Overview
This ABC island really has an interesting city.
This 2-hour walk through the island's capital, Kralendijk, will be full of interesting facts. The first Europeans came to Bonaire in 1499 when two explorers arrived to the island and claimed it for Spain. Finding little of commercial value and seeing no future for large-scale agriculture, the Spanish decided not to develop the island. When they left, they took the locals and enslaved them, putting them to work on Hispaniola. Moving forward, the Dutch ultimately arrived and claimed three islands, now referred to as the ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Also called the Leeward Antilles, the islands are now protected under the Dutch government and have become very popular destinations for vacationing guests from around the world.
As you walk with your guide through the downtown area, you will learn that the oldest building in Bonaire is 380 years old, quite a surprise. The name of this city, Kralendijk, means 'coral reef' or 'coral dike' in Dutch and the residents of this island are vehement in restoring and preserving the surrounding reefs. Your walk will give you a much broader sense of the historical value of this and the other two islands because of their geographical placement - in the Caribbean but very near the northern coast of South America, particularly to Venezuela.
The variety of buildings, such as Fort Oranje where the customs office is now located, have been built by the order of the West India Company. So the oldest building is this one with its four cannons. The small fort was used as a defense until 1837. The guns originally came from a British warship from the 19th century, which never had to be used for a battle.
Most agree that the highest building on the island is the Authority House, also known as the Administration Office. According to an unwritten law, the buildings on Bonaire may not be higher than the Authority House. High-rises are therefore not really found on Bonaire, which contributes to the lovely nature of the island.
These sights, along with some other that have contributed to the present time on Bonaire. During your walk, you will have locations pointed out to you and you can return afterward on your own. There are many wonderful crafts people on the island and you will most likely want to revisit some of these shops at the end of your tour. Very useful in a lovely package are local products called Tropical Nature including a sunscreen that is safe to use in areas where the marine life needs protection.
Enjoy your walk around town. Surely you will want to backtrack when it is over and take a second look
- Please dress comfortably and wear good footwear.
- This is a walking tour and although the surface is mostly flat, you should be able to walk between 1.5 and 2 hours.
- A bottle of water is included.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- This tour is not recommended for those with back issues, pregnant women, those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- This tour does require a minimum. You will receive a full refund if the minimum is not met.
- This group size is up to 20 passengers.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 09:00 AM, duration: 2 hours
