Washington Slagbaai National Park fills the northern end of Bonaire and covers just under 14,000 acres across two former plantations, Washington and Slagbaai. According to the Tourism Corporation Bonaire, the park was founded in 1969 as the first nature sanctuary of the Netherlands Antilles, with Slagbaai added in 1979, and STINAPA Bonaire manages it today. The landscape is dry, rugged and wild, with cactus and thorn scrub, hills, salt flats and a coastline of stony beaches, and visitors explore it by driving or hiking the network of dirt roads. STINAPA describes about 34 kilometers of roads, with a long route that takes around two hours and passes some twenty points of interest. There are three marked trails: the Lagadishi Lizard walking trail is easy and takes about two hours, the Kasikunda climbing trail is intermediate at around forty-five minutes, and the Subi Brandaris trail is difficult and takes about an hour and a half. The park is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and is closed on Mondays, with the last entry at 2:30 pm. It may close fully or partially after heavy rain.
Why it works
This is where Bonaire feels most like itself. There are no hotels, no restaurants and very little traffic, just space, birds, lizards and the sound of waves on stony beaches. You can spend a morning driving the short route, a day stopping at beaches and viewpoints, or a few hours on a trail, and it is one of the best places on the island for photography and birdwatching. Diving is not allowed in the park, but other activities are.
Rules and practicalities
The nature fee covers the Bonaire National Marine Park and the Washington Slagbaai park, with a reduced one-day fee for cruise passengers, and it is valid for the calendar year. Carry photo ID with you, and note that the park is cashless; STINAPA recommends paying online beforehand, though card payment is accepted at the booth. The speed limit is 25 kilometers an hour, and ATVs, quads, golf carts, dirt bikes, scooters and e-bikes are not allowed.
STINAPA recommends a vehicle with at least thirty centimeters of ground clearance, such as a jeep, pickup or SUV, although rangers at the booth decide whether lower vehicles can enter depending on road conditions. Bring food and plenty of water, because there are no restaurants inside.
Planning it
Arrive early, because the last entry is at 2:30 pm and the roads are slow. Pack sun protection, sturdy shoes, a swimsuit for the beaches and insect repellent. The park closes on national and local holidays, so check before you go, and treat any trail marked difficult with respect in midday heat. Combine it with a stop at Rincon on the way back, or choose a guided 4x4 trip if you would rather not drive yourself.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided drive or hike through a large national park of dry forest, cactus and wild beaches on dirt roads and marked trails.
Best time
Arrive in the morning, before the midday heat; the last entry is at 2:30 pm and the park is closed on Mondays.
How long
A morning covers the short route; allow a full day for the long route, beaches and a hike.
Tips
Pay the nature fee online if possible, carry photo ID, bring food and water, and use a high-clearance vehicle.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers, hikers and photographers who want wild, empty landscapes.
- Families
- Good for children who enjoy the car and short walks; the long trails are better for older kids.
- Couples
- Quiet beaches and viewpoints with very few people.
- Pair with
- Rincon, the north coast viewpoints or Gotomeer lagoon.
- Time needed
- Four hours to a full day.
Good questions
When is the park open?+
It is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entry at 2:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays and on national and local holidays.
Do I need a 4x4?+
STINAPA recommends a vehicle with at least thirty centimeters of ground clearance, such as a jeep, pickup or SUV. Rangers at the booth decide whether lower vehicles can enter, depending on road conditions.
How does the entry fee work?+
The nature fee covers both the marine park and Washington Slagbaai and is valid for the calendar year, with a reduced one-day fee for cruise passengers. The park is cashless, and photo ID is needed.
Can I dive or use an ATV in the park?+
Diving is not allowed in the park, and ATVs, quads, scooters and e-bikes are prohibited. Regular bicycles are allowed but cannot enter after noon.
What trails are there?+
STINAPA lists the Lagadishi Lizard walk as easy at about two hours, the Kasikunda climb as intermediate at about forty-five minutes and the Subi Brandaris trail as difficult at about ninety minutes.
