Bonaire features crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life, attracting snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. But it's also a small and laid-back island, not one where you'll find stretches of sandy beaches or an expansive downtown shopping district as you exit your cruise ship.
So, I wondered, how do you make the most of a cruise call here when only a portion of your time there will be spent in daylight?
I found that there was more than enough to keep me busy during a stop of just over seven hours on Bonaire in July, one of three port calls on an eight-day cruise aboard the Carnival Vista and a visit that I was determined to make the most of.
I loved my time on land, returning to the ship only when I thought I might risk being left behind. Maximizing my time during an afternoon-into-evening stop took a bit of creativity, and I learned that many of my fellow cruisers returned hours earlier.
The key, I found, was a combination of snorkeling and swimming while it was still daylight and enjoying the scenic waterfront dining venues as the sun disappeared.
Here are some tips for clients who have an opportunity similar to mine.
Diving in
When clients disembark, it'll probably be hot and sunny, and they'll want nothing more than to jump into the beckoning water.
A Carnival Cruise Line snorkeling excursion included a relaxing boat ride. Photo Credit: Teri West
At that point, they should either head toward a booked snorkeling excursion, like I did, or a snorkeling site they plan to explore on their own.
Clients can also enjoy a sandy beach without snorkeling, but they'll want to catch a ride there, as walking to the nearest stretch of sand would take the better part of an hour. The more walkable swimming opportunities have little or no sand on which they can put down a blanket.
The snorkeling excursion I went with was an adults-only option offered by Carnival that included beverages, a bowl of cauliflower soup prior to snorkeling and a bowl of pesto pasta after.
My excursion offered easy access to one of the island's premier coral hot spots.
During a scenic boat ride our group reclined on cushions, facing the water as we traveled farther and farther away from the Vista. It eventually brought us to a site known as Andrea, where I saw countless types of fish; some of my companions were lucky enough to spot a ray and an octopus.
After finishing our soup, we received our equipment, after which our guides offered a brief lesson on navigating the area. I appreciated the reminder to not touch the coral.
I hopped in the water. The gear was pristine and comfortable, and a little dab of soap kept my goggles clear of fog, enabling me to fully focus on my surroundings.
Everywhere I turned there were colorful fish and expanses of coral to explore. The water was calm and clear, making it easy to take in Bonaire's bustling marine life.
After the excursion, we returned to the terminal. Nightfall still hadn't arrived, so I had a chance for another dip in the water as the sun began to disappear on the horizon.
I did so at Pureocean Beachside Bar at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino, a spot I couldn't recommend enough. It's not every day that you're at an outdoor bar with multiple access points for swimming.
I enjoyed half of a $2.50 happy hour beer, then walked a few steps from my table to a set of stairs that led to the water. Fish swam around my feet as I entered, but I otherwise had the water to myself as the sky turned orange. As I emerged from my brief swim, half a beer was waiting for me.
Dining out
Sure, I could've returned to the cruise ship for dinner once it was dark, but then I'd have missed out on the open-air venues on Bonaire's waterfront or another local eatery nearby.
I chose to walk to the main shopping street of Kaya Grandi in the capital of Kralendijk, which took me along quiet roads where the sidewalks were rugged, if they existed at all. Most of the souvenir shops were closed by then; clients should arrive there before 6 p.m. if shopping is a priority.
Instead, my friend and I sought out Gio's Gelateria & Caffe, which offered $2.50 scoops of the frozen treats.
Our final stop was Karel's Beach Bar, just minutes away by foot from the cruise terminal and surrounded by other waterfront eateries. On a Wednesday night, the atmosphere was relaxed and family friendly.
We dined on a wooden dock, watching fish dart through the water as I only occasionally checked my phone out of a concern that I might be enjoying Bonaire too much and miss my 9:30 p.m. ship-return deadline.
I walked back lazily, satisfied by a full, relaxing day on an island that encouraged me to slow down.