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

The best part of this Bonaire outing is control. You charter the whole 45-foot monohull, then work with the captain to shape the day around sailing, snorkeling, swimming, or simply sitting in the sun with a drink. The route may include Klein Bonaire, 1000 Steps, Salt Pier, and the salt flats, but weather and available moorings decide what is practical.

I like the private setting, since your party does not share the boat with strangers. I also like the careful, human touch: Linda has guided snorkelers toward sea life, while Patrick and the crew have helped older swimmers and children get safely in and out of the water. The main consideration is price. At $450 per person, this makes the most sense for a group that values privacy and can share the cost.

Key points to know

• A private 45-foot sailing boat: Your group has the yacht and crew to itself.
• A flexible route: The captain adjusts stops for wind, weather, your interests, and available moorings.
• Klein Bonaire may be included: A requested snorkeling stop is possible, usually for up to two hours if a mooring is free.
• Food and drinks are covered: You get a snack about every hour plus unlimited drinks, including alcohol.
• Good for mixed abilities: You can snorkel, swim, or stay aboard, and life vests are available.
• Plan ahead: The experience is often booked about 89 days in advance and cannot normally be refunded after booking.

A Private Sailing Day Instead of a Standard Boat Trip

This is not a fixed group cruise with a rigid list of stops. You meet at SoloBon Sailing Bonaire at Kaya Gobernador N.Debrot No. 71, Slip 12, in Kralendijk, check in for about 10 minutes, and then sail into the bay.

That private format changes the feel of the outing. You can ask for more time in the water, more time under sail, or a quieter half-day on deck. The captain still has the final say on safety and routing, but you are not being hurried through a schedule designed for a large crowd.

The boat is a 45-foot monohull, a useful size for a small family or private group. The party limit can be extended to as many as 12 people, though you should confirm the final price and space when booking. The standard outing lasts about 4.5 hours, with an option to add one or two hours.

Sailing Past Kralendijk’s Coastline

The opening stretch takes you across Kralendijk Bay, where the coastline looks different from the water than it does from shore. You get time to settle in, watch Bonaire slide past, and enjoy the boat before the snorkeling begins.

I like this part because it gives the outing a proper sailing rhythm. You are not simply being transported to a swim site. The boat itself is part of the experience, and the half-day length gives you enough time for a few stops without turning the day into a race.

The crew serves tasty bites and keeps the open bar available during the trip. The included food is described as a snack about every hour, with light refreshments and alcoholic drinks included. If you need a full meal, treat this as a snack-based outing rather than a lunch cruise.

Snorkeling in Bonaire National Marine Park

The sailing area lies within Bonaire National Marine Park, so the water is the central attraction rather than a side activity. You can make several stops, depending on conditions and the route you set with the captain.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and life vests are available. You need to be able to climb five steps on the boat, and swimming or snorkeling requires a reasonable level of physical effort. If you are unsure about getting in the water, you can stay aboard and enjoy the sailing and views instead.

That flexibility matters for families and mixed-age groups. One person can snorkel while another relaxes on deck. A family review described the crew taking time with children, and another account noted that Norman helped a 77-year-old woman get in and out of the water. Those details suggest a crew willing to adapt, though you should still be honest about mobility needs before booking.

Linda has been praised for pointing out sea life while snorkeling. That makes the water time more than a quick swim, especially if you want help noticing what is below the surface. The exact wildlife is never guaranteed, so think of turtle sightings and other creatures as possible bonuses, not promises.

Klein Bonaire: The Most Likely Special Stop

If conditions permit and you request it, the boat can stop at Klein Bonaire. This small offshore island is a natural choice for snorkeling, but the boat is limited to Bonaire’s mooring system. Moorings are first come, first served, and the maximum stay is two hours.

That rule is important. A private charter gives you flexibility, but it does not give you unlimited access to every mooring. On a busy day, the captain may need to adjust the plan or choose another location.

The advertised route says Klein Bonaire is possible in about 90 percent of outings, but the crew still has to work with weather and mooring availability. Ask about it early in the trip if it is your priority. If the mooring is free, you may get a proper snorkel stop rather than a quick look from the boat.

1000 Steps and the Search for Turtles

The boat may also stop at 1000 Steps if a mooring buoy is available. Despite its name, the shore path does not contain a literal thousand steps, but from a boat the important point is the snorkeling area and the chance to look for turtles.

The stated stop lasts about 45 minutes. That is enough for a focused swim, but it is not a long beach stay. You should also remember that the stop depends on the buoy being free. The captain may choose a different location if the site is unavailable or the conditions are not right.

I like this stop as part of a flexible route because it gives the day variety. Klein Bonaire can offer a longer water session, while 1000 Steps can work as a shorter snorkeling stop. The route is not guaranteed, so book this outing for the private sailing experience as a whole, not for one exact reef.

Salt Pier and Bonaire’s Salt Flats

The southern route may take you past Bonaire’s salt flats, and the boat can pass Salt Pier or stop near it for snorkeling. The crew also explains the natural salt-making process, adding a little local context to the scenery.

Salt Pier is a useful example of what this charter does well. You are not limited to a single beach or one famous snorkeling point. The captain can build a day that mixes underwater time, coast views, and Bonaire’s working landscape.

Still, this is not a guarantee of a stop at every site. A four-and-a-half-hour trip has limits, and you may not have time for Klein Bonaire, 1000 Steps, Salt Pier, and a southern route all in one outing. Tell the crew your top priority rather than expecting every listed location.

What the Food, Open Bar, and Crew Add

The included open bar is one of the strongest practical perks. Unlimited drinks, including alcohol, mean you do not need to buy refreshments during the trip. Snacks arrive about once an hour, and the food has received repeated praise for being plentiful and tasty.

The crew is another major part of the value. Patrick and Linda are named hosts, and other crew members, including Norman and Madeline, have also been mentioned in connection with the boat. The consistent picture is of a calm, attentive team that helps with snorkeling, adjusts plans, and pays attention to families and older swimmers.

That does not mean the boat is a formal restaurant or a fully staffed resort. Food is described as bites and snacks, and the outing is still an active sailing trip. Bring your own towel, beachwear, and reef-safe sunscreen. Those items are not included.

Is $450 Per Person Good Value?

At $450 per person, this is a high-cost half-day activity. The value depends heavily on the size of your group and how much you care about privacy.

You are paying for a private yacht, professional crew, snorkeling gear, snacks, and unlimited drinks. You also get a route that can be shaped around your interests instead of a standard public schedule. For a couple, the total cost may feel steep. For a family or group splitting the charter, the private arrangement can make more sense.

The listing also states that prices are the total amount for your party, including taxes, while the displayed price is $450 per person. Because those two descriptions can sound different, confirm the exact total for your group before paying. Ask about the 4.5-hour option, any extension, and the cost of adding people up to the maximum of 12.

The tour is often reserved about 89 days ahead. That is a useful signal for planning, especially if you are visiting Bonaire during a cruise stop or a busy holiday period. Booking early may matter more here than saving a few dollars.

Practical Details Before You Go

You meet and finish at the SoloBon Sailing Bonaire dock in Kralendijk. Private transportation is not included, though the meeting point is near public transportation. You will need to arrange your own way there and back.

The experience is suitable for most people, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed. You must be able to climb five boat steps, and snorkeling is physical, so anyone uncertain about swimming can remain on deck.

Bring:

• A towel
• Beachwear
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Any personal items you need for the water

Confirmation arrives when you book. The activity is non-refundable and cannot normally be changed for any reason. That makes travel insurance or a careful weather check worth considering, though poor weather cancellations are handled differently: if the operator cancels for weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Charter Most?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples, and private groups who want a relaxed boat day without a crowded public tour. It also suits groups with different interests. Strong swimmers can snorkel, less active people can stay on board, and children can take part with adult supervision.

The outing is also a good fit if you want personal guidance in the water. Linda’s attention to sea life and the crew’s help with getting in and out of the water add real value for people who are not confident snorkelers.

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed visit to one named site, want a full meal, or dislike paying a premium for a private boat. Moorings can be occupied, weather can shift the plan, and the route remains flexible by design.

Should You Book the SoloBon Sailing Charter?

Book this if your ideal Bonaire day includes a private sail, several possible snorkeling locations, cold drinks, small bites, and a crew that can adapt to your group. The strongest reasons are the private boat, the chance to shape the route, and the hands-on help in the water.

Skip it if your budget is tight or you only want a short, inexpensive snorkel stop. For everyone else, especially a group that can share the cost, this offers a comfortable way to see Bonaire from the water without being locked into a crowded schedule. Reserve early, name your top requested stop, and arrive with realistic expectations about weather and mooring availability.

FAQ

How long does the private sailing trip last?

The standard experience lasts about 4.5 hours. It is possible to extend the outing 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.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your group participates in this activity. The party can be extended to a maximum of 12 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The price includes tasty bites, with a snack about every hour, plus unlimited drinks including alcohol.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. You can discuss your interests with the captain, and the route is adjusted for weather and sea conditions. Possible stops include Klein Bonaire, 1000 Steps, Salt Pier, and the salt flats.

Is Klein Bonaire guaranteed?

No. A stop at Klein Bonaire depends on your request, weather, and an available mooring. Moorings operate on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum stay of two hours.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Normal cancellations or amendments by you are non-refundable.