A Family Guide to Bonaire: Exploring the Island with Kids

We’ve been coming to Bonaire as a family for over 20 years, and one of the things we love most about the island is how family-friendly it is. Whether your kids are into snorkeling, animals, or just enjoying a fun day at the beach, Bonaire has something for everyone. Here’s our guide to exploring Bonaire with kids—based on our own experiences over the years.

Beaches and Snorkeling
Bonaire is known for its incredible snorkeling, and the great thing is that many of the best spots are easy to access, even for younger kids. One of our top recommendations is to spend time at Te Amo Beach. It’s a great place for families to enjoy a swim, and the shallow waters make it perfect for little ones. The white sand beach is a safe, relaxing spot where you can spend the day playing in the water and building sandcastles. Don’t forget to bring snorkeling gear—the calm waters offer fantastic underwater views, even just a few feet from shore.

For a bit more adventure, head to 1000 Steps. Despite its name, there aren’t really 1000 steps, and the walk down to the beach is well worth it! The snorkeling here is fantastic, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle. It’s one of those places that makes the kids feel like explorers discovering a hidden world beneath the sea.

The Donkey Sanctuary
One of the most popular stops for families is the Donkey Sanctuary. Bonaire is home to hundreds of donkeys, and the sanctuary provides a safe haven for them. Kids love getting up close and personal with the donkeys, feeding them, and learning about the island’s history. It’s an easy, educational stop that the whole family will enjoy.

Windsurfing at Jibe City
For slightly older kids (and adventurous parents), Jibe City at Lac Bay is the perfect place to try windsurfing. The shallow, calm waters of Lac Bay make it a safe and ideal location for beginners. The Hangout Bar nearby also offers a great spot to relax and grab lunch while the kids are out on the water. Even if you’re not windsurfing, it’s fun to watch the pros and soak up the energy of the bay.

Family-run, Family-oriented
When you’re traveling with kids, having a comfortable place to stay is key. That’s one of the reasons we designed both Villa Vos and Kas Vos with families in mind. Both properties have plenty of space for everyone to spread out, with three bedrooms and enough room to enjoy privacy while also having shared spaces to connect. Whether it’s an afternoon relaxing on the terrace or playing on the beach just steps from the villa, there’s always something to do.

The kitchens in both properties are fully equipped, making it easy to prepare meals if you want to stay in. And the outdoor dining spaces are perfect for enjoying a meal together after a day of exploring. The proximity to Kralendijk also makes it convenient to pop into town for groceries or a quick bite.

Staying at Villa Vos and Kas Vos means that you have all the comforts of home, but with the added bonus of being right on the water. It’s the ideal setup for a family holiday where everyone can relax, recharge, and enjoy Bonaire’s natural beauty together.

Final Tips for Families

• Pack lots of sunscreen! The Bonaire sun is strong, and reapplying throughout the day is key, especially for kids.
• Bring snacks and water with you on excursions—many of the more remote beaches don’t have facilities, and it’s always good to be prepared.
• Don’t forget the hats and sunglasses. Even on windy days, the sun can be intense.
• Have fun! Bonaire is such an easygoing island, and with so much to do, you’ll never run out of family-friendly adventures.