The northern part of Bonaire is largely rugged, unspoiled nature — and that is no accident. Washington Slagbaai National Park, established in 1969 as the oldest nature reserve in the Netherlands Antilles, covers some 5,500 hectares and offers Bonaire's most spectacular scenery: cactus fields, a rugged coastline with blue blowholes, flamingos at Salina Slagbaai, and Mount Brandaris with its view over the whole island. A day in WSNP is a must for anyone who wants to see more than just Kralendijk. This guide covers how to visit, which route to choose, and what to know.
What is Washington Slagbaai National Park?
The park consists of two former plantations — Washington (limestone, drier) and Slagbaai (lower, with salt pans) — merged into one nature reserve in 1979. It is managed by STINAPA, the same organisation that runs the marine park.
The park is home to some 200 bird species, including Caribbean flamingos, yellow orioles, parrots (Lora's) and pelicans. On land you'll find iguanas, donkeys, goats and lizards. The vegetation is mostly cactus, divi-divi trees and limestone scrub.
Opening hours and access
- Open: Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00–13:00 (last entry)
- Park closes: 17:00 (all visitors must be out by then)
- Closed: Mondays and certain public holidays
- Admission: included with your STINAPA Nature Tag ($40 per person per year, valid for both parks)
- Entrance: via the north-west coast, ~30 min drive from Kralendijk
At the entrance you get a map and a briefing. For some routes (the long one especially) 4WD is recommended — particularly after rain.
The two routes: short versus long
Short route (yellow markers) — ~25 km
Takes 2–3 hours with stops. Fine for ordinary cars in dry weather. Highlights:
- Salina Mathijs (salt pan with flamingos)
- Boka Slagbaai (old salt works, snorkeling)
- Pos Mangel (freshwater well, birding spot)
- Wayaka II (snorkel spot)
Long route (green markers) — ~35 km
Takes 4–5 hours with stops. 4WD recommended — some sections are rough tracks. Highlights:
- Boka Bartol (remote bay)
- Boka Kokolishi (blue blowhole)
- Playa Chikitu (wild beach, no swimming — strong currents)
- Kasikunda viewpoint
- Subi Brandaris (start of the hike)
- Salina Slagbaai (large salt pan with flamingos)
Subi Brandaris: Bonaire's highest peak
241 metres — not high, but the climb is tough. The top gives a 360-degree view over the island, Klein Bonaire, and on clear days even Curaçao and Venezuela.
- Distance: ~3.5 km round trip
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: moderately tough — the last stretch is rocky and steep
- Start: no later than 9:00 to avoid the heat
- Bring: at least 2 litres of water per person, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes
Snorkeling and diving in WSNP
The park has some of Bonaire's most pristine spots. Top sites:
- Boka Slagbaai: a sheltered bay, easy entry, flamingos often nearby
- Wayaka II: spectacular coral, few divers
- Playa Funchi: shore snorkeling, good fish life
- Boka Bartol: experienced snorkelers/divers only — remote, rougher water
What should you bring?
- Water: at least 3 litres per person — there is no drinking water in the park
- Lunch: no restaurants, bring your own food
- Fuel: fill up before you enter the park
- Spare tyre: the roads can puncture tyres
- First-aid kit: recommended
- Phone with an offline map: signal is patchy in places
- A snorkel set if you want to snorkel
Practical tips
- Leave early. Be at the entrance before 9:00. The park is busy by 11:00 and the heat intense.
- Renting 4WD is worth it. Especially for the long route or after rain.
- Allow time. The short route looks short on paper, but with stops, photos and snorkeling you're easily out for 4 hours.
- Don't handle the animals. The donkeys in the park are wild; don't feed them.
- Take your rubbish back. Leave nothing — this is a nature reserve.
What are those red/white/orange buildings at Salina Slagbaai?
Those are the historic slave huts, built in the 19th century for the enslaved people who worked the salt pans. They are now protected heritage and may not be entered, but can be photographed — a stark and moving reminder of Bonaire's history as a salt island.