100% Private Charter Snorkel, Sail, Relax (Cruisers Friendly)

The best part of this Bonaire outing is control. You get a private 45-foot monohull, not a fixed boat ride with a large crowd, and you can shape the day with your captain. I like the chance to request Klein Bonaire and the flexibility to spend more time swimming, sailing, or simply sitting in the sun. I also like the steady supply of snacks and the open bar, which makes four and a half hours on the water feel easy and unhurried.

The tradeoff is price and weather. At the advertised rate of $450 per person, this is a serious splurge, and the route can change if wind or mooring space gets in the way. Also, you need to climb five steps onto the boat, and snorkeling takes real effort, though you can stay aboard and enjoy the sail instead.

Key Points for Your Bonaire Sailing Day

• Private 45-foot monohull: Only your party takes part, with room for up to 12 people.
• Captain-planned route: Choose from Klein Bonaire, 1000 Steps, Salt Pier, and the southern coast as conditions allow.
• Two guided snorkel stops are possible: The crew can help you find marine life and make water entry easier.
• Food and drinks are built in: Expect a snack about once an hour, unlimited drinks, and alcohol from the open bar.
• Cruiser-friendly timing: The outing begins at SoloBon Sailing Bonaire in Kralendijk and returns to the same slip after about 4.5 hours.
• Flexible extensions: You can add one or two hours or increase your party to a maximum of 12 people.

Why a Private Boat Changes the Day

Bonaire is famous for shore snorkeling, but a private boat gives you a different view of the island. From the water, you see Kralendijk and the coast without road dust, parked cars, or the stop-and-start feel of a land tour. The sailing itself is part of the experience, not just transportation between two swim sites.

You meet at SoloBon Sailing Bonaire, at Kaya Gobernador N.Debrot No. 71, Slip 12, in Kralendijk. Allow about 10 minutes to check in before heading out. The boat returns to the same meeting point, and private transportation is not included, so plan your own way to the marina.

The group size matters here. You can bring your family, a group of friends, or a cruise-ship party, with up to 12 people allowed if you arrange it in advance. Since nobody outside your group joins the boat, you can ask for a slower pace, more sailing time, or another snorkel stop without trying to fit into a standard schedule.

The captain still has the final say. Wind, water conditions, and the availability of mooring buoys determine what is sensible that day. That is a good thing in a marine park, but it means you should treat the listed stops as possible choices rather than guaranteed calls.

Sailing Out of Kralendijk

The opening section takes you across the bay of Kralendijk aboard the 45-foot monohull. This gives you time to settle in, see Bonaire from the sea, and learn how the day will work. You can relax on deck, enjoy a drink, or have something to eat while the crew sets the route.

The boat is also your base between stops. That makes the experience useful for mixed groups. A strong swimmer can snorkel, a child can stay close to an adult, and someone who prefers not to enter the water can remain aboard with the crew. Life vests are available.

The hosts named in the tour information include Patrick and Linda, and another outing was led by Norman and Madeline. The crew role is more than steering the boat. They host the day, explain the area, assist with snorkeling, and help you decide how much time to spend in the water.

Linda is particularly noted for pointing out sea life while snorkeling. Norman was also able to help a 77-year-old participant get in and out of the water, which gives you a useful sense of the crew’s practical approach. That does not remove the physical demands of snorkeling, but it suggests that the crew can provide hands-on help when conditions and ability allow.

Snorkeling in Bonaire National Marine Park

The sailing area lies within Bonaire National Marine Park. The boat can make several stops, and cruise passengers do not pay an admission fee for the cruise. Other island visitors pay the marine park admission directly online through Stinapa Bonaire Marine Park.

The exact quality of a snorkel stop depends on the day’s wind, current, visibility, and the available mooring. You may get two excellent water sessions, or the captain may adjust the plan and keep more time for sailing. That flexibility is an advantage over a rigid tour, especially when the sea is not cooperating.

You receive snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask, snorkel, or fins unless you prefer your personal gear. You do need to bring a towel, beachwear, and reef-safe sunscreen. Those items are not supplied.

If you snorkel, expect a physical activity rather than a quick dip. You need to climb the boat’s five steps, enter and exit the water, and swim in open sea conditions. If that sounds like too much, you can stay on deck, enjoy the coast, and let the stronger swimmers make the most of the stop.

Klein Bonaire and the Limits of Mooring Space

Klein Bonaire is the most appealing requested stop for many people. This low-lying island sits off Bonaire’s coast, and a snorkel stop there gives you a chance to see the island from the water while exploring a marine area away from the main shore.

The boat uses Bonaire’s mooring system, which works on a first-come basis. A mooring stay can last no more than two hours. That rule prevents the private charter from lingering indefinitely, and it also means the captain may need to skip Klein Bonaire if the right buoy is occupied.

The planned time at this stop is about 45 minutes when included. In practice, the crew may adjust the stop based on the available mooring and the rest of your route. If Klein Bonaire is a priority, tell the captain early, but keep your expectations flexible.

1000 Steps and a Chance to Spot Turtles

If a mooring buoy is open, the boat can stop near 1000 Steps. The name refers to the steep shore access, but you do not need to walk down the famous steps when arriving by boat. You may snorkel from the vessel instead.

This is also a possible place to look for turtles. The word possible matters. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the crew cannot promise a turtle sighting, but they can help you scout the area and point out marine life during the swim.

The proposed stop lasts about 45 minutes. That is enough time for a focused snorkel, but not an all-day session. If you are new to snorkeling, the crew can help you get oriented. If you already spend a lot of time in the water, you may prefer to ask for longer at one site rather than several short stops.

Salt Pier and Bonaire’s Southern Coast

The Salt Pier offers a change of scene. The boat may pass by it or stop nearby for snorkeling, depending on the conditions and your captain’s plan. The crew also explains Bonaire’s natural sea salt process, adding some local context to the view.

If the route goes south, you may see the island’s salt flats from the water. This southern section is valuable because the day is not limited to swimming. You get a broader look at how Bonaire’s coast, salt production, and marine park fit together.

The route may include Salt Pier, 1000 Steps, Klein Bonaire, the salt flats, or only some of them. A private charter gives you a say, but it does not turn the sea into a fixed menu. The captain must work with the wind and open moorings.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Pace of the Afternoon

Food and drink are not minor extras on a 4.5-hour boat trip. A snack is served about once an hour, and the package includes tasty bites, light refreshments, and unlimited drinks from the open bar, including alcohol.

The food has received especially strong praise from the people who have taken this outing, with comments pointing to plentiful snacks and good drinks. You should still remember that the package is described as snacks rather than a full meal. If you need a substantial lunch, eat beforehand or confirm the food plan directly.

The open bar works best for a relaxed sailing day, not a party cruise. You can sit back with a drink after snorkeling, watch the coastline, and let the crew manage the route. Use good judgment with alcohol, especially before swimming, and follow the crew’s instructions.

What the $450 Price Means

The advertised price is $450 per person. The tour information also says prices are the total amount for your party, including taxes, so check the final booking breakdown carefully before paying. The wording suggests that the final amount may depend on how the reservation is priced for your group.

The value improves with a full party. Split among several people, a private boat, crew, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and unlimited drinks can make sense for a special occasion or a family group that wants privacy. For one or two people, the cost is harder to justify unless a private charter is the main reason for booking.

You are paying for control as much as for the boat ride. A standard group excursion may cost less, but it will not give you the same ability to choose your pace or keep your party alone on board. The price also covers crew service, not just transport to a snorkel site.

The activity is often reserved well ahead of time, with bookings averaging about 89 days in advance. If your Bonaire dates are fixed, especially during a cruise visit, do not leave this until the last minute. The private capacity is limited, and the best sailing days can fill early.

Who Will Enjoy This Charter Most

I would choose this outing for a family or friend group that values private space and wants more than a basic snorkel transfer. The crew has experience making the day work for children and for older participants, though every swimmer still needs to manage the physical demands of the boat and sea.

It also suits cruise passengers well. The meeting point is in Kralendijk, and the activity returns there, which keeps the plan straightforward. You still need to check your ship schedule carefully because the listed duration is about 4.5 hours, with optional extensions of one or two hours.

This is less suitable if you need a guaranteed stop at one exact site, dislike open-water swimming, or want a low-cost excursion. The marine environment controls the schedule, and the cancellation terms are strict: the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

Poor weather is the exception. If SoloBon cancels because conditions are unsafe, you are offered another date or a full refund. That protection does not cover a personal change of plans.

Practical Details Before You Step Aboard

Confirmation arrives when you book. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, but you must be able to climb the five steps onto the boat.

Bring a towel, beachwear, and reef-safe sunscreen. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment and life vests, but not beach items or private transportation.

You can ask to extend the trip by one or two hours. You can also arrange a party of up to 12 people. Since route choices depend on the captain, weather, and mooring space, discuss your priorities at check-in rather than assuming every possible stop will fit.

Should You Book SoloBon Sailing Bonaire?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day on Bonaire’s water and can share the cost with a group. The strongest reasons are the small private setting, the skilled hands-on crew, the choice of snorkel areas, and the steady food and drink service.

I would be especially inclined to book for a family, a milestone outing, or a cruise stop where you want your own schedule. Ask for Klein Bonaire if it matters to you, but accept that wind and mooring availability may change the plan.

Skip it if $450 per person strains your budget, you need a guaranteed turtle sighting or exact route, or you prefer an easy land-based activity. For everyone else, this is a well-supported way to combine sailing, snorkeling, and a relaxed look at Bonaire’s coast without sharing the boat with strangers.

FAQ

How long does the private sailing tour last?

The standard experience lasts about 4.5 hours. You can extend it by one or two hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at SoloBon Sailing Bonaire, Kaya Gobernador N.Debrot No. 71, Slip 12, in Kralendijk.

How many people can join the private charter?

Your party can be increased to a maximum of 12 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and life vests are available.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes a snack about once an hour, light refreshments, and unlimited drinks from an open bar, including alcohol.

Can I choose where the boat stops?

You can discuss your interests with the captain. Possible stops include Klein Bonaire, 1000 Steps, Salt Pier, the southern coast, and the salt flats, but weather and mooring availability affect the route.

Is there an admission fee for the marine park?

Cruise passengers do not pay an admission fee for the cruise. Island visitors pay the Bonaire National Marine Park admission directly online through Stinapa Bonaire Marine Park.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, beachwear, and reef-safe sunscreen. Private transportation is not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.