Boca Slagbaai
Boca Slagbaai
4.5
About
Located on the western coast, this beach features has bright yellow 19th-century buildings and good swimming.
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4.5
171 reviews
Excellent
87
Very good
57
Average
15
Poor
8
Terrible
4
SavvyTraveler552
55 contributions
Apr 2022
Be sure to bring photos IDs, even for your kids. We drove all the way there only to be turned away at the gate because we didn't have photos IDs with us of our kids. We had printout QR codes of our park passes that we had bought online as recommended but we needed to also have photo IDs to prove that those QR codes and names were actually us. It seems very unreasonable to be accused of faking or stealing the park passes. There's abundant advice to leave all valuables in your hotel so we didn't bring the passports of our kids. The park attendant wasn't very nice and said we should have brought photocopies of our passports. Well, thanks for nothing National Park folks.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GMann003
Ann Arbor, MI172 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
20% of Bonaire is Washington Slagbaai Park. A distinctive, rough, and rustic region not to be missed. Park sites Baco Slagbaai and Wayaka are literally the diamonds in the rough. The park opens at 8 AM and closes promptly at 5 PM. Getting an early start is a good thing. It is nearly an hour drive to get to the park entrance from downtown Kralendijk. The area along the way is quite rural with few food options. So pack a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. The island is infested with mosquitoes and the park is no exception. It would be wise to bring lots of bug spray. Don't forget to bring your island marine park tag receipts or you will have to pay an entrance fee. Once inside, there are two main driving roads that service the park. The roads are at times more like windy two track trails. I would strongly recommend you drive a truck or SUV that has good ground clearance. A four or all wheel drive vehicle is best. Depending on which route you take, expect to drive between one and two hours inside the park before you get to Boca Slagbaai. The park is located in the northwest corner of Bonaire, and actually covers almost one-fifth of the island, the park offers hills with scenic vistas, vast saline plains, beaches and trees filled with exotic birds. Animal life includes wild donkeys, goats, iguanas, and breathtaking flamingos. There are a number of spots that afford excellent swimming and snorkeling. The two best locations are clearly Boca Slagbaai and Wayaka (sections I, II, and III). Wayaka is a very romantic semi-secluded coastal inlet in the northwest part of the park. It has an amazingly beautiful little sandy beach at the base of a white stone cliff, which makes for a great place to relax and take a dip in the ocean. Moreover, Boca Slagbaai, a little farther south, is ideal for swimming because there is no coral on the right side of the bay. In addition to swimming, the fine sand along the bayshore is good ground to bask in the sun. Buildings dating back to the late 1800s still stand on the beach. Both locations are worth exploring, on shore and in the water. It is a rough and rustic region, but these two spots are true gems. Getting to them does take some time, energy, and an all-terrain vehicle.
Written June 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoffrey P
14 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
We had a day on Bonaire where we couldn't dive for 24 hrs before our departure, so decided to see the rest of the island. The National Park was a huge disappointment and regret.
There's nothing to see inside the park that you don't see everywhere around you on the drive (on paved roads) to get there. Once inside the park, you're subjected to the worst maintained dirt road (and I use the word 'road' generously) that you've ever seen. At best, it will rattle your entire skeleton, and at worst, very possibly result in a broken axle, wheel or suspension! No kidding - beware! Also check your rental contract, because many say that the insurance is void if you go off paved roads.) The 'road' in the park is also one-way, so you can't even turn around after 5 minutes, when you realize you've made a huge mistake - which means you're stuck for 90-120 minutes of bone-rattling misery, and that's if you're doing the 'short loop'.
I don't know how much money they collect very year from the $25 park fees per person, but they obviously haven't spent a nickel of it on road maintenance in the park - for years. The condition is shameful, and someone should do something about it. Where's all that fee money going?!?! Perhaps to the barely responsive, rude 'attendant' in the office at the park gate.
There's nothing to see inside the park that you don't see everywhere around you on the drive (on paved roads) to get there. Once inside the park, you're subjected to the worst maintained dirt road (and I use the word 'road' generously) that you've ever seen. At best, it will rattle your entire skeleton, and at worst, very possibly result in a broken axle, wheel or suspension! No kidding - beware! Also check your rental contract, because many say that the insurance is void if you go off paved roads.) The 'road' in the park is also one-way, so you can't even turn around after 5 minutes, when you realize you've made a huge mistake - which means you're stuck for 90-120 minutes of bone-rattling misery, and that's if you're doing the 'short loop'.
I don't know how much money they collect very year from the $25 park fees per person, but they obviously haven't spent a nickel of it on road maintenance in the park - for years. The condition is shameful, and someone should do something about it. Where's all that fee money going?!?! Perhaps to the barely responsive, rude 'attendant' in the office at the park gate.
Written March 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nectardiablo
Pittburgh48 contributions
In my opinion, this should be the number 1 attraction in Bonaire. If your staying around town it is a drive thru various terrain. Nothing a rental pick up truck cant handle. Get to the park as early as possible because the beaches close in the afternoon. Rangers will come around and notify you. You will not regret taking this journey. We went 4 out of the 7 days we were on the island. Its a very scenic drive just to get to the park. Once inside you have a choice of a long route or a short route. We opted for the short route as we wanted as much time in the water as possible. Plus the beaches on the long route aren't recommended for swimming. Its easy to fall in love with the first beach but make time for them all. Make sure you go to the restaurant on the way out. There is even a cliff to jump off if your feeling adventurous. On our next visit we are seriously considering staying closer to the park.
Written February 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sander1963
Kerkdriel, The Netherlands68 contributions
Feb 2019
After a long day dessert drive you arrive at light blue BAY surround with historie and flamingo’s
Only missing spot is a kiosk to buy Some drink or food
Only missing spot is a kiosk to buy Some drink or food
Written February 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
colibritravels
25 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
The park itself is amazing and worth a full day. But the rangers and the staff are unmotivated and very rude. The park closes at 5pm but starting 1.5 hours before the rangers start herding you towards the entrance. The ranger truck followed almost bumper to bumper behind our car and did not give us any privacy to enjoy the surroundings. At the last stop several other visitors who were packing up were yelled at and with hand motions told to leave faster. The visitors were treated like cattle, without any respect. Everyone was planning to leave the park before the posted closing time, but ended up leaving 10-20 minutes early due to the unexpected hostility of the rangers. We saw the rangers locking the gate 10 minutes early and immediately after we saw their truck at the local bar in Rincon. In summary the natural beauty and wildlife of the park is incredible but be sure to have left the entire park before 3:30 to avoid being harassed. This was the most hostile experience we have ever encountered in a national park.
Written December 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim_coco
Milwaukee, WI776 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
Plan to get there at least by noon to give yourself enough time to explore the park at a somewhat leisurely pace. We were told initially that we should plan at least six hours, but not necessary unless you plan to do a lot of hiking, stopping at beaches to swim, etc. The park closes at 5 p.m.
We stopped at the supermarket in Rincon before heading into the park to stock up on snacks and beverages, and we also gassed up there. I recommend taking a cooler along. There is a restaurant midway through the park where you can stop for lunch or an early dinner - it's located a couple hours in, otherwise, you are on your own in terms of food, so better of taking some snacks with you to get you through the first part of your day. The park is huge, and roads are one way from beginning to end. Take a hat, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.
We drove in through the town of Rincon, and I have to make a point to say here that the locals in Rincon are WAAAAAAY friendlier than what you will come across in Kralendjik. We drove through Rincon, people were waving at us as we drove by and saying hello. Not so much in town where getting the cold shoulder seemed pretty much commonplace throughout the entire week -- if you are an American citizen, that is -- (read my other reviews about our overall perception of Bonaire in terms of American tourists).
For Non Residents: We didn't have to pay an admission fee to the park since we already paid the mandatory $25 fee for scuba diving. However, to bypass the admission fee, you MUST bring with you a copy of the written receipt of that payment, the dive tag received, and a valid I.D. (C-card or drivers license) as proof of identification. If you don't have this, you will have to pay the entrance fee of $10 for non scuba divers, and $25 for divers, good for one calendar year. There is also an optional one day $10 pass for scuba divers (there are various dive sites throughout the park).
The park is very scenic, and ideal for hiking, mountain biking, swimming, snorkeling, shore dives, bird watching, or just touring with your car.
There is an abundance of cactus. Some beaches are ok to snorkel and swim, others are not, and are posted accordingly. Beautiful panoramic views throughout. We saw some interesting birds, some we could not identify, others were parakeets (looked like what we call at home "Love Birds"). We also saw termite nests, various lizards and iguanas, wild goats, cattle, pelicans, flamingos, and two striking hawks meandering amongst the flora.
We stopped at the blow hole, various beaches and vantage points throughout.
The National Park was definitely one of the nicer parts of our trip to Bonaire, but unless you dive, it is hard to ignore that it’s a fairly unattractive island (aside from the national park), absent of nightlife and really not much to do, and absolutely the least friendly island we’ve encountered in our travels throughout the Caribbean, to be perfectly honest. We always try to give an honest review of our travels - both the good and the not so good, and try to remain objective in doing so. To us, traveling to foreign destinations is about the people and the culture – Bonaire does not have much to offer in terms of culture, and the biggest disappointment was that they are not very friendly towards Americans (not just our opinion, but it was also the perception of other Americans we met there). We've never ended any vacation before with the thought that we couldn't wait to get back home.
We stopped at the supermarket in Rincon before heading into the park to stock up on snacks and beverages, and we also gassed up there. I recommend taking a cooler along. There is a restaurant midway through the park where you can stop for lunch or an early dinner - it's located a couple hours in, otherwise, you are on your own in terms of food, so better of taking some snacks with you to get you through the first part of your day. The park is huge, and roads are one way from beginning to end. Take a hat, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.
We drove in through the town of Rincon, and I have to make a point to say here that the locals in Rincon are WAAAAAAY friendlier than what you will come across in Kralendjik. We drove through Rincon, people were waving at us as we drove by and saying hello. Not so much in town where getting the cold shoulder seemed pretty much commonplace throughout the entire week -- if you are an American citizen, that is -- (read my other reviews about our overall perception of Bonaire in terms of American tourists).
For Non Residents: We didn't have to pay an admission fee to the park since we already paid the mandatory $25 fee for scuba diving. However, to bypass the admission fee, you MUST bring with you a copy of the written receipt of that payment, the dive tag received, and a valid I.D. (C-card or drivers license) as proof of identification. If you don't have this, you will have to pay the entrance fee of $10 for non scuba divers, and $25 for divers, good for one calendar year. There is also an optional one day $10 pass for scuba divers (there are various dive sites throughout the park).
The park is very scenic, and ideal for hiking, mountain biking, swimming, snorkeling, shore dives, bird watching, or just touring with your car.
There is an abundance of cactus. Some beaches are ok to snorkel and swim, others are not, and are posted accordingly. Beautiful panoramic views throughout. We saw some interesting birds, some we could not identify, others were parakeets (looked like what we call at home "Love Birds"). We also saw termite nests, various lizards and iguanas, wild goats, cattle, pelicans, flamingos, and two striking hawks meandering amongst the flora.
We stopped at the blow hole, various beaches and vantage points throughout.
The National Park was definitely one of the nicer parts of our trip to Bonaire, but unless you dive, it is hard to ignore that it’s a fairly unattractive island (aside from the national park), absent of nightlife and really not much to do, and absolutely the least friendly island we’ve encountered in our travels throughout the Caribbean, to be perfectly honest. We always try to give an honest review of our travels - both the good and the not so good, and try to remain objective in doing so. To us, traveling to foreign destinations is about the people and the culture – Bonaire does not have much to offer in terms of culture, and the biggest disappointment was that they are not very friendly towards Americans (not just our opinion, but it was also the perception of other Americans we met there). We've never ended any vacation before with the thought that we couldn't wait to get back home.
Written November 14, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Work2travel
Orange, CA407 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Wind day on the water so decided to go see the island. The island is small but you can find a 4 hour drive and site see the north side of the island. These is a mapped out drive with stops to see and learn the history of the island.
Written May 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob S
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, United States123 contributions
Sep 2018
This Boca is one of many that you'll see in the Washington Slagbaai Park. Although they refer to the particular boca as a blowhole, it's actually just a cave in the boca. Still very pretty and interesting. As you go through the park, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel a few of these locations. If planning to do so, start early as you need to be out of the park by 5. Also recommend fins with booties due to the rocky terrain that you'll encounter at most sites. And take plenty of water, really, as there are no services available once you enter the park.
Written September 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mambo L
Chicago, IL56 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
This is not an walk in the park. It's a full day adventure with rocky roads to drive, challenging hikes to take and breathtaking views. The park does a good job of preparing you for the reality of the visit, and most of the reviews in here are spot on on what to expect. The only thing I would add is that you really should plan on taking the whole day to visit this park. We did the hike to the top of Mt. Brandeis and it was challenging. Going up was tough, but coming down was a little more challenging so be ready to sweat. . . and bring lots of water with you. The brochure says this hike takes about an hour to complete, but I'm sure its at least 90 minutes.
The beach view are spectacular, but to get to any of them, please make sure you have a sturdy truck with good suspension, lots of gas and plenty of time because those roads are slow and bumpy. This place is a must see if you're a nature lover like me - but again, plan the whole day around the visit.
The beach view are spectacular, but to get to any of them, please make sure you have a sturdy truck with good suspension, lots of gas and plenty of time because those roads are slow and bumpy. This place is a must see if you're a nature lover like me - but again, plan the whole day around the visit.
Written April 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long does it take to get here from port? Is there a water taxi available to get here?
Written April 2, 2020
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