Bonaire provides some stunning scenery for hikers. The Washington Slagbaai National Park is one of the best spots on the island to hike. It offers both hiking and walking trails. The park terrain is varied and those who are ambitious enough to climb some of the steep hills are rewarded with majestically sweeping views. If preferred, guides can be arranged through a local provider offering hiking tours.
The Washington-Slagbaai National Park hiking trails:
The Washington-Slagbaai National park features three trails. All three trails have orientation signs to guide you. Remember to bring adequate shoes, socks, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water!
The Kasikunda Climbing Trail
Accessibility: intermediate
Start: at the Park’s Visitor Center
Duration: 45 minutes
The Kasikunda Climbing Trail is a climb to the top of a volcanic hill. Its level of difficulty is high because of the uneven terrain and also the steepness of the climb. However, those who meet this challenge will be rewarded with the best view of North Bonaire, all the way from Malmok to Spelonk. The interpretation signs along the way explain some of the natural processes of the island.
The Lagadishi (“Lizard”) Walking Trail
Accessibility: easy
Start: at the Park’s Visitor Center
Duration: 2 hours
The Lagadishi walking trail brings you on a limestone plateau that provides you with a complete spectrum of Bonairian windward scenery: historic sites, xerophytic vegetation (plants such as cactus, which are adapted to dry habitat), sand dunes, mangroves, a salt pan (a shallow seawater lake, which evaporates seasonally leaving a residue of salt), blowholes, and a true oceanic beach are some of the components of this trail. Flamingos are frequently seen in the saltpan.
The Subí Brandaris Trail
Accessibility: difficult
Start: the base of the Brandaris hill
Duration: 1,5 hours
The Subí Brandaris Trail is a hike to the highest peak on Bonaire; 241 m (784 ft.) high. This is a medium-difficulty climb, and the view from the top is a really fantastic reward for making the trip. On a clear day, you can see the island of Curaçao and, on exceptionally clear days, the Santa Ana Hill in the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela, and the mountain range south of Puerto Cabello, Venezuela.
Unlike the other trails, the Subí Brandaris trail does not start at the Visitor Center of the Park; you need a vehicle to enter the Park and take you to the base of the hill. Hikers to the Brandaris are required to be at the Park before noon: Begin your hike early in the morning; the cooler temperatures are more comfortable for hikers and the resident animals are more likely to be seen.
Around the small town of Rincon, several hiking trails are situated. These hiking trails are higlighted below. Remember to bring adequate shoes, socks, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water!
Roi Sango hiking trail
An easy hike of about 45 minutes, in half shade and on a gentle slope. You hike through a special area with a view of large rock formations and the sea.
Dos Pos hiking trail
This brisk walk with some gentle slopes leads you through the rough nature of Rincon. The hike takes about an hour. Along the way, you get a beautiful view of Goto Lake.
Montaña hiking trail
Montaña means mountain. This hiking trail takes just about an hour and a half and rises constantly. You reach the top of the hill by climbing a little, after which you will be rewarded with a splendid view over the hills and the sea. There are beautiful old trees along this trail.
Bara di karta vicinity hiking trails:
Bara di karta hiking trail
This hiking trail takes you to the top of the Bara di Karta Hill of 57 meters high. Here you get a wonderful view of a great part of Bonaire. It is a hike of about 15 minutes, including a short climb.
Red Hill hiking trail
This is a pretty challenging trail which takes you round the Red Hill towards the Lagun beach and back, in about an hour and a half. The sea on this Eastern side is pretty rough where you see the waves smashing on the rocks on windy days, providing a magnificent spectacle.
Seru largu vicinity hiking trails:
Chanti Wawa hiking trail
This hiking trail takes you to the top of the Chanti Wawa Hill. Here you get a wonderful view of Tras di Montaña and the East coast. It is a hike of about 30 minutes, including a short but steep climb.
Admire the red Palu di sia trees along this trail.
Seru Largu hiking trail
The Seru Largu trail is an easy walk of about 45 minutes. You will get a great view of Kralendijk, Tras di Montaña, and the East coast. Along with this trail there are many brazil trees, and none of them look the same.