Bonaire is a beautiful destination for a sun-drenched vacation. In addition to relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of activities to undertake. One of the most fun is taking a south loop with the scooter or golf cart. During this trip of about 35 kilometers, you discover the most beautiful spots in the southern part of Bonaire. We simply picked up our scooter at our hotel Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire. A real recommendation by the way!
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Drive the south loop counterclockwise
Most people drive the south loop counterclockwise, starting from Kralendijk. This is the best way to admire the sights and avoid oncoming traffic. In addition, you have a nice build-up to your day. You arrive around lunchtime at one of the most beautiful spots on Bonaire: Sorobon Beach. More on that later.
The highlights of a south loop
1. Salt Mines
The salt mines of Bonaire are a unique sight. Salt is still actively harvested here, and that gives a special effect to the water. The most common colors in salt pans on Bonaire are pink, red, and orange. This is due to the presence of pink bacteria and red algae. In shallow pans, green can also be dominant due to green algae.
The salt pans are also an ideal spot to snorkel, because this is one of the few points where you can easily walk in and out of the sea in the south of Bonaire. You will notice that it is already busy here early with divers and snorkelers.
2. The slave houses of Bonaire
During a south loop on Bonaire, you pass two clusters of slave houses. The slave houses are a silent witness to the dark past of Bonaire. The slaves lived in miserable conditions and had to work hard under extreme temperatures.
Make a stop at the slave houses and also take a moment to reflect on the history of the island.
3. Flamingos
Flamingos are inextricably linked to Bonaire. Although you can spot them at various places on the island, the chance is high that you will encounter them just before the old lighthouse. So look carefully!
Make sure you keep sufficient distance. Flamingos are very sensitive to people. If you scare them too much, they can stay away from this spot for a very long time. Respect the distance!
4. Old Lighthouse
The old lighthouse of Bonaire is a beloved photogenic object. From here you have a beautiful view over the coastline. My photo did not turn out very nice… but okay. You can easily stop here. The lighthouse is no longer in active use.
You will notice that the coastline here also becomes rougher. You are just past the southernmost point of the island.
5. Sorobon Beach (Jibe City)
Sorobon Beach is a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers. You can also swim, sunbathe, and have lunch at Jibe City here. My tip: Sit at the Hang Out Beachbar. You have a fantastic view over the kitesurfers and the lunch was delicious here too!
Do you park your scooter, golf cart, or car here? Then do not park at the very first parking spot you see. There is actually a resort here first. It saves you a short walk.
6. Donkey Sanctuary
From Sorobon Beach, you can easily cross the island straight to Kralendijk. Along the way, you find the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. At the Donkey Sanctuary, donkeys in need are sheltered. You can pet and cuddle the donkeys here. There are hundreds of donkeys to find here. And you are allowed to drive through on your scooter! The only vehicle not allowed is a quad.
When you drive through with the car, you are allowed to feed the donkeys carrots (these are sold at the entrance). Unfortunately, this is not allowed with your scooter, but it is absolutely fun! The entrance costs $ 9 per person and goes entirely to the donkey sanctuary.
You can also find a number of flamingos and land turtles at the donkey sanctuary. Fun to walk by for a bit.
Why go exploring on Bonaire with the scooter?
The scooter is an ideal means of transport to explore Bonaire. You are nice and flexible and can stop at the most beautiful places to enjoy the view or take a photo. Moreover, it is much cheaper than renting a car. We rented a scooter for as little as $ 21 per day at our hotel. A two-person scooter cost $ 27. We preferred to each have our own scooter.
Scooter or golf cart?
Another popular means of transport for tourists in Bonaire is the golf cart. Yes really, a golf cart. And that is also very fun to explore the island with! You sit cozily next to each other and you have shade from your own golf cart, which is not bad on a sunny day.
However, the golf cart also has disadvantages. First of all, locals do not like them very much. A golf cart goes a maximum of 30 km per hour. Locals drive much faster with their cars. You are therefore slower than with a scooter, but it is also a unique way to discover Bonaire. For the south loop, renting a golf cart is great fun!
Make your own consideration. A scooter is familiar to more people and goes faster. Most people do not often drive a golf cart, so it is fun to try out!
Tips for driving with the scooter
You will notice that the road becomes narrower the further you get away from the bustle. Cars also drive here, which want to pass you. Tourists will give you space, but locals drive past you hard. Take that into account. There are pullouts to stop, let faster traffic go ahead. You are on vacation anyway, so stop nicely and let them pass!
Refueling is done American style
You will have to return the scooter with a full tank. Refueling in Bonaire is a bit different from the Netherlands. You have to pay first, then you can refuel. If it does not work or you are in doubt? Just walk to the staff.
Planning to explore the north of Bonaire as well? This is what you need to know about Washington Slagbaai National Park.
