An unforgettable day in the Washington Slagbaai National Park
Discover rugged Washington Slagbaai National Park Bonaire: snorkel, hike, spot wildlife and stay overnight in historic cottages. Experience unspoiled nature, adventure and silence in a unique place. With tips on itineraries, lodging and preparation, get the most out of your visit.
Rugged rocky shores. Bright pink flamingos in the sky. Snorkeling among vibrant coral. That’s Washington Slagbaai National Park. Located in the north of the island, the nature reserve offers a mix of tranquility, adventure and unspoiled nature. Anyone who spends a day here is guaranteed to go home with sand in their shoes and a head full of impressions.
But beware: you won’t get there overnight. This park on Bonaire requires a bit of preparation. And that starts here.
Why go to Washington Slagbaai National Park?
There are plenty of beautiful places on Bonaire, but Washington Slagbaai is different. Here you don’t drive on asphalt, but on dirt roads. Along the way you’ll pass old plantation buildings, like Herrera’s, and pass quiet bays like Wayaka. Chances are you’ll spot a turtle, an iguana or a swarm of loras along the way. Or all three. And if you’re quiet, you may not even hear anything except the wind and birds.
You can swim in shallow bays, snorkel over vibrant reefs, or simply sit on a rock and stare out to sea. And if you really feel like action, climb the Brandaris – the highest mountain on the island.
When do you go and how do you get there?
The park is open Tuesday through Sunday, from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon. No one is allowed in after 2:30 in the afternoon. So come on time, especially if you plan to see a lot. Please note that the park may be closed in bad weather or during holidays. Therefore, always check the STINAPA website in advance.
Buy tickets in advance online through STINAPA (Nature Tag). The cost is forty dollars per person for adults. Children under twelve get in free, unless they are also diving.
There is no restaurant, no store, no snack bar. So bring your own food and especially lots of water. A cooler is handy if you’re staying all day. And believe me: you will stay a whole day.
Over unpaved paths and cacti
Most people go by car. A 4×4 is ideal, but an ordinary car with some extra ground clearance will do just fine as well. The roads are rough and full of potholes, especially after rain. You drive slowly, often no faster than thirty kilometers per hour.
On a bicycle is also possible. Be sure to choose a sturdy mountain bike with thick tires. Bring a tire repair kit because cactus spines are everywhere on the road. Hiking is possible, but you will be limited to the area near the entrance. For longer trips or climbs, such as the Brandaris, you must leave early and be well prepared.
Routes: short, long and always impressive
There are two car routes in the park: a short one and a long one. The short route leads you through the interior quickly to Slagbaai beach. Ideal if you mainly want to swim or snorkel. The long route is more adventurous. It runs along the northeast coast, with views of the wild sea, rock formations and unique bird areas. Eventually both routes converge again.
There are also four hiking trails in the park, the most famous being the climb to the Brandaris. You reach the top after a tough hike, but the view makes up for everything.
Highlights not to be missed
- Snorkeling at Wayaka II is highly recommended. The water there is crystal clear, the coral brightly colored and the fish swim around you like you belong. Don’t forget your snorkel set and towel. And your swimwear, of course, because there are no changing rooms – except at Boka Slagbaai itself.
- In the museum at the entrance, you will learn about the old plantations and the history of the area. The buildings there used to be the overseer’s office and store. Now they tell the story of how Herrera saved the park from developers.
For the truly adventurous: spending the night in the park
There are three simple cottages in Slagbaai where you can stay overnight, suitable for groups of up to 20 people. They are basic, but just right if you want to camp in the middle of nature. Each cottage has a toilet, shower and running water (not drinkable). Furthermore, there is no electricity, so you really are away from it all. That means: bring your own everything. Think of an airbed, sleeping bag, food, enough drinking water, cooking utensils and a good flashlight.
Camping in the park is allowed only on weekends. The cost is $90 per night, with a $100 deposit. You pay the entrance fee (Nature Tag) for the park separately. Pets and generators are not allowed. This is pure, simple lodging as it was once intended – under the stars, surrounded by silence.
Prefer something more comfortable?
Don’t feel like spending the night primitively? No problem. Just drive back to Kralendijk after your day in the park and stay in one of these comfortable accommodations. From modern apartments to luxury villas with pools – everything you need to recover from an adventurous day.
You enjoy air conditioning, good beds and cold drinks at your fingertips. No lugging coolers, no sand in your sleeping bag. Just relax and reminisce.
This park will not let you go
Anyone who has spent a day in Washington Slagbaai National Park is guaranteed to come back. Whether you come for the tranquility, nature or the sheer raw beauty of the landscape – this park grabs you. And it won’t let you go again.
Plan your visit well, take your time, and above all, don’t forget to enjoy yourself.