Sun-drenched beaches, a turquoise sea, and breathtaking desert landscapes: Bonaire is a paradise for nature lovers and (especially Dutch) vacationers. But the true jewel of the island is Washington Slagbaai National Park. This rugged and protected nature park covers nearly one-fifth of Bonaire. You can still find a piece of real nature on the island there. Want to head out for a day? Washington Slagbaai National Park is a fun day trip on Bonaire that you can do with a jeep safari. I am happy to share my experience with you!
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The Rich History of Washington Slagbaai National Park
First a bit of history. Washington Slagbaai National Park is actually a park with a rich history. It was once a combination of two parks: Washington and Slagbaai, hence the double name. Washington was bought in 1969, Slagbaai, including the Gotomeer, in 1979. The owner of Washington used to have a plantation here with an old goat farm. When the park was sold to the government of Bonaire, it became a national park. The conditions were that the goats could stay and that only the family would hunt them.
This is now however a problem, since the goats damage the vegetation. For that reason, they are gradually being removed from the park. You not only see many goats roaming freely on Bonaire (there are apparently more goats than inhabitants), but you see them in the park too!
From Slagbaai (meaning: slaughter bay), a lot of meat used to go to Curaçao in the past, from where it was traded. The salt lakes near Slagbaai were important to keep the meat preserved for a long time during transport.
On Excursion in Washington Slagbaai National Park
You can visit Washington Slagbaai National Park with a 4×4 car (four-wheel drive) or via a safari with a guide. It is not allowed to enter the park with a regular car, scooter, or other means of transport. We chose a jeep safari with a Dutch guide. This way you learn a lot about the park and you have a fun day with a local from Bonaire!
The Start of the Day: You Get Picked Up at Your Hotel
At 07:45 sharp, we were picked up at our hotel Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire by our guide Joop. In a small jeep, we then headed to Washington Slagbaai National Park. And everything was arranged: snorkel gear, water, a snack, lunch, and a soft drink or beer. A great start to the day!
Entering the Park
Once arrived at the park entrance, you must show your STINAPA (more on that later) and your ID. Then you first have the chance to take a look in the museum. It is certainly not large, but it gives you an impression of where you are and the history of the park.
Hundreds of Flamingos in Washington Slagbaai National Park
Very soon you see, if you are lucky, hundreds of flamingos! And these flamingos are really pink in color. This is due to the combination of shrimp and algae they ingest. You cannot get really close, as flamingos are very shy. Respect nature and respect the distance.
Dunes, Turtles, and Blowholes
One of the first highlights of the tour is the stop at the dunes. Here Joop explained how sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand. And when you see the sea there… it’s wild! Did you know that of the 10,000 turtles born annually in Bonaire, maybe 10 reach older than 25?
We continue our way to the blowholes, where the power of the ocean comes to expression in spectacular waves against the coast. And with the blowhole you find here, that gives a beautiful effect. The salt water has created a moonscape here, where nothing seems to be able to grow.
Learn All About the Vegetation
During your safari through Washington Slagbaai National Park, you are surrounded by a diversity of vegetation. The rugged landscapes host a range of cacti, shrubs, and trees that have perfectly adapted to the dry climate of Bonaire. Your guide will tell you all about it.
From the old lighthouse, you also have an excellent overview of the large quantity of cacti in the area. You also read about the sad story of the former residents of the lighthouse. A fire, caused by a lightning strike, cost one person their life.
Snorkeling in Paradise at Wayaka 2
Just before lunch, it was time to snorkel in a beautiful bay. We swim among colorful fish and coral reefs. Unfortunately no turtle, but with a bit of luck you encounter one. This is Bonaire at its best: pristine, adventurous, and in the underwater world.
Lunchtime at Boca Slagbaai
The name “Slagbaai” refers to the dark past of Bonaire. Here goats were slaughtered in the past, salted, and shipped to Curaçao. Remains of this plantation period are still visible at Boca Slagbaai. Nowadays, you can even rent this house, but it is not luxurious. It is however an ideal spot to have lunch, and that’s what we did!
After lunch, you drive back towards the park exit. In the early afternoon, you are brought back to your hotel.
Bad Weather, Rain… Can You Still Go to Washington Slagbaai National Park?
Often it is possible, but whether you want to drive it yourself is another question. There is a good chance that you won’t get far with your own car, because many tourists do not have enough experience. The jeep safaris in Washington Slagbaai National Park run all year round. The guides have a lot of experience with the park and suitable cars for it. So even on a rainy day, you can book this excursion perfectly on Bonaire!
Make Sure You Have a STINAPA (Nature Fee)
STINAPA (Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire) is the organization responsible for managing Washington Slagbaai National Park and the Bonaire Marine Park. This is actually the entire coastline around Bonaire.
To visit the park, you need a Nature Fee. This fee contributes to the preservation of nature in the park. You can buy the Nature Fee online or at the park entrance. It costs $40 per person (13 years and older) and is valid for 1 year. Children up to 12 years pay a special children’s card for the park for $22.50.
We did this safari with Adventure Makers Bonaire. But there are multiple providers on Bonaire. Have lots of fun on your jeep safari in Bonaire already!
