Was most excited about Bonaire in the three island ABC chain, partly because I had found a photography tour with a Casper Douma a freelance conservation photographer for the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF). We had plans to go all around the island, and it was a nice change of pace to not have to plan or do any research on my own and just follow wherever and see whatever came across our path.
All in all, had over 1500 shots, so I’ll try to condense (sorry, not sorry) and show some of the highlights as we travelled all over.
Morning Lap
Did a quick lap around the jogging track in the morning to see how the weather was and see the views. We were already in port, but waiting for clearance, which was granted at a little early. I ended up wandering down right at 8:30 AM to meet up with Casper to get ready for the day. It wasn’t too hot yet, and had some decent cloud cover to start off, and I lugged all the camera gear with me off the ship.
The Tour
We ended up driving all over the island, seeing many secluded spots that Casper knew of that were his favorite. It’s quite different seeing eyes through a local guide, rather than just going with the herd of people to the touristy areas or “points of interest” on Google Maps.
We really did drive the whole island, it was a really fun experience, and learned a lot about the island and the culture from Casper as we drove around. Super grateful to him.
On the way to a thousand steps
We first drove around and out of the city, then on to the thousand steps (which would definitely feel worse if I was carrying dive equipment with me). Grabbed a few pics, but didn’t spend a ton of time there, as there were 10-20 people and wanted to see more of the island. The water was definitely enticing though, and already started to see the majestic blue waters around the island.
Saw a couple fun birds and the water itself is so incredible. We waited a bit for the sun to come out to make it even more brilliant, but instead we got some VERY NICE, light rain showers…super refreshing.
On to the National Park
We set off the the national park, and made random stops along the way as Casper saw things and sights to see, we just pulled over on the side of the road and got some great views. Found a couple prikichi in a tree (actually Casper heard them and we started looking around…he’s great to travel with!).
Stopped by a little roadside lake / dam site where there were pelicans all around, so we watched for a while just enjoying the wildlife and solitude.
A Pivot
We were on the way through the town and then as we turned toward the National Park, it turned out that it was closed! We weren’t sure why, maybe weather had washed out some of the roads or something, but we couldn’t get in, so no big deal, we turned around and went to another spot instead which was one of Casper’s favorite spots — and I can see why. Wide open views with green and cacti on behind you, and the ocean and rocky landscape out in front of you with oceans crashing against the rocks. Could have stayed there all day long.
Even saw two lizards chase each other and have a little conversation — very much reminded me of myself and Nate…I kept internally rooting for the larger one.
Wild Animals
We had seen a ton of donkeys and goats around the island, and I was asking about their origin and all that, when we passed by 3 donkeys on the side of the road. I wanted to just look at the tiny one as it was particularly fuzzy and cute.
As we got out of the car, the biggest donkey started coming toward me. I wasn’t sure if it was protecting the other two, and was angry with me, but I tentatively went out to photograph the small one. Casper threw some slices of fruit out toward them and they started eating them which was pretty cute as well.
A little while later, we saw a whole pack of goats — probably around 20 to 30 of them, and they started coming toward the truck as I was taking some photos. They’re really everywhere on the island, and they have lots of different patterns.
Highest Point of the Island
Next, we drope up the hill to the highest point of the island and we got some nice panoramic, sweeping shots of the island. There was a really nice monument at the top as well, and Casper was mentioning he just shot a wedding here a couple weeks ago.
Super peaceful up there as well, and there was no one else up there, which was really nice, we got to just chill for a bit.
Ayera, Awe, Semper stands for Yesterday, Today, Always in papiamento.
Flamingos. Flamingos Everywhere.
As we traveled on, we stopped by some more flamingos. They were literally everywhere. I think we passed maybe 6 or 7 different spots where there were flamingos right near by, and these were the ones that had migrated over around the island and not in a flamboyance. Two of them flirted with making a heart, but I gave up waiting after awhile. We did see a couple in flight, and almost got a couple flamingo fights, which was pretty fun to wait and anticipate.
Hidden Gem
We travelled out into the middle of nowhere (or so it seemed) and found a kind of hidden spot that the local people know about, and it’s not publicized. I’m not even really sure where we were, so don’t ask me.
Up in a crevice, we looking down at us, was a little owl! Sometimes there’s apparently two of them, but we could see all the bones and carcasses of it’s meals, which was pretty cool. Also saw a honeycomb nearby which was interesting too, and as we were leaving, we saw two more prikichi which gave us a show, and a caracara just watching us.
Another Quiet Spot
We moved onto another quiet spot where fishermen had taken conch shells and piled them up in massive piles. Super interesting, but even as we were turning the corner as we pulled up, the sights of the blue water were still amazing.
We looked for some turtles for a little bit, but didn’t make an appearance. Super nice spot though.
Some rare sightings
As we were leaving, we saw a falcon (I think) and it hung out for a bit and put on a bit of a show for us until a bus came and scared it off (sigh). As we went along, all of a sudden Casper stopped the car, and we saw a kingfisher. It is so tiny, but flew back and forth from its perch to the water, which was really interesting.
A random duck appeared too, which we were both wondering where it came from, as we didn’t see it on the way to the beach…
Down by the Docks
We ended up at some docks, it was a little bit more crowded here (with the tour buses right by the sightseeing tower). We skipped the tower, cause everyone has the same pics, but went over to the boats, and we caught the fishermen coming in with their catch. With permission, took a quick pic of their catch…looked like a good haul to me, and was starting to feel hungry for some fish.
As we came back to the car, I noticed the moon was already out (it was probably around 2 PM, so it was on the other side and hadn’t done the 180 yet to be flipped overhead.
Salt Pans
Finally, we drove down the the southern part, and had a fantastic cheese and ham croissant…I must’ve been also really hungry, but it was also super tasty.
We saw in the distance the flamingo reserve / habitat that people aren’t allowed into, but the Serenade was in the background, so it made a fantastic picture too — although you can very much see the heat of the day in the picture.
Continuing on past the southern most point, we saw the pink salt pans. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they were leased out by Cargill and took in all the salt pans and watched a truck for a bit drive around the facility and the salt pyramids. Shout out to my former Cargill coworkers!
Final Stop and Thoughts
Made it back to the city, and parted ways with Casper, it was a really full day, and he was super awesome. Would highly recommend anyone that comes to Bonaire to look up Casper (link at top of this post). His tours and photography packages are really quite excellent, and if you want to go diving or snorkeling he can hook you up too.
Also shout out to his NGO and foundation work that he’s doing. Contact him if you’re interested in helping.
Well well worth it to do this private photography tour and much better than being on a bus and being herded with people. We took our time, stoped when we wanted to, and saw all sorts of things around the island. Truly a fantastic experience.
Quick Pit Stop and Sunset
We got back around 3, and it was super hot, so I went back to the ship to cool down for a couple hours, and started some editing of photos and finishing up yesterdays post for Curaçao. I had noticed a particular spot I wanted to grab a photo when we were driving in, so I knew I wanted to get back out there and catch that framed photo and catch the sunset out there.
Around 5, I head back out to get the sunset. The spot I had seen was definitely a lot farther than I thought it was, but I eventually made it out there. On the way, I passed the flip flop tree as Casper called it and pointed out as we drove by.
Got the sunset, and some water skiiers in the foreground as well, which was fun, and then after on the way back to the ship, I saw the sun’s rays again, which will never get old.
Food
The fisherman got me in the mood for fish, so I went with the albacore tuna spread for appetizer, the special (lamb moussaka) for an entree, with an extra fettuccine alfredo and then mango tapioca pudding and fruit medley for dessert.
Vibes
5 parts joy — all joy today…beautiful, incredible day.
Feedback
Leave a comment or question if you have any thoughts! Anything you want to know about as we go around the world? Any things you want to share as feedback, or any images that particularly spoke to you. I’ll try to read all of them as time permits!
Matti 
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