Columnar cacti
On the hills.
Ben1152000 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · amanderson2 — CC BY 2.0 · Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble — CC BY 2.0 · Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble — CC BY 2.0 · Ulises Icardi — CC BY-SA 4.0
Washington Slagbaai National Park is a nature reserve in north-western Bonaire in the Caribbean, about 15 km in a straight line north-west of the capital, Kralendijk. It covers about 5,643 hectares, roughly a fifth of the island. Founded in 1969, it was the first nature reserve in the former Netherlands Antilles and is run by a non-profit foundation. It holds about 340 plant species, mostly dry thorny scrub and two main kinds of tall columnar cactus, and endangered sea turtles nest on its beaches. Dirt roads wind between cactus-covered hills to rocky coasts pounded by waves, including a blowhole that bursts with spray and tidal pools carved into the rock. There are salt lakes where pink flamingos feed, the island's highest peak, Brandaris, walking trails and small beaches for snorkelling. Entry is paid. The roads are rough and need a high-clearance vehicle, the sun is strong with little shade and no services inside, so bring plenty of water and food, and start in the morning, as the park closes before evening.
On the hills.
Bursting spray.
In the salt lakes.
North-west Bonaire
Yes, the dirt roads are rough.
No, bring your own water and food.