Bonaire Day 3: Mangroves, Markets & More

We kicked off the day with an early start for our Clearbottom Mangrove Kayak & Snorkel Tour. On our way there, we spotted flamingos wading in the bay near Saliña Puitu, an old salt lake with a vibrant pink color—an amazing way to begin the morning.

The tour itself was beautiful. Paddling through the mangrove tunnels was peaceful and otherworldly, and snorkeling among the roots gave us a glimpse into the vibrant, complex underwater world they support. I didn’t take too many pictures—I was too nervous about dropping my phone into the briny deep—but I got a few I can share here.

After we got back to shore, our guide treated us to tropical fruit punch and a little Dutch treat—stroopwafel! As expected, the stroopwafel was a massive hit. I have a feeling it’ll be showing up again and again this week.

Once we were back at the apartment and cleaned up, we set off for an early dinner and a stroll through the Bonaire Arts and Crafts Market. I’ve always loved the energy of a good local market—it reminds me of my time living in Rochester, NY and the bustling vibe of the Rochester Public Market. The Bonaire market felt a bit more tailored to tourists (a cruise ship was in port today), so it wasn’t quite the immersive local experience I’d hoped for. Still, cruise ships bring business, and business supports locals, and I’m all for that.

We also had a successful errand run—finally found both dental floss and Dramamine, plus toothpaste, at Service Drogist Bonaire. A small but meaningful win. D saved the day by noticing that the floss came in a more reasonable 50-meter size, sparing me from committing to the 200-meter industrial version.

We celebrated with gelato from Luciano, a quick ATM stop, and then dinner at El Mundo Restaurant, which had the UEFA Europa Conference League final playing on the TVs. B picked the spot hoping for local flavors, and we got a mix: we split the Dutch special (croquettes) and the Bonairean special (catch of the day with rice and beans). Both were great, though I accidentally paid for three bottles of water when I could’ve just gone with tap. Look at it this way—mistakes like these are how budget-travel greatness is forged.

As for D, he had his third burger in three days. Is it a rut or a revelation? Hard to say. He swears Bonaire does burgers better than the U.S., and honestly, I wouldn't be surprised.

After dinner, we bought B some new water shoes at Buddy Dive Watersports and headed back to the apartment for a laid-back evening: a little laundry, a little Dexter (we wrapped up season one!), and a little writing. While I was hunting for ibuprofen for my slightly dehydrated son, I uncovered the cutest little tropical house gecko. Apparently, the apartment came with a roommate.

Tomorrow is a DIY snorkeling day—we haven’t picked the location yet, but I’m crossing my fingers for something epic. Stay tuned.