantation. He provided a guided snorkel and took expert pictures for us through out the day capturing the birds, iguanas and marine phenomena.
If you are of a curious mind, I encourage you to checkout Hopi Bonaire’s thoughtful blog.
What a wonderful experience to discover the island with the help of Bas. In addition to the excellent care, delicious lunch, and drinks, Bas taught us a lot about all the beauty, including the birds, of the island. Definitely recommended if you want to explore the island in comfort!
What an experience! We were promptly greeted in the morning to embark on our adventure. By the time we reached the park entrance, we had already stopped to do some bird watching, and Bas offered to take us to see the Indian drawings in the afternoon.
After a quick check by the rangers, we started the Lagadishi walking trail. Bas shared a wealth of information about the history of Bonaire and its inhabitants! He had detailed explanations and answers to practically all our questions.
After this awe-inspiring hike, we got back in the car and continued exploring the park. Bas used the surroundings to illustrate his stories in response to every question we had. It was a delightful and relaxed way to learn and marvel at the beauty of Bonaire. Bas knew the best spots for taking photos of us, and even more beautiful spots where we took short breaks.
We didn’t have a chance to get thirsty because Bas ensured we stayed well-hydrated and had a full stomach. The lunch was at another fantastic spot, and it was the most extensive and delicious meal we had during our vacation!
Snorkeling was like an expedition of discovery, and we were amazed as Bas repeatedly dove underwater to capture stunning photos.
The most beautiful aspect of a tour with HopiBonaire is that it changes the way you look at your surroundings entirely. Birds are no longer just colorful creatures; they have names and distinctive behaviors, which they often demonstrate to emphasize the story. It’s like being a kid in a candy store, with Bas letting you taste all the flavors that are your favorite! Next time, we will definitely go for one of their other tours!
What a wonderful day we had in Washington Slagbaai National Park. Bas was already waiting for us early in the morning at our apartment, and we started the day with a hike to some fantastic blow holes in the park. Bas is an endless source of knowledge about the birds, animals, and plants we encountered, and he also has extensive knowledge about the history of Bonaire and the park.
In addition to all the beauty we saw, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Playa Funchi and went snorkeling at Wayhka. From our perspective, it was a super well-organized tour with everything taken care of, and we lacked nothing. A definite recommendation! We would never have seen so much beauty or received so much information about nature if we had gone on our own.
Thank you, HopiBonaire!
The three of us spent a whole day with Bas from HopiBonaire. It was a fantastic day at Washington Slagbaai National Park. We drove, hiked, and snorkeled, and Bas has wonderful stories that make the day even more beautiful. We visited places you wouldn’t see otherwise, which makes it extra special. So, if you’re looking for a truly great, sincere, and enjoyable guide…… book with HopiBonaire.
Oh, and he also takes stunning photos that he even sends to you.
Thank you for the wonderful day filled with new impressions: very personal and away from the crowds and standard trips. Bas has a great deal of knowledge about the history and landscapes of Bonaire and shares it with great pleasure. Additionally, he is a skilled photographer, so beautiful memories are guaranteed. The delicious lunch and drinks complete the experience perfectly. Best of luck with your adventure on Bonaire!
Bas made our tour through Slagbaai an unforgettable and wonderful adventure for us and the kids.
Right from the moment we booked the tour from the Netherlands, we had a good feeling about Bas. He responded almost immediately to our message and enthusiastically inquired about our preferences through the app. Even in Bonaire itself, everything was well-organized; we received a message with pickup details a few days in advance, and on the day itself, he arrived even before the agreed time. That’s what we like!
One of the things we loved about Bas is that he not only has a wealth of knowledge about everything we saw during the tour, but he also actively engaged Jurre and Sven (9 years old) throughout the trip. He asked them questions at their own level, made information tangible, and even took them on a special mini-excursion to spot iguanas while we enjoyed the view and a delicious Bastogne cookie 😉
Furthermore, this tour was fantastic because:
– We discovered all the beautiful spots of the park at our own pace.
– We gained a treasure trove of information about the island and the national park.
– We could stop wherever we wanted (on the way back, we even stopped at a supermarket the boys wanted to visit).
– We were treated to a delightful lunch with homemade pasta salad, a beer, and hot dog buns for the boys.
– He took both above and underwater photos of us, which he promptly sent to us.
– His enthusiasm for the island allowed us to see much more than we had initially booked.
– Bas is just excellent company, and he does everything to ensure it’s a fantastic day.
Once again, thanks for the incredibly fun day. If we visit the island again, we will definitely book with you again!
I did the Washington Slagbaai tour with Sebastian and had an amazing day. It’s great how Sebastian knows all the fun stories and facts and takes you to hidden spots!
I also went snorkeling with Sebastian’s guidance, and it was an awesome experience, definitely one of the highlights of my vacation! Everything was well taken care of from start to finish!
We’ve had the BEST time with Bas! Bas is super knowledgeable and great company! He knows his way inside and outside the water and is an amazing photographer. We also loved the home made lunch and eye for detail. We’ve had the best time! Thanks Bas for the great time!!
Don’t hesitate! Just book it. You won’t regret it, but you’ll create beautiful memories!
Dannie and I joined Bas for the National Park Washington-Slagbaai tour.
Bas is a pleasant and friendly man with extensive knowledge about everything related to Bonaire: the formation of the land, the population, flora and fauna, and geographic factors. He tells interesting stories and facts about the island.
Since it’s a private tour, the day was relaxed. Bas adjusted to our pace. No rushing, no “be back at the car in 5 minutes.” This allows Bonaire to receive the attention it deserves.
We visited stunning places on land and in the water that we wouldn’t have easily discovered on our own. Food and drinks were well taken care of, and we didn’t miss anything. Bas also takes beautiful photos of all the unique birds we spotted (with his great assistance; he hears and sees everything!).
All of this made the day fly by. We look back on a wonderful and enjoyable day!
Thanks again, Bas!
Through our hotel, we were tipped off about Bas & Jessica from Hopi Bonaire. They could show us Slagbaai National Park, completely tailored to our needs. And it turned out to be true. Bas happened to have time to take us out the next day. It was a tour in his beautiful new car, with everything that we found most enjoyable.
Bas has extensive knowledge of Bonaire’s history and shares interesting facts while driving. We went snorkeling at beautiful spots, had lunch (deliciously prepared by Jessica), and Bas showed us the most stunning viewpoints. He even took photos of us snorkeling with his underwater camera, and one of them now hangs prominently in our home!
We are thrilled that we booked this tour in Bonaire. We could have driven it ourselves with a rental car, but then we wouldn’t have learned all the fascinating tidbits about the island and wouldn’t have known exactly where to go.
It’s definitely worth repeating, and we would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun day out in Bonaire!
A day out with Hopi Bonaire
At the agreed time, Jessica and Bas picked us up from the hotel in their very comfortable and luxurious pickup truck. We set off for Slagbaai National Park, which was about a half-hour drive from the hotel. Slagbaai National Park is a nature reserve with a stunning rugged coastline and incredible flora and fauna. Jessica and Bas showed us the most beautiful sights and stopped for photo opportunities of unique bird species, about which Bas shared his knowledge. Of course, the flamingos were not to be missed on this wonderful tour.
In the middle of the afternoon, a delicious lunch was provided, after which we continued to a beautiful beach for snorkeling. Even underwater, Bonaire is gorgeous! The day was well taken care of with snacks, drinks, and a delightful lunch. Everything was thought of.
We give this day a solid 10, and we highly recommend going on one of Jessica and Bas’s well-organized tours, such as Slagbaai National Park.
On January 31st, we had a guided tour of Slagbaai with Bas and Jessica, which was a lot of fun and allowed us to see a lot in just one day.
They picked us up in their pickup truck and drove us to the National Park, where we had a beautiful hike with lots of explanations about trees, plants, animals, and history. It was enjoyable being with them, and we had a delicious lunch. With their binoculars, we spotted many birds and even got up close to flamingos.
We also had the opportunity to snorkel at a stunning spot, and Bas took underwater photos, which turned out to be incredibly beautiful. 🐟💟🐠
We highly recommend taking a trip with them. Thank you both for the wonderful and enjoyable day! 👍❣
Reviews Alternative Washington-Slagbaai Full Day Tour
After heavy rainfall, Washington-Slagbaai is closed. HopiBonaire offers a fully-fledged alternative day tour. Below, you can read how others have experienced this tour.
Have you already visited the national park and still want to spend a day in Bonaire’s wild nature? Send us a message here!
Reviews Alternative Washington-Slagbaai Tour
After heavy rainfall, Washington-Slagbaai is closed. HopiBonaire offers a fully-fledged alternative day tour. Below, you can read how others have experienced this tour.
Have you already visited the national park and still want to spend a day in Bonaire’s wild nature? Send us a message here!
I want to share my experience with you about my private tour. Bas was there well ahead of the agreed time to pick me up at my hotel. It started off quite hilariously, as I had booked via WhatsApp rather than through the website and was expecting a small group. At first, Bas didn’t quite understand my confusion, but once I explained it, we both had a good laugh about it.
The communication beforehand was very fast and clear. I was traveling solo and mentioned that I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had chosen the Slagbaai tour, but due to the weather, the park was closed. Bas mentioned that he had come up with an alternative Slagbaai tour.
I felt like a princess in the making. Bas constantly checked in with me to see what I liked. Bas doesn’t just have a Plan B (or even the whole alphabet), but he has multiple options. He speaks so passionately about the island, its animals, and plants (the teacher in him comes out). Bas shared that he used to be a teacher in primary school. I was hanging on his every word.
I was treated to delicious juices and also a homemade lunch. Wonderful spreads and couscous, served in a beautiful, unique spot, fully equipped with everything I could need. Sometimes we went for hours without seeing anyone, and I truly felt like Columbus. I can honestly say that this private tour made my vacation so unique.
As a gift, I also received beautiful photos that Bas took. Bas is a man of many talents and is also a nature photographer. He also pointed out a free PDF file on his website for a northern and southern island tour, which encouraged me to rent a car for a few more days.
All in all, I saw and heard so much and am incredibly grateful to Bas for this beautiful memory. I would highly recommend this experience to everyone.
I quickly found HopiBonaire during my search on Google for a tour on Bonaire. The website is beautifully designed and clearly laid out. What particularly appealed to me was that HopiBonaire offers tours for just one person. So, I decided to book the Washington Slagbaai National Park tour. The communication was great. I was kept informed through email and the app with all the necessary details.
The day before the tour, it had rained heavily. What I appreciated about HopiBonaire is that they offer an alternative instead of just canceling the tour. The tour could still go ahead, but we took the shorter route through the National Park. Bas had also come up with an alternative, and we explored a bit of the ‘Gems of the East’ tour. I was thrilled to see the eastern part of the island as well. Additionally, great care was taken of me during the tour. There was lunch and several snack breaks along the way.
Bas knew so much about the history, landscape, and animals, and had interesting facts to share. It was super fascinating to hear all of it. Bas also took beautiful photos of the animals we encountered during the tour, which were later shared with me. This way, I can always look back at the wonderful memories of the tour. The tour was definitely one of the highlights of my solo trip to Bonaire.
Since Slagbaai was closed, we made an alternative private tour with HopiBonaire.
Bas showed us many highlights of the island, including snorkeling at Playa Frans, a walk with a fantastic view over Gotomeer and in the background Slagbaai, a beautiful view over the town of Rincon, the surf at the Spelonk lighthouse and the blow hole, ancient Indian cave drawings, but also the nature and the animals that live on the island.
The day was fantastically arranged with a homemade lunch on the way, lots of explanation about the history of the island, and anecdotes.
Bas also took beautiful photos of snorkeling and the other highlights we saw that day. Definitely recommended for anyone who wants to get to know the island during a fun day out.
We went on an excursion with Bas from HopiBonaire. The beautiful stories about the history of the island to identifying every little bird we heard. Nothing was too much. His passion and the calm he radiated were amazing.
We discussed together where we wanted to go. Due to the weather conditions, we couldn’t go to the Washington Slagbaai National Park, and we also had the choice to cancel the day.
On Bas’s advice, he took us to places that were otherwise inaccessible to us. At the end of the excursion, we encountered a large group of parrots (Lora’s). That was the icing on the cake.
We enjoyed it with a capital ‘E’. If you don’t want to be in the hustle and bustle of mass tourism, book your excursion with HopiBonaire. Highly recommended. Next time again with HopiBonaire.
A must do tour for your trip to Bonaire!
Bas (Sebastian) was an incredible guide. He had so much knowledge to share about the history of the island, about the nature & animals, and took us to see so many unique places. We toured the North, east and west coast all in one day!
We started the day off with a short hike that wasn’t too strenuous. The views were beautiful & at the top of the hike we stopped for a snake. Bas was so sweet & brought iced tea, coffee, hot tea and cookies.
He also made us homemade lunch (quinoa salad, tapenade, hummus, egg salad, crackers & so many drink options) which was really delicious. He even brought lounge chairs for us to relax in the shade and enjoy.
Later we did snorkelling, visited a historic site with native cave paintings that were thousands of years old, saw plenty of flamingos and natural lakes, and finished the day with a visit to one of the most incredible sea views I’ve ever seen & drank wine near a field of cactuses.
My favourite parts of the tour were Bas’s extensive knowledge on the island & his excitement of wanting to share it with us. He also took pictures with a professional camera with a telephoto lens to share with us so we could have good photos of some of the animals we saw that were hard to see.
So glad we did this tour at the beginning of our trip because now we have so much knowledge as we continue the rest of the week.
Thank you Bas for such a special day!
Our family of 3 booked a private tour with Sebastian (Bas!) for our first full day of a week long trip in Bonaire. I had looked at some other your companies but chose Hopi Bonaire because of their great reviews and quick kind communication when I reached out with questions before booking!
On the day of our tour, the national park was unfortunately partially closed due to heavy rainfall – but that did not stop us from having the most amazing day. Bas pivoted our itinerary and we ended up seeing SOOO much on the island. Bas is so passionate about Bonaire and the wildlife and is a wealth of information so we felt like we learned so much from him in our day together.
Hopi was so accommodating with the food and my sister being gluten free, at each stop Bas also had all sorts of varieties of beverages and snacks and lunch was homemade and so tasty.
Bas also took awesome photos for us on his telescopic lens camera which was such a nice surprise!
Highly highly recommend picking Hopi Bonaire if you’re going to do a tour of the island, you won’t regret it! Thank you Bas and the Hopi team 💗
I had an amazing and unforgettable tour with HopiBonaire. This is definitively a trip that I recommend!
Originally I have booked this private tour in order to explore the Washington Slagbaai National Park. Due to a stuck pick-up truck in the National Park (yes that exists!), the NP has only been opened partially and the original tour could not take place. HopiBonaire kept me well informed even before the tour and pointed out alternative routes. I opted for an alternative and I even believe, it was the better option 🙂
During the whole day, I have explored many hidden gems on the island. If I would have to choose my personal higlight of the many things I have seen (viewpoint, snorkeling, blowhole, ancient drawings, lighthouse etc.), it would be the flamingos and the many other birds we observed in the salina (without nobody else). Bas is great company and gives you many insights into culture and history as well.