Bonaire

The salt pans on the southern part of the island are among Bonaire's most curious attractions. The 15-metre-high pyramids contain 10,000 tons of salt, which is extracted through solar dehydration from the surrounding ponds. The landscape is also dotted with slave huts: the small, 150 cm tall structures are mere reminders of a dark period in the island's history.

The sea surrounding Bonaire is entirely part of the Bonaire National Marine Park, whose reefs and mangroves are home to the best preserved and the most diverse marine life in the Caribbean. There are nearly 90 dive sites in Bonaire, the most well-known ones being the 1000 Steps Beach, the popular wreck of Hilma Hooker, the deserted island of Klein Bonaire and Bari Reef, whose richness is unique even from a Bonairean perspective. Dive sites are indicated with big rocks painted yellow across the island to help underwater enthusiasts find the location they seek.

Bonairean landscapes are brimming with vibrant flamingos, the island being one of the world's only four breeding grounds for the pink-hued birds — who get their iconic colour from the brine shrimp in the water. Bonaire's go-to place for birdwatching is Pekelmeer Lake, which is located near the salt pans. It's worth hiring a car to explore the area, but don't forget to bring your binoculars as you can only observe the flamingos from a distance. If you are headed elsewhere, both Goto Lake (Goto Meer) and Lac Bay give you spectacular views of the birds.

Founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, Rincón is the oldest settlement not only of Bonaire but the entire Dutch Caribbean. Its location, in the valley, once provided shelter from pirates. Today, it offers great hiking options with breathtaking views. As a cultural centre, it is home to attractions such as the rock formations of Gruta Lourdes, a pilgrimage site, and the Kas Krioyo, an authentic Bonairean building that currently houses a museum. The island's only distillery, Cadushy, is also located here, and it is worth timing your visit so you can celebrate with the locals on Rincón Day on 30 April.

The island of Bonaire is blessed on all sides with the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea, making it ideal for a range of water sports. If you want to try kayaking, few places offer a better backdrop than the mangrove forest of Lac Bay, which — like 60% of the island's territory — is part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. Guided tours are the perfect combination of sports and exploring the local wildlife.

A small but informative museum where you can learn a lot about the history of Bonaire and the Caribbean. Exploring the artefacts and paintings on display make for an interesting cultural tour, through which you can learn about indigenous peoples, colonisation, and other historical events that took place in the region. The museum has fixed as well as temporary exhibitions, from time to time showcasing the works of local artists.

With hundreds of rescued animals, the sanctuary has been home to the island's donkeys since 1993, often saving their lives by adopting them straight from the street. Make friends with some long-eared residents, even from the comfort of your own car — you can even buy grass pallets to feed them — then round off the experience with a tour in the gift shop or a drink on the panoramic terrace.

Thanks to steady wind conditions, the east coast of Bonaire is ideal for land sailing (or blokarting) almost all year round. The sport has origins going back to the ancient Egyptians, and it makes for a fun and eco-friendly activity that anyone can try after a short training session. Weather is usually not an issue — and with friendly winds, you will reach a speed of 30–40 km/h — but be sure to keep an eye on the forecast just in case.