Photo Bonaire: how to capture the island at its most beautiful

Bonaire is an island that practically begs to be photographed. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or simply heading out with your smartphone, a great photo Bonaire connects with people instantly. The turquoise water, the pink flamingos at Gotomeer, the colourful coral reefs just metres from shore — this island offers endless subjects. At Sunwise Bonaire we see every day how guests are surprised by the photogenic power of this extraordinary place, and we are happy to share our best tips.

Why Bonaire is such a remarkable island for photography

Bonaire is unique in the Caribbean region. The island has almost no heavy industry, very little light pollution and an ecologically conscious culture that keeps nature intact. You notice this immediately in your photos. Colours are more intense, the sky is clearer and the landscape is unspoiled. STINAPA, the organisation that manages Washington Slagbaai National Park and the marine park, ensures that Bonaire’s underwater world remains among the best-preserved on the planet. That is precisely what makes a photo Bonaire — both above and below the surface — such a special experience.

Furthermore, the island is compact. In a single day you can drive past flamingos, pink-tinted salt pans, cactus landscapes and crystal-clear water. Every bend in the road delivers a new shot.

The best spots for a photo Bonaire

We know this island inside and out, and these locations are at the top of our list:

• Gotomeer — home to hundreds of flamingos, best photographed in the early morning when the light is soft and rosy.
• Salt pans (Cargill Salt) — the white salt mountains and red salt pans in the south are surreally beautiful, especially at sunset.
• 1000 Steps — an iconic dive site in the north where the dramatic limestone cliffs above water are equally photogenic.
• Klein Bonaire — the uninhabited islet opposite Kralendijk offers white sand, clear water and few tourists, making it perfect for beach portraits.
• Washington Slagbaai National Park — rugged landscapes, wild donkeys, sea turtles and secluded bays you will not find anywhere else.

Each of these spots demands a different approach. At Gotomeer, keep your distance so you do not disturb the flamingos. At the salt pans, play with symmetry and reflections. At 1000 Steps, it is all about the dramatic rock faces and the deep blue of the sea.

Underwater photography: photo Bonaire on another level

Bonaire is globally recognised as one of the finest dive destinations in the world. The coral reef sometimes starts at just one metre of depth, right in front of the beach. That makes the island accessible even for snorkellers with an underwater camera. The STINAPA marine park regulations protect the reef, which means biodiversity here is exceptionally high.

For a great underwater photo on Bonaire, keep the following in mind:

• Dive early in the morning — light penetrates best then and the water is usually calmer.
• Use a red filter or shoot in RAW and correct colours in post-processing.
• Always stay at least one metre from the coral — for your shot and for the reef.
• Look for high-contrast compositions: a yellow coral branch against a deep blue background always works.
• Wait for the moment — fish move fast, but they always return to their territory.

Even with a simple GoPro you will achieve impressive results on Bonaire, because the water is so exceptionally clear. Visibility here regularly exceeds thirty metres.

Inspiration from the Capture Bonaire Photo Contest

Every year, Tourism Corporation Bonaire organises the Capture Bonaire Photo Contest. In 2026, the competition received more than 330 entries under the theme ‘A Different Kind of Summer’. The winning photographs on this page, by photographers including Erick Alvarez, Maddy and Nancy van Maanen, show just how diverse the gaze on Bonaire can be. From vibrant underwater scenes to intimate landscape portraits, the island inspires photographers at every level.

Elesiër Angel, CEO of Tourism Corporation Bonaire, put it well: “The Capture Bonaire Photo Contest allows participants to share what Bonaire means to them, while allowing us to see our island through their eyes.” We recognise that feeling completely. Every guest who stays with us goes home with images they will never forget.

Making the most of your photo Bonaire stay with Sunwise

Where you stay shapes which photos you take. The Belnem neighbourhood, quietly situated on the southern side of Kralendijk, gives you direct access to the reef and puts you just minutes from the salt pans and the flamingos in the south. Our holiday home Belnem Breeze – Kas Gosa is within walking distance of the water, making it an ideal base for photographers who want to be out at first light.

Practical tips for photographers staying with Sunwise Bonaire:

• Ask us for the best sunrise times at specific locations — they shift with the season.
• Rent a car or scooter, because the most beautiful spots are spread across the island.
• Bring extra memory cards — on Bonaire you always take more photos than planned.
• Visit the north of the island on a weekday for fewer crowds at Washington Slagbaai.

Bonaire is not an island you forget quickly, and with the right photographs you take a piece of this paradise home with you. We are here to help you make your stay as photogenic as possible. Get in touch with us and let’s plan the perfect photo Bonaire experience together.