The Bottom

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with The Bottom's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival in Bonaire and Kralendijk Orientation
morning
:

Touch down at Flamingo International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kralendijk. Unpack and relax with a fresh coconut juice by the waterfront. Chat with locals to gather insider tips and grab a traditional lunch in a colorful café.

afternoon
:

Join a guided walking tour through Kralendijk’s pastel streets and learn about Bonaire’s Dutch and Caribbean heritage. Visit the local art galleries and boutiques showcasing handcrafted jewelry and island-themed art. Cool off with an afternoon swim at the town pier before sunset.

evening
:

Dine at a seaside restaurant serving fresh seafood ceviche and salted cod dishes. Enjoy live music featuring local steel drums and guitar rhythms. Take a moonlit stroll along the water’s edge to cap off your first night.

day 2
Underwater Exploration at Bonaire Marine Park
morning
:

Head out with a certified dive operator to the Bonaire Marine Park for your first scuba diving session. Descend into crystal-clear waters and encounter vibrant coral reefs teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and turtles. Resurface to sip tropical fruit smoothies on the dive boat and share stories with fellow divers.

afternoon
:

Snorkel off Klein Bonaire, a protected islet known for its shallow reefs and abundant marine life. Relax on pristine white-sand beaches and spot rays gliding gracefully in the shallows. Enjoy a beach picnic of local specialties like spicy chicken and yucca fries.

evening
:

Return to Kralendijk for a sunset cocktail cruise along the coast. Watch as the sky bursts into shades of pink and orange over the Caribbean Sea. Back on land, sample island-inspired tapas at a laid-back bistro with open-air seating.

day 3
Mangrove Kayaking and Lac Bay Discovery
morning
:

Drive east to Lac Bay for a guided mangrove kayaking adventure through twisting waterways. Paddle alongside turquoise lagoons and learn about Bonaire’s unique mangrove ecology. Spot juvenile fish nurseries and colorful shorebirds taking flight.

afternoon
:

Wind down with windsurfing or paddleboarding in shallow, sheltered waters at Lac Bay. Enjoy a beachside lunch under palm-thatched huts, savoring fresh shrimp and mango salsa. Take time for a siesta in a hammock with the gentle bay breeze.

evening
:

Head back to Kralendijk for a beachfront barbecue with jerk chicken and grilled fish. Join a bonfire gathering on the sand, complete with drums and spontaneous dance circles. End the night gazing at the star-studded Caribbean sky.

day 4
Transfer to Sint Eustatius and Oranjestad Stroll
morning
:

Take the early ferry or flight to Sint Eustatius, known locally as Statia. Arrive in Oranjestad and check into a charming colonial guesthouse. Stroll through boutique-lined streets and admire well-preserved 18th-century architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation museum to explore artifacts from the island’s Golden Age of trade. Wander through the restored waterfront warehouses and learn about Statia’s role in Caribbean commerce. Pause for coffee and banana fritters at a cozy café.

evening
:

Sample authentic Dutch-Caribbean fusion cuisine—think bitterballen alongside plantain mash—at a family-run restaurant. Enjoy a relaxed evening on the waterfront promenade, watching fishing boats bob under lamplight. Unwind with a nightcap at your guesthouse’s rooftop terrace.

day 5
Hike The Quill Volcano and Golden Rock
morning
:

Set out early for a guided hike up The Quill, Sint Eustatius’s dormant volcano. Trek through lush rainforest, passing giant ferns and flowering orchids. Reach the crater rim for panoramic views across the Caribbean Sea.

afternoon
:

Descend and head to Golden Rock Estate for a historic plantation tour. Learn about colonial life, sugar cane cultivation, and the estate’s natural springs. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the freshwater pools fed by limestone springs.

evening
:

Return to Oranjestad for dinner at a seaside grill featuring lobster and coconut rice. Enjoy storytelling by a local guide recounting island legends under twinkling lights. Stroll back to your guesthouse through the soft glow of streetlamps.

day 6
Fort Orange, Dennis Beach and Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Explore Fort Orange’s ramparts overlooking Oranjestad harbor. Wander through historic barracks and imagine 17th-century life as colonial defenses. Capture photos of rusted cannons and sweeping sea views.

afternoon
:

Relax on Dennis Beach’s black volcanic sands, swimming or sunbathing beneath swaying palm trees. Indulge in a beachside lunch of grilled mahi-mahi and fruity slushies. Browse nearby craft stalls for handmade souvenirs.

evening
:

Join a local cooking workshop to master dishes like pepper pot stew and guavaberry rum punch. Share stories with your hosts while preparing ingredients in an open-air kitchen. Feast together on your homemade creations beneath the stars.

day 7
Ferry to Saba and Explore The Bottom
morning
:

Catch the early ferry to the vertical isle of Saba and arrive at Fort Bay. Transfer via winding road to The Bottom, Saba’s charming capital nestled in a valley. Check in to a cliffside cottage with panoramic mountain views.

afternoon
:

Take a guided walking tour of The Bottom, visiting the Saba Museum and historic government buildings. Sample local Saba spice cake at a neighborhood bakery and chat with friendly shopkeepers. Relax in the town square’s shaded gazebo while enjoying an island iced tea.

evening
:

Dine at a farm-to-table bistro specializing in Saban goat stew and fresh island vegetables. Enjoy live acoustic music featuring local artists performing original calypso tunes. End the evening with a stargazing session by the cottage’s terrace.

day 8
Hike Mount Scenery and Rainforest Trails
morning
:

Depart early with a certified guide for the Mount Scenery hike, Saba’s highest peak. Traverse emerald forest trails, spotting orchids and rare bird species. Pause at lookout points for dramatic vistas of neighboring islands.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit’s clearing, surrounded by misty cloud forest. Descend via alternate ridge trails that wind through volcanic rock formations. Return to The Bottom for a refreshing dip in a freshwater spring.

evening
:

Relax at a local tavern where fishermen bring in their daily catch for beachfront grilling. Savor grilled red snapper with lemon-butter sauce and garlicky broccolini. End the night with a quiet walk back to your cottage under moonlight.

day 9
Scuba Diving at Saba Marine Park and Ladder Bay
morning
:

Gear up for world-class diving in Saba Marine Park, renowned for pinnacles and sponges. Dive alongside nurse sharks, barracudas, and schools of tropical fish. Surface for a snack on the boat and share underwater photos with your dive buddy.

afternoon
:

Head to Ladder Bay for a snorkel in sheltered coral gardens. Climb the iconic ladder steps carved into the cliff face for cliffside viewpoints. Enjoy a casual beach lunch of sandwiches and fresh fruit.

evening
:

Return to The Bottom for a sunset cocktail at a cliffside lounge overlooking the Caribbean. Dine on fusion dishes combining Dutch, Caribbean, and international flavors. Unwind with a bedtime cup of herbal tea at your cottage.

day 10
Cultural Farewell and Departure
morning
:

Spend your last morning joining a local craft workshop—try basket weaving or shell jewelry making. Chat with artisans about Saba’s cultural traditions. Pick up a handmade keepsake to remember your trip.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a farewell lunch at a family-run café, sampling specialties like conch chowder and coconut-caramel tart. Take a final stroll through The Bottom’s quaint lanes and wave goodbye to friendly neighbors. Transfer back to Fort Bay for your ferry or charter flight departure.

evening
:

Reflect on your Caribbean odyssey under the evening sky during your journey home. Plan future visits as you recall coral reefs, rainforest peaks, and warm island hospitality. Arrive at your onward destination carrying vibrant memories of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.

Discover The Bottom

Read more in our The Bottom 2025 Travel Guide.

The Bottom Travel Guide