🇧🇶 Bonaire · Places to discover
What to see in Rincon ?
22 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
MAP · OVERVIEW
Landmarks & heritage (5)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SARincon Village
Landmark
Bonaire's oldest settlement, founded by the Spanish in the 16th century inland as a refuge from pirates. Colourful houses, a whitewashed church dating back a century, and an unspoilt ambiance largely untouched by tourism.Protestant Church of Rincon (Kerk van Rincon)
Landmark
A small white 19th-century church at the heart of Bonaire's oldest village. Its adjoining cemetery holds epitaphs in Papiamento bearing witness to the island's founding families.Rincon Cemetery
Landmark
A historic cemetery in Rincon with colourful tombs decorated with photographs and personal objects in Caribbean tradition. A living memorial bearing witness to the island's founding families.Landhuis Karpata
Landmark
Restored former colonial plantation on the north-west coast, now a premier diving and snorkelling destination. The ruins of the master's house overlook a cliff face dropping directly onto an intact coral reef.Fontein Cave
Landmark
Limestone cave harbouring Arawak petroglyphs and impressive stalactites, used by indigenous peoples as a freshwater source. The mysterious atmosphere and lush vegetation surrounding the entrance make this a singular destination.Nature & parks (3)
Awa di Oloshi – Fresh Water Spring
Nature
One of Bonaire's rare natural freshwater springs, in use since pre-Columbian times. This history-steeped spot is surrounded by lush vegetation, a surprisingly verdant sanctuary in the otherwise arid landscape.Salinja Mathijs
Nature
Abandoned salt pan in the north of the island, now colonised by vegetation and wading birds. An overlooked birdwatching spot where you can observe herons, sandpipers and terns without encountering another soul.Boca Onima
Nature
Wild rocky cove on the wave-battered north-east coast, featuring caves adorned with Arawak petroglyphs several centuries old. A geological and archaeological site wholly removed from the beaten track.Viewpoints (4)
Ceru Grandi
Viewpoint
Bonaire's highest point at 241 metres, accessible on foot from Washington Slagbaai. The 360° panorama across the island, Klein Bonaire and, on clear days, the Venezuelan coast is a rare reward.Seru Bentana – Hill of the Window
Viewpoint
Small inland hill whose summit delivers a 360° vista across the entire island, from Goto lake to the southern salt ponds. A short but demanding hike under the sun, rewarded by a complete panorama.Bopec Oil Terminal Viewpoint
Viewpoint
An informal vantage point on the northern road offering striking views of massive tankers anchored offshore and the blue waters of the channel. A fascinating contrast between industry and Caribbean nature.Goto Meer
Viewpoint
Inland salt lake surrounded by towering cacti and mangroves, the island's second flamingo sanctuary. Sunset here, with pink silhouettes reflected on still water, ranks among Bonaire's most beautiful.Activities (4)
Karpata Ecological Centre
Activity
A former marine research centre converted into a gateway to one of the island's finest diving sites. The seabed drops away sharply here with exceptional visibility and remarkably dense marine life.Kunuku Warahama
Activity
A local ecological farm raising goats, donkeys and pigs using traditional Bonairian methods. Visits offer insight into how the island's interior communities have long lived in self-sufficiency.Mangazina di Rei
Activity
A cultural centre in Rincon dedicated to preserving Bonaire's Afro-Caribbean heritage through music, dance, crafts and stories of slavery recounted by local residents. An authentic immersion in Papiamentu culture.Cadushy Distillery
Activity
The island's sole distillery produces an artisanal liqueur from the endemic cadushi cactus unique to Bonaire. Guided tours conducted amidst towering cacti conclude with a tasting of products unavailable elsewhere.Beaches (5)
Boca Olivia
Beach
Small cove on the north-west coast, reached via an unmarked dirt track. The seabed here ranks among the island's most pristine, with century-old brain corals and an impressive density of parrotfish.Playa Benge
Beach
A small beach of black and white pebbles within Washington Slagbaai, accessible by track. Almost deserted, it offers quality snorkelling with crystalline-clear water and healthy coral.Nukove Beach
Beach
Discreet dive and snorkelling site in the north of the island, reached via an earth track. The coral reef is in excellent condition and footfall remains minimal even during peak season.Boca Catalina
Beach
Small rocky cove north of Kralendijk, virtually deserted on weekdays. Locals come here to snorkel at sunset to observe the sea turtles that frequent the shallow reef.1000 Steps Beach
Beach
Pebble beach at the foot of a limestone cliff, reached by stone steps carved into the rock (67 steps, not 1000). A legendary dive site with a coral wall dropping to 30 metres, popular with locals at weekends.