Washington Slagbaai National Park on Bonaire offers a rugged escape for inland hiking and wildlife spotting with its fiercely natural landscapes and vibrant ecosystems. The park’s interior trails cut through dry scrub, rocky outcrops, and rare cacti forests shaped by stubborn wind and sun, inviting hikers to move deliberately where nature commands respect.

Begin at the Visitor Center near the park’s southern entrance at Tera Korá, where detailed maps and trail info are available. The most accessible inland route is the 6.5 km (4 miles) Watapana Trail. It rises gradually through thorny savanna toward Watapana Hill, offering panoramic views of the island’s coastline that seem to push you forward at every clearing. Expect rocky terrain with moderate elevation gain around 150 meters—comfortable for most but sturdy footwear is essential. The trail unfolds in phases, alternating shaded tree clusters where parrots chatter overhead and open hilltops where the breeze dares dust to lift.

For those ready for a longer trek, the Brandaris Trail extends about 8 km round-trip, scaling Bonaire’s highest peak at 241 meters. This path demands stronger stamina and sure footing, as sharp rock slabs and loose gravel force steady steps. The peak rewards persistence with sweeping views of the mangroves and salt flats—a rare vantage to spot coastal birds interacting with inland wildlife, including iguanas basking on sunbaked rocks.

Wildlife watchers will appreciate the park’s diversity: Bonairian whiptail lizards skitter over limestone crevices, while flamingos grace the far salt pans at dawn, their coral feathers glowing against the cool morning light. Listen for the rhythmic clicks of coquí frogs hidden beneath stones after evening rains, a reminder that beneath the arid surface thrives a subtle pulse of life.

Plan your hike early in the day to avoid the mid-afternoon heat. Carry a full water supply—water sources inside the park are nonexistent—and use sun protection. Lightweight, breathable clothing paired with boots that grip rock and loose gravel will prevent slips and increase comfort. A hat and sunglasses become vital allies as the sun leans hard on the landscape.

The park is fiercely itself, inviting visitors to engage fully—focused steps, attentive eyes, and a respect for the wild rhythms present. This is not a stroll but a dialogue with Bonaire’s interior raw edges. Each trail stretch offers a different chapter of the park’s story, crafted by centuries of wind, sun, and quiet evolution.

Washington Slagbaai is a practical adventure, blending manageable physical challenge with rich opportunities to encounter the island’s unique flora and fauna. For adventurers from casual day hikers to seasoned explorers, it provides clear routes enriched by views and wildlife, each step deepening the connection to this Caribbean island’s untamed heart.