A Day of Adventure in Washington Slagbaai National Park

Whenever we plan a day in Washington Slagbaai National Park, we make sure it hasn’t rained recently—otherwise, some of the tracks might be closed. This park is a real treasure, covering the entire northern head of Bonaire, which is about 17% of the island. It’s home to over 500 different plant and animal species, and recent research even shows that people lived here as far back as 3,600 years ago. There’s a deep sense of history and nature in this place, and we always look forward to exploring it.

We always start early, packing up snacks, drinks, and lunch in the cooler bag (there’s one in the villa for guests to use!). It’s essential since you won’t find many places to buy food once you’re in the park. The drive to the park is beautiful, and getting there early means you can enjoy the day without worrying about the heat or closing times.

Our first stop is usually a hike up Brandaris, the highest point on the island. If you don’t leave early enough, it can get too hot to fully enjoy the hike. The trail is a bit of a workout, but the view from the top is well worth the effort—you can see the entire island spread out below, and on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Venezuela in the distance.

After the hike, we take a day to explore the rest of the park. It’s easy to spend hours driving the dirt roads, stopping at different points to snorkel and take in the scenery. One of our favorite snorkeling spots is Wayaka 2. The water is always clear, and the marine life here is stunning. We also love Boca Slagbaai, which has a peaceful beach and even a cliff where you can jump into the water if you’re feeling adventurous!

Lunch is always a casual affair—sandwiches from the cooler, eaten at one of the beach stops. It’s simple, but there’s something about sitting there, surrounded by nature, that makes it feel special. We usually end up spending a bit longer than planned, just enjoying the tranquility of the park.

One thing to keep in mind: Washington Slagbaai National Park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday, but no entry is allowed after 2:30 PM, and the park is closed on public holidays, so we always double-check the schedule before we go. Another important detail is that you need to have paid the nature fee to enter the park, which is $40 per person for anyone over the age of 13. This fee also covers swimming, snorkeling, and diving around the island and can be paid through the STINAPA website. STINAPA is the organization that manages Bonaire’s nature parks on behalf of the Bonairian government. The money goes towards conservation efforts, helping to protect Bonaire’s stunning marine and natural environments.

By the time we head out of the park, we’re usually ready to return to the villa for a quiet evening. But first, we make one last stop at Pasa Bon Pizza for a casual dinner. After a full day of adventure, nothing beats a pizza enjoyed on the balcony with the sunset as the backdrop.

For us, a day in Washington Slagbaai is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and getting in touch with Bonaire’s raw beauty. It’s a side of the island that feels wild and untouched, and we always leave feeling refreshed and inspired.