Washington Slagbaai National Park
Explore Bonaire's rugged northern tip at Washington Slagbaai National Park, a vast nature reserve with diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, and pristine...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Washington Slagbaai National Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Bonaire's rugged northern tip at Washington Slagbaai National Park, a vast nature reserve with diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, and pristine snorkeling spots.
"A must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers, offering stunning landscapes and incredible snorkeling."
🚗 Rent a 4x4 Vehicle
Essential for navigating rough park roads. A Jimny or pickup is ideal.
💧 Bring Ample Water & Food
No services inside the park. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brandaris Peak
Highest point in Bonaire
Hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters.
Boka Slagbaai
Scenic beach within the park
Discover crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and soft sand beaches perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for diverse bird species, including flamingos, and various reptiles in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle & Road Conditions
Pack Essentials for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a 4x4 Vehicle
Essential for navigating rough park roads. A Jimny or pickup is ideal.
💧 Bring Ample Water & Food
No services inside the park. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure!
🤿 Pack Your Snorkel Gear
Discover amazing underwater life at spots like Boka Slagbaai.
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Recommended for beach areas with fossilized coral.
Trip Tips
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a 4x4 Vehicle
Essential for navigating rough park roads. A Jimny or pickup is ideal.
💧 Bring Ample Water & Food
No services inside the park. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure!
🤿 Pack Your Snorkel Gear
Discover amazing underwater life at spots like Boka Slagbaai.
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Recommended for beach areas with fossilized coral.
⏰ Allow 1.5-4 Hours
Time varies depending on route and stops. Plan accordingly!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Washington Slagbaai National Park for its stunning natural beauty, excellent snorkeling at Boka Slagbaai, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. However, many note the challenging, rough roads requiring a 4x4 vehicle and the lack of facilities, emphasizing the need to bring all supplies. Some found the entrance fee high for the perceived value, especially if not utilizing all the park's offerings.
"A must see when you visit Bonaire. Make sure you bring a 4x4 and your snorkelkit.
Important: When you want to snorkel or dive at Bonaire you have to pay a nature fee (STINAPA). With this you can also enter the park for free."
Dennis van den Akker
"A must visit if you are in Bonaire! Nice wildlife and good snorkeling spots. Be prepared and bring a lot of water and food, especially if you are doing the long route."
Anne van Veldhuizen
"Nothing really of interest here that was worth paying $80 for the two of us to enter the park yes idea for hikers not recommend you take a car into the park even with a pick up truck. It was a rough ride. The roads are really bad yes to say to see on the cliff you can see that anywhere. expected to see more wildlife the entrance down to the beach is really sketchy. If you’re young and healthy you would have a little bit of a problem. Otherwise it’s tough to get down to the beach. definitely have to wear water shoes. It could take anywhere from one and a half to four hours getting around the park we took the short route because the roads and the ride was so rough. there is nowhere in the park to use bathroom until you before the exit. There is no place in the park to get water or soda or anything to eat so bring something with you. Seen a lot of people discard the cigarettes and plastic bottles. I am a smoker and I bring a bottle with me to put my ashes in overall not a great experience. Nothing that stuck out said oh wow look at this. So just remember it’s $40 per person.
Sometimes your maximum speed will be 15 to 18 km down to 5 to 7. There are some major potholes and bumps. The were some flamingos, but not a lot. We drove around the park and the most we seen was at the exit them. flamingos are very shy, so people were walking up to them, which scares them. They fly away. There was a sign posted. Don’t go past the sign, but people just ignored it."
Brendan O'Byrne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located on the northern tip of Bonaire. You'll need to drive there, and a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended due to the rough road conditions within the park.
Reviewers consistently recommend a 4x4 vehicle, such as a Jimny or a pickup truck, to handle the major potholes and rutted roads. Standard cars are not advised.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, many Bonaire tour operators offer excursions that may include visits to the park. It's advisable to check with local tour providers.
Washington Slagbaai National Park is located on the northern side of Bonaire, approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Kralendijk, depending on traffic and road conditions.
It is not recommended. The roads are very rough with significant potholes and bumps, making it a difficult and potentially damaging ride for a regular car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $40 per person. This fee also grants you free entry to the park if you have paid the STINAPA nature fee.
If you plan to snorkel or dive at Bonaire's marine parks, you must pay the STINAPA nature fee. This fee also covers your entry into Washington Slagbaai National Park.
The park is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry usually around 3:00 PM. It's always best to confirm current hours before your visit.
Yes, tickets can be purchased at the park entrance. However, it's advisable to have cash or a credit card ready.
The rough terrain and steep paths to some beaches can be challenging. Visitors who are young and healthy might manage, but it can be tough for others. Water shoes are recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include hiking to Brandaris Peak for panoramic views, snorkeling and relaxing at Boka Slagbaai beach, and spotting diverse wildlife like flamingos and iguanas.
The park offers a short and a long route. The long route takes about 4 hours and allows you to see more sites and snorkel at designated spots.
There are very limited facilities. Restrooms are generally only available near the exit. It's crucial to bring all your own supplies.
The park is home to various bird species, including flamingos, as well as iguanas and other reptiles.
Yes, snorkeling is excellent, especially at Boka Slagbaai, which features crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens teeming with colorful fish.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning landscapes from Brandaris Peak, the unique coastline, the charming colonial buildings at Boka Slagbaai, and the diverse wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A waterproof camera or housing is ideal for snorkeling shots.
No, it's unsafe to take photos while driving due to the rough roads and slow speeds. Pull over at designated spots or viewpoints to take pictures.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and can be better for wildlife spotting. Midday sun can be harsh.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of wildlife and avoid disturbing them. Do not trespass on private areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🥾 Adventure Seekers & Hikers
Be prepared for uneven terrain and bring sturdy hiking shoes. The park's raw, untouched nature provides a Jurassic Park-like atmosphere without the dinosaurs, making it an unforgettable experience for those who enjoy the wild. 🐠 Snorkelers & Divers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Vehicle Choice and Road Conditions
When planning your visit, consider that the park offers both a short and a long route. The long route is more comprehensive, taking approximately 4 hours to complete, and allows for stops at various marked sites and opportunities for snorkeling.
Exploring Boka Slagbaai: A Coastal Gem
The beach itself is a unique mix of soft sand and fossilized coral, which is why wearing water shoes is a smart recommendation to protect your feet.
Wildlife Encounters and Conservation
Keep your eyes peeled for the park's most iconic avian residents, the flamingos, which can often be spotted in the salt flats and lagoons. Beyond the flamingos, the park is also home to various other bird species and iguanas. The park's conservation efforts aim to protect these animals and their environment. Visitors play a crucial role in this by adhering to park rules, such as not feeding the wildlife and properly disposing of any trash.
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