Last week our team and some family members, took the bold (rocky) step to climb a “mountain” from the top-20 highest points in the (Caribbean) Netherlands!
Team Sunwise Bonaire enjoys exploring the most beautiful places on the island to provide our guests with an unforgettable experience. This time, we and some family members put on our hiking boots to climb the iconic Brandaris – Bonaire’s highest point!
Brandaris: A piece of history and location
The Brandaris is located in the Washington Slagbaai National Park, in northwestern Bonaire. At 241 meters, it is not only the highest point on the island, but also one of the highest peaks in the Dutch Caribbean. The mountain plays an important role in the navigation of ships. It also offers a breathtaking view of the island and the Caribbean Sea.
The summit is accessible via a challenging hiking trail. For nature lovers, it is a great opportunity to discover Bonaire’s unique flora and fauna. During the climb you will encounter different species of cacti, aloe plants and even iguanas.
Subí Brandaris Bonaire Trail
The hike to the top of the Brandaris is an adventurous experience that takes an average of 2.5 hours (there and back). This depends on the hiking pace. The trail begins at the starting point in Washington Slagbaai National Park, and along the way the landscape gradually changes to a rocky terrain with steep slopes.
Practical information:
Difficulty: Medium to difficult (steep sections and rocky terrain)
Supplies: Sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat/cap and plenty of water
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours up, 1 hour down
Entrance: Entry to Washington Slagbaai National Park requires a Bonaire Nature Tag
Our experience
As we began the climb, we immediately enjoyed the beautiful scenery and silence of nature. The higher we got, the more the landscape changed. It was a hot day, and we were glad we had brought enough water!
Once at the top, we were rewarded with a 360-degree view of Bonaire. On clear days you can even see Curaçao and Aruba in the distance. Unfortunately, that was not granted to us this time – but that gives us a reason to go back again!
Sunwise’s Hidden Gems
Best time to climb the Brandaris
The best time to climb the Brandaris is early in the morning. The park opens at 08:00, and we recommend starting right then. In the early morning hours it is not too hot yet and you can fully enjoy the peace and nature. In addition, you are more likely to spot animals, such as lizards and birds of prey.
Where to snorkel after the hike?
After the strenuous climb, there is nothing better than a refreshing dip in the sea. Wayaka in Washington Slagbaai National Park is a beautiful snorkeling spot with clear blue waters and diverse marine life. This beach offers colorful coral reefs and a great chance of spotting sea turtles. A perfect end to an adventurous day!
A must-see for our guests
Climbing the Brandaris was a great experience for Team Sunwise Bonaire, and we highly recommend this hike for adventurous guests. It is a unique opportunity to see Bonaire from a different perspective and enjoy one of the most beautiful views on the island. Would you like to take this hike? Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a camera for the ultimate experience!
