
Willemstoren Lighthouse
Bonaire's oldest lighthouse, standing since 1837, offering historical charm and scenic coastal views at the island's southern tip.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos

Willemstoren Lighthouse
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bonaire's oldest lighthouse, standing since 1837, offering historical charm and scenic coastal views at the island's southern tip.
"Interesting place to see and fantastic for photos later on in the day with the sunset."

📸 Sunset Photo Ops
Visit late afternoon for breathtaking sunset views. The lighthouse is a stunning subject against the colorful sky.
🚗 Rent a Car or Tour
Access is best via rental car or guided tour to see other southern attractions.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 226 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Willemstoren Lighthouse
Southernmost tip of Bonaire
Bonaire's oldest lighthouse, standing since 1837. A picturesque landmark against the Caribbean backdrop.

Abandoned Keeper's Quarters
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Explore the atmospheric ruins of the lighthouse keeper's house, offering a glimpse into the past.

Flamingo & Donkey Sightings
Surrounding areas
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including flamingos and donkeys, often spotted near the lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Willemstoren
Getting to the Southern Tip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
Visit late afternoon for breathtaking sunset views. The lighthouse is a stunning subject against the colorful sky.
🚗 Rent a Car or Tour
Access is best via rental car or guided tour to see other southern attractions.
🦩 Wildlife Spotting
Look for flamingos and donkeys in the vicinity; they're often seen nearby.
🚶 Explore the Ruins
Wander around the abandoned lighthouse keeper's house for a touch of history.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
Visit late afternoon for breathtaking sunset views. The lighthouse is a stunning subject against the colorful sky.
🚗 Rent a Car or Tour
Access is best via rental car or guided tour to see other southern attractions.
🦩 Wildlife Spotting
Look for flamingos and donkeys in the vicinity; they're often seen nearby.
🚶 Explore the Ruins
Wander around the abandoned lighthouse keeper's house for a touch of history.
🚫 No Interior Access
Remember, you can't go inside the lighthouse itself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Willemstoren Lighthouse to be a picturesque and historically interesting landmark on Bonaire's southern tip. While the lighthouse itself is inaccessible, the surrounding grounds, the ruins of the keeper's house, and the chance to see wildlife like flamingos and donkeys are highlights. It's often described as a worthwhile stop on island tours, offering great photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
"Came here on a cruise ship and paid for a local cruise when we got off the boat. This was one of the stops and it was nice, but boring."
Iris San Miguel
"Interesting place to see and fantastic for photos later on in the day with the sunset. You can't go in but there are interesting rock piles and beach combing opportunities. Across the road you may see flamingos and up the road are more ruins and the Red Slave structures."
Cory Sakai
"Very remote and worth the ride. Donkeys and flamingos are abundant."
Alarider USA
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Willemstoren Lighthouse is located at the southern tip of Bonaire. The most convenient ways to get there are by renting a car or joining a guided island tour. Many tours include stops at the lighthouse as part of a southern route exploration.
Yes, it's quite a drive from Kralendijk, located at the southernmost point of the island. The journey offers scenic views and opportunities to see other attractions.
Taxis are available, and some visitors have found them to be a more affordable option than organized tours, especially if you negotiate a price for a tour of the southern part of the island.
Nearby attractions include the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, the Red Slave Huts, and Pink Beach. It's often visited as part of a southern island tour.
The roads leading to the lighthouse are generally paved, making it accessible for most vehicles. However, some unpaved sections might be encountered on broader island tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the grounds of Willemstoren Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public for interior visits.
The grounds around Willemstoren Lighthouse are accessible at any time. However, the lighthouse structure is closed to visitors.
There is no entrance fee for the area around Willemstoren Lighthouse. It's a scenic spot to visit as part of exploring the southern part of Bonaire.
Unfortunately, tourists cannot go inside the Willemstoren Lighthouse. It is a historical structure preserved for its significance.
Visitors should avoid climbing the structure or disturbing its fragile remains. The focus is on appreciating the exterior and the historical context.
📸 📸 Photography
The late afternoon, especially during the golden hour leading up to sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographs of the lighthouse.
You can capture stunning shots of the lighthouse against the sea, the ruins of the keeper's house, and potentially wildlife like flamingos and donkeys.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local Bonaire drone laws before flying. Some videos show aerial shots, suggesting it might be possible under certain conditions.
Absolutely. The stark beauty of the lighthouse, the rugged coastline, and the vast sky make it an excellent location for landscape photography.
Yes, flamingos are often seen in the nearby salt pans and sanctuaries. Be respectful of their space and use a zoom lens for close-up shots.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
You can admire the exterior of the lighthouse, explore the ruins of the keeper's house, enjoy the coastal scenery, and look for local wildlife like flamingos and donkeys.
Generally, it's not very crowded, especially outside of peak cruise ship arrival times. Its remote location contributes to a more peaceful experience.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding area. Light, breathable clothing is suitable for the tropical climate.
There are no facilities directly at the lighthouse. It's advisable to use restrooms and purchase any necessities before heading to this remote location.
While there's a coastline, swimming directly at the lighthouse might not be ideal due to rocky shores and currents. There are better-known beaches for swimming on Bonaire.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit