My full-day tour of Washington Slagbaai National Park with Sebastian from Hopi Bonaire was absolutely INCREDIBLE and easily one of my favorite experiences in Bonaire! Sebastian takes personalized service to another level. He offers a true concierge-style experience, taking the time to understand your interests and tailor the entire day around what YOU want to see and do. Nothing felt rushed or scripted, and I loved having the freedom to explore the park at my own pace. His knowledge of the park, its history, and Bonaire in general is remarkable. He's incredibly friendly, engaging, and genuinely a pleasure to spend the day with. He also took fantastic photos throughout our adventure and kindly shared them afterward, giving me wonderful memories to look back on! As a solo traveler, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Sebastian made the day feel less like a guided tour and more like exploring Bonaire with a knowledgeable local friend who genuinely wanted me to have the best possible time. If you're visiting Bonaire, I cannot recommend Sebastian and Hopi Bonaire highly enough. This is so much more than your typical island tour, and worth every penny!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Private transportation
- Soda/Pop
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided hike and snorkel.
Excludes
- Not for cruise passengers: We cannot guarantee return to the ship on time.
- STINAPA Nature tag
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Your day begins at the entrance to the park. Here, you will show your STINAPA Nature Tag, which is not included in the tour price, along with your ID, such as your passport, driver’s license, or state ID. At the outdoor exhibition, your guide takes you through the many products that were once produced on the former Washington and Slagbaai plantations, giving you your first glimpse into the history of this remarkable place.
Would you like to start your day with one of the most diverse walks on Bonaire? Then a guided hike on the Lagadishi Walking Trail is a great choice. This 2.5 mile (4 km) trail takes you through a cactus forest, across a wide open coastal plain that feels straight out of a movie, past a blowhole along the dramatic cliff coast, to an idyllic inlet with a unique dune landscape, a small mangrove forest, and a photogenic saliña where flamingos are often seen. Along the way, your guide points out traces of the plantation era and the wildlife that lives here, helping you discover both the park’s fascinating nature and its rich history. There is plenty of time during the walk to pause and take in whatever catches your eye. Because this is a private tour, you set the pace. Do you enjoy walking, but feel this trail may be a bit too long? Your guide will be happy to suggest an option that suits you better. Not much of a hiker? No problem. We will shape the day in a way that suits you.
Usually this is a dry, open depression in a cactus-filled landscape, but after heavy rain it transforms into a beautiful lake filled with dozens or even hundreds of flamingos. Since this spot lies right along the route, your guide will simply ask whether you would like to stop here or step out for a closer look.
This idyllic inlet along the dramatic cliff coast, with its unique dune landscape, is a place you do not want to miss during your visit to Washington-Slagbaai National Park. From the cliff, you look out over bright turquoise waves rolling into the inlet below. At night, sea turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs in the dunes. Your guide shares the story of this remarkable process and explains the conservation work that helps protect these animals. A little farther on, the waves crash dramatically against the coast in a spectacular display. You can feel the salt in the air here.
Your guide knows when this small inlet is truly worth a stop. Boka Chikitu is at its best when strong trade winds send powerful waves into the inlet.
In this dramatic moonscape, sharply bordered by a million-year-old cliff, you will discover Bonaire’s extraordinary geology, search for fossils, and experience the power of the ocean up close. Bonaire is an island of hills, cliffs, and terraces, and at Seru Grandi all of them come together. That makes this one of the best places to dive into the story of how these remarkable landscapes were formed. This area was shaped, and is still being shaped, by the rugged sea. You feel that most clearly at the Suplado Blowhole and at the hidden sea cave your guide will point out to you. This is the perfect place to lose yourself in the crashing, swirling, and exploding water, with plenty of time to take it all in at your own pace.
At Boka Kokolishi, you can experience the raw force of the ocean from the cliff above, from the small beach inside this photogenic inlet, or of course both. With a deep roar, the waves push into the boka, break against the rocks, and then quietly roll onto the little beach. It is the perfect place for a short break with fresh fruit and a drink of your choice. This area is also known for the hundreds of fossil corals and shells preserved in the limestone terrace.
Do you love wide open views? Then a visit to the Ricardo Winklaar Lighthouse on Seru Bentana is an excellent choice. Here, your guide will also tell you the tragic story of Ricardo Winklaar, the lighthouse keeper after whom the tower was named. This white lighthouse in northern Bonaire looks a bit like a small church. It dates back to 1927 and is still in use today. The tower stands on a long, narrow cliff. On one side, you take in the island’s entire northern tip, including the lighthouse ruin of Malmok. On the other, you look out over the gently rolling Savana valley, with the ridge behind it that separates the former plantations of Washington and Slagbaai.
Bird lovers, take note. Under the right conditions, Pos Mangel can be a true bird paradise. Bonaire is a dry island, and outside the rainy season there are very few places where birds and lizards can find drinking water. Because Pos Mangel holds a small pool of fresh water year-round, it is a green oasis in the park. Under the right conditions, it can attract large numbers of birds. Your guide knows the park inside and out and will advise you whether this spot is worth including during your Washington-Slagbaai tour. Visiting a different well is also possible.
Do you love photographing abandoned landscapes and old buildings? Then make sure to choose a visit to the lighthouse ruin of Malmok. Because of a planning mistake, a low lighthouse was built at Malmok, the absolute northern tip of Bonaire, in 1921. The tower was too low to be seen from a useful distance, and to make matters worse, it was not visible at all from east of Seru Bentana and Seru Grandi. The solution came with the construction of a new lighthouse on Seru Bentana. What remains today is the dramatic sight of the crumbling Malmok lighthouse standing alone in a stark, empty landscape.
At the first beach along the west coast, the water is still quite rough. Here, you drive across the coral dam that separates Saliña Bartol from the sea. This is where you learn how this natural barrier helps protect coral reefs while also creating habitat for flamingos and other waterbirds.
A stop at Boka Katuna is always a good idea. Stretch out in the lounge chairs under the palapa, or take the more active route and head down the stairs to the small sandy beach below the cliff. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, the jagged rocks and bright blue water will leave an impression.
If you love small, quiet, off-the-beaten-path beaches, Playa Benge is well worth a stop. This little pebble beach sees very few visitors.
Ready for lunch with a fantastic sea view? In the saliña behind the former harbor of Playa Funchi, flamingos are often easy to spot. While you enjoy these colorful birds through binoculars, your guide sets the table for a full lunch. There is also a good chance you will meet Bonaire’s impressive green iguana here. Feel free to take photos, but please do not feed them. Feeding wildlife is not allowed, and these animals are perfectly capable of finding their own food. Would you prefer a later lunch? No problem. In that case, we will serve lunch at Boca Slagbaai.
Whether you want to enjoy the guided snorkel included in this tour, go for a swim, or wade into the shallows, Wayaka Beach is a wonderful place to cool off during the hottest part of the day. A guided snorkel is the best way to explore this varied reef and its colorful marine life. Your guide takes you to the most beautiful spots and points out things you might easily miss on your own. Photos are also taken underwater, giving you wonderful memories to look back on after your adventure. Because this is a private tour, you set the pace. Professional rental snorkel gear is available on request. Feeding marine life is forbidden in this marine park, and as an eco-friendly tour operator, we do not allow it.
At this boka, you will find the famous ochre-yellow buildings that stand out beautifully against the bright blue water. Your guide knows the best angles to help you capture this iconic place at its best. This is also a lovely place to find a shady spot and enjoy a cold beer, wine, or another drink of your choice. While your guide sets up camp, you can take a bathroom break and enjoy the flamingos that are often seen surprisingly close by.
Saliña Slagbaai is Bonaire’s second largest inland lake. On its shore stands an observation tower with beautiful views over the saliña and Slagbaai Bay. If Slagbaai feels too crowded, your guide may suggest stopping here instead to enjoy a drink in peace and quiet.
After a bumpy ride back through the heart of the national park, you arrive once again at the park entrance. This is the perfect moment for a quick restroom stop, one last visit to the museum, or a little souvenir shopping at the nicest gift shop on the island. After that, you will be dropped off back at your accommodation.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
We absolutely LOVED this tour. Bas is so knowledgeable and shares information about birds, plants, geology, history and anything we had a question about. We had plenty of time to enjoy each of the stops and he kept us well fed and hydrated. The guided snorkel tour was wonderful! It was so nice to be led along the best path at a leisurely pace. We are so happy we chose to take this tour. It was our best experience on Bonaire.
A wonderful and varied tour of the northern part of the island. With a relatively easy hike, rock art, appreciation of the wilder side of the island (waves crashing into caves, wildlife, a different landscape), and also a nice snorkel in the ocean. All helped by a knowledgeable guide who knows pretty much everything about Bonaire. Even the food was very good, and mostly home cooked! A great experience, especially if you aren't comfortable driving a 4x4 yourself.
I had a great time spending a day exploring the north end of the island and Washington Slagbaai with Bas. He has a wealth of knowledge on history, geology, and birds, among other things. And I liked that we could stop whenever we felt like it. I decided to try snorkeling for the first time. I was a bit apprehensive, as I am not a particularly strong swimmer, but Bas set my mind at ease with his rundown and guiding through the snorkeling site. I'm glad I did it. The highlights were a school of blue tang and a porcupine fish. Bas keep me well fed and hydrated, too, with numerous breaks for drinks, snacks, and a delicious lunch. He did a great job of anticipating when I was ready for a break and served things in style. A guided tour is definitely the way to see this part of Bonaire, and I highly recommend Bas and HopiBonaire.
Had an amazing day visiting Bonaire’s national park. No stress, our pace and food and drinks at the right moment. Would certainly recommend.
Sebastian took us on a full-day guided tour for birdwatching, hiking, snorkeling and seeing some of the sites of Bonaire. It was a wonderful day which included several snacks and a wonderful lunch. The tour was well paced, informative and a lovely way to spend a day away from the resort. Highly recommend!
We had an amazing full day tour yesterday of the Washington Slagbai National Park with Sebastian from HopiBonaire and it was exceptional. My wife and I have been on tours all over the planet and without question this was very top tier and had tremendous value. Sebastian is not only very well read in terms of Bonaire history, flora and fauna, he is also an accomplished naturalist and nature photographer. He helped us capitalize on the wonderful opportunities we were presented throughout our time together and was kind enough to share these photos with us today. We really had fun chatting, asking questions and even enjoying the iccasional pun.These photos are all from yesterday. One last note, the lunch and snacks provided were also very tasty and energizing.
Fabulous day with Sebastian. Picked us up at 7:30am and headed to the park. Sebastian is a great historian and has a wealth of knowledge about the wildlife. Great time hiking and seeing the stunning landscape. Very comfortable truck for the bumpy roads in the park. Coffee, tea and snacks provided throughout and we had a wonderful lunch with a beautiful view. Great guided snorkel and a wrap up drink before heading home. As a steward of the island, Sebastian removed an oil barrel that had washed up on one of the beaches so the rangers could come and pick it up later in the day. Big bonus that Sebastian is a professional photographer and sent us some amazing photos a day after our trip (pix here are mine, not his). Highly recommend HopiBonaire.
I truly don’t think there are adequate words to describe what an incredible adventure we had at Washington–Slagbaai National Park with Sebastian from HopiBonaire. From the very beginning, the communication leading up to the tour was outstanding—every question we had was answered promptly and thoroughly. Sebastian picked us up right on time and we headed toward the park. Along the way, he heard the call of parrots, pulled over, and helped us spot them high in the trees—something my husband and I would have completely missed had we gone on our own. His knowledge of the park’s wildlife was remarkable; he easily identified birds throughout the day and graciously answered the many questions I asked about the island and the park. His depth of knowledge truly enhanced the experience. Once inside the park, we were especially grateful to have someone else driving, as the roads are extremely rugged. Throughout the day, Sebastian thoughtfully planned stops for snacks and lunch, all of which were beautifully prepared and much appreciated. The absolute highlight of the tour was snorkeling. Neither of us had snorkeled before, and I was admittedly nervous. Sebastian took the time to teach us everything we needed to know to feel confident and successful in the water, and he even shared helpful tips for snorkeling on our own later in the trip. I never once felt unsafe, and the underwater life was breathtaking. He also brought an underwater camera and captured wonderful photos of the marine life—and of my husband and me—which we will treasure. If I could give this tour ten stars, I absolutely would. It was an unforgettable experience and one we will remember forever.
super beautiful and varied tour to see the beautiful park in one day. From a walk, spotting birds and animals, snorkeling, and above all all the information that Bas tells which makes everything you see even more beautiful!! It is nice that you can fill in your tour yourself. I can also highly recommend this tour for someone traveling alone, Bas is cozy, tells beautiful things but leaves just enough room to enjoy in silence. The lunch was delicious too :) As a finale, all beautiful photos as a memory. In short, just do it!!
Some days on vacation are fun. And some days stay with you for a long time. We will not soon forget this beautiful day! We were allowed to go out with Bas in the Washington Slagbaai National Park where we also snorkeled. The nature and the underwater world of Bonaire are beautiful, but what really made this day special were the stories behind it. You look at the island with completely different eyes when someone with so much passion and knowledge takes you. It didn’t feel like we were doing an excursion, but like we were allowed to discover Bonaire with someone who likes to share his favorite places with you. The pace was just right: time to watch, enjoy, ask questions and occasionally just be quiet and take it all in. Everything was super well prepared. Delicious cooling drinks, a super tasty homemade lunch and even water to rinse us off after snorkeling. Thank you, Hopi Bonaire, thank you Bas, for a day we will not soon forget! Greetings Koen, Moniek, Lynn and Bram
It was a beautiful tour completely relaxed. The information about everything we have been to, the history of the island and the animals, Hopi Bonaire knows all about it! Lunch was fresh and home made, drinks cold and very tasty! We look forward to the recipes!
How much we enjoyed the private tours of Hopi Bonaire! We did both the East Tour and the Washington Slagbaai National Park tour with Bas and can highly recommend them both. Bas has a lot of knowledge of the island. He talks passionately about the history, nature, animals and shows you the most beautiful places of Bonaire. What makes these tours extra special is the attention to the details. Bas takes beautiful photos along the way, provides a delicious drink at just the right time in a beautiful location and takes all the time to share interesting stories and facts. You don’t have to think about anything; he takes care of everything, so you can fully enjoy everything Bonaire has to offer. Thanks to Bas we got to know the island in a unique way. Two fantastic days and an experience we can recommend to everyone!
We did a walk Ruta onima walking tour with guide Bas. We enjoyed the morning and had a lot of.fun. Cup of coffee on top of the mountain and explanation of the area. Great fun!
It was amazing! Although I was on Bonaire for the fifth time, Bas knew so much more to tell than I already knew! He showed us the origins of Bonaire, and for us as divers it was really special to become aware that you are walking on old coral reef! Because I love birds, I was also very pleased how much Bas knew about that. And the beautiful pictures he took. I found the big blowhole breathtakingly beautiful and had never seen it before! That sea and its colors! Furthermore all the beautiful places and the care of eg a delicious lunch at a super place, everything was top! I recommend it to everyone!
Bon dia Bas, Thanks for the unforgettable 2 days. You showed me all the birds of the island and the beautiful surroundings and I was able to take a lot of beautiful pictures. And then the battle bay tour. We enjoyed and had a fantastic day. We visited a lot of beautiful places and saw beautiful things. And in between breaks with delicious fresh refreshments in places with breathtaking views. We really didn't want to miss this day! Then do a fantastic snorkeling tour. And as icing on the cake, the photos and videos you sent. Thanks for everything. Greetings Edwin and Gitta
We had a fantastic day with Bas. The program could be effortlessly adjusted where desired without compromising the quality of the tour. We gained a lot of knowledge and saw a lot, we were taken care of all day, actually above expectations!
How fortunate that we could still be scheduled on our last day of vacation - thanks to the commitment and creativity of team HopiBonaire! - for a day trip to WashingtonSlagbaaiPark. A private tour, just the two of us going with Jessica for a day. Fantastic! Picked up at the doorstep of our accommodation and already on the way explanations and stories about the history, the origin of the Park, the diversity of both vegetation and animals and the activities of the day. Without any problems (with closed shoes, really necessary!) we first made a walk where we were pointed out details (which we would never have encountered if we had stayed in the car), then drove a bit, then a very nice and cozy lunch (!) and after another drive we went snorkeling in the most beautiful bay of Slagbaai. It's all beautiful! We were safely dropped off 'home' after a great day with a lot of impressions. Thank you Jessica from HopiBonaire for this impressive tour! An unforgettable day! Van Karst and Petra.
What a fantastic day we had on our tour. From the walk at the beginning of the morning, to the snorkeling later in the day. All the explanations along the way and the sharp eye of Bas who saw all the birds made it worthwhile to do the tour alone. We are super well cared for with delicious food, cool water and tasty drinks. The snorkeling tips were also very useful. Not only to be able to find the beauty spots but also with regard to the safety and protection of the coral. In short, a wonderful day that is definitely worth repeating!
Beautiful trip made under the guidance of Bas, who showed us the most beautiful and impressive landscapes and places of Washington Slagbaai National Park. We also enjoyed the many bird species. A search for the shy and quite rare banded kingfisher actually turned up a banded kingfisher, what luck. Lunch and snacks and drinks were also super arranged. A memorable day trip on the fantastic Bonaire. Bas knows the most beautiful places like the back of his hand, and talks passionately about Bonaire and the special nature of the island.
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