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When we planned our trip to Bonaire, we knew we wanted to experience more than just the island’s famous underwater world.
So after several days of snorkeling and relaxing at Harbour Village Beach Club, Tim and I joined our friends, Courtney, John, Jess, and Blake, and their kiddos for a morning hike on the Lagadishi Walking Trail in Washington Slagbaai National Park.
Though relatively short, the Lagadishi Trail packs a surprising amount of scenery into a manageable hike without requiring a full-day adventure.
It winds through cactus-covered terrain, past historic sites and wildlife, before reaching Bonaire’s northern coast and the impressive Suplado Blowhole.
We hiked it with six adults and two adventurous toddlers, and it ended up being one of our favorite mornings on the island!
The kids handled the trail surprisingly well, although the rocky terrain and lack of shade were definitely things we were glad to experience firsthand before recommending it to other families.
If you’re wondering whether the Lagadishi Trail is worth adding to your Bonaire itinerary, I’ll walk you through exactly what the hike is like, what you’ll see along the way, whether it’s manageable with kids, how to get there, what to bring, and what we’d do differently next time.
Lagadishi Trail at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of what to expect from the Lagadishi Trail:
📍 Location: Washington Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire
🥾 Distance: ~2.6 miles
⏱️ Time: ~1–1.5 hours, depending on stops
⭐ Difficulty: Easy
👟 Trail type: Scenic loop trail
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Yes, with supervision
☀️ Best time: Early morning
💰 Cost: Included with the STINAPA Nature Fee
What Is the Lagadishi Trail?
Located on Bonaire’s northern coast, the Lagadishi Walking Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Washington Slagbaai National Park for visitors who want to experience Bonaire beyond its beaches and reefs.
It’s a relatively easy loop that takes hikers through several of the park’s most scenic landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll pass through cactus-covered terrain, spot wildlife, reach the northern coastline, and visit one of the park’s most memorable natural attractions: Suplado, a powerful blowhole where waves force seawater through openings in the rocky coastline.
The official trail length is about 2.6 miles, although my Apple Watch clocked our walk at 2.69 miles by the time we finished all of our photo stops and exploring.
The trail is well marked and easy to follow, so you won’t need to constantly check a map as you make your way through the park.
If you’ve mostly experienced Bonaire underwater, the Lagadishi Trail gives you a chance to see just how different the island looks above the surface—and honestly, it was one of our favorite mornings of the trip!
Hiking the Lagadishi Trail: What You’ll See
One of my favorite things about the Lagadishi Trail was how often the scenery changed. Even though the hike is relatively short, it never felt repetitive.
Every few minutes, there was something new to stop and look at—whether it was an unexpected piece of Bonaire history, wildlife hiding surprisingly close to the trail, or another viewpoint that made us want to pause for a photo.
And despite how much there was to see, the trail itself felt surprisingly peaceful.
We barely saw any other hikers during our walk, which made it easy to slow down and explore without feeling like we were holding anyone up.
Most visitors explore Washington Slagbaai National Park by car, so once we were on the trail, it felt like we had this quiet corner of the park almost entirely to ourselves.
Cacti, Rocky Terrain & Iguanas
The trail begins in Bonaire’s signature dry landscape, winding through towering cacti, scrubby vegetation, and rocky limestone terrain.
If you’d shown me photos without telling me where they were taken, I never would’ve guessed they were from a Caribbean island.
The limestone is rough and uneven in places, but we never had trouble with traction in regular sneakers. You’ll still want to watch your footing, though, especially on the rockier sections.
Within the first few minutes, I almost stepped on our first iguana. I was busy chatting and filming a video when Tim pointed it out just in time, and I quickly realized how well these little guys blend into the landscape.
After that, spotting iguanas became a game. All of us started scanning the rocks to see who could find the next one first.
💡 Fun fact: Lagadishi means “lizard” in Papiamentu, which is pretty fitting considering how many we spotted along the trail!
A Broad Recommendation: If you’re hiking with kids, this could be a fun way to keep little ones engaged, too. Instead of simply walking from one point to the next, turn it into a wildlife scavenger hunt and see who can spot the next iguana first.
Kunuku Blanku
One of the more unexpected sights along the trail is Kunuku Blanku, a historic dry-stone wall built from rough pieces of local fossilized coral.
The wall dates back to Bonaire’s agricultural and plantation history and was used to mark property boundaries and help contain livestock.
It’s easy to focus on Bonaire’s natural beauty, but features like Kunuku Blanku offer a glimpse into how people lived and worked on this arid island long before it became a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.
Pos di Undomigu
Another unique stop along the trail is Pos di Undomigu, a historic, cave-like water well.
The name roughly translates from Papiamentu to “Undomigu’s Well on the Cliffs” and is a reminder of how important freshwater management was on an island as dry as Bonaire.
For early inhabitants and plantation workers, finding and managing freshwater was essential.
Today, you can peer into this unusual limestone formation and potentially spot bats resting inside.
From Pos di Undomigu, the trail continues toward the coast, and the scenery starts to change noticeably as the cactus-covered interior gives way to more exposed limestone and ocean views.
Suplado Blowhole
Before long, you’ll reach one of the most memorable stops on the trail: Suplado Blowhole.
As waves surge beneath the rocky shoreline, seawater is forced through openings in the limestone, sending powerful bursts of spray into the air.
We ended up staying much longer than we’d planned, waiting to see which wave would create the biggest splash.
Every time the blowhole “went off,” both toddlers started clapping and cheering like they’d just watched fireworks.
Before long, the adults were just as invested, trying to predict which wave would put on the best show.
Standing at Suplado actually reminded me of waiting for Strokkur to erupt in Iceland.
They’re completely different natural phenomena—Strokkur is powered by geothermal activity, while Suplado is driven by the force of the ocean—but both create that same feeling of anticipation as everyone waits to see nature put on a show.
👉 If Iceland is on your bucket list too, be sure to check out my 10-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary.
Playa Chikitu
After spending far longer at Suplado than we planned, we continued along the coast toward Playa Chikitu, a pale-sand beach backed by blue water and an unusually quiet stretch of coastline.
That said, this is not a beach where you should swim.
The water here can be extremely rough, with strong waves and currents along this exposed section of coastline. Even though the beach looks inviting, I would not get in the water here.
For us, Playa Chikitu was much more of a place to stop, take in the scenery, and appreciate how wild this part of Washington Slagbaai National Park feels.
After the excitement of watching Suplado erupt, it was nice to slow down for a few minutes and simply take in the coastline before continuing along the trail.
Flamingos at Saliña Matijs
From Playa Chikitu, the trail turns back inland toward Saliña Matijs, a hypersaline lake where we spotted flamingos feeding in the distance.
Seeing flamingos in the wild was such a fun surprise, especially after spending the first part of the hike searching for iguanas.
Because the flamingos at Saliña Matijs can be quite far away, binoculars are worth bringing if you have them.
👉 I used these Nikon PROSTAFF P3 8×42 Binoculars throughout our 12-day Kenya safari trip, and have continued bringing them on wildlife-focused trips.
Historic Sites Near the Trailhead
Before leaving, there are also a couple of interesting sights near the trailhead that are worth checking out while you’re in the area.
First, we stopped at the historic Aloe Oven, which offers a glimpse into Bonaire’s aloe industry long before tourism and diving became the island’s biggest draw.
It’s a quick stop but worth a few minutes if you’re interested in Bonaire’s history.
Then, we wandered over to the Bonaire Youth Group Exhibition to see the enormous whale skeleton.
Standing beneath those massive bones was the perfect reminder that Washington Slagbaai National Park isn’t just about spectacular scenery—it’s also a place to appreciate Bonaire’s history, culture, and wildlife.
Can You Hike the Lagadishi Trail With Kids?
One of the questions I had before our hike was whether the Lagadishi Trail would be manageable with young kids.
After completing it with two toddlers in our group, I’d confidently say yes—but only if you come prepared.
Our group included six adults and two toddlers, and the little ones honestly impressed us!
They happily walked stretches of the trail, especially where there were interesting rocks to climb or lizards to spot.
Whenever the terrain became rougher or they got tired, they rode on their parents’ shoulders or in carriers before hopping back down to explore again.
The trail itself isn’t particularly steep, but it is uneven in places. You’ll be walking over rocky limestone, loose gravel, and sections where you’ll naturally slow down to watch your footing.
None of it felt difficult for the adults, but it definitely required keeping a close eye on adventurous toddlers who were far more interested in the scenery than where their feet were landing.
The biggest thing I’d plan around with toddlers is the lack of shade. We started around 10:00 am in mid-May, and by late morning we were definitely feeling that Caribbean sun.
If I were doing it again with little kids, I’d start earlier.
Even with the extra preparation that traveling with toddlers required, this hike ended up being one of our favorite mornings in Bonaire!
The kids loved searching for iguanas, climbing over rocks, and watching Suplado erupt.
It reminded me that adventures don’t have to stop just because you’re traveling with little kids—you just have to adjust your pace a little.
How to Get to the Lagadishi Trail
We stayed at Harbour Village Beach Club, and it took us about 30 minutes to reach the entrance to Washington Slagbaai National Park.
Getting to Lagadishi is straightforward once you’re inside the park:
- Drive north from Harbour Village through Kralendijk toward Washington Slagbaai National Park.
- Stop at the park entrance and have your STINAPA Nature Fee and photo ID ready.
- After checking in at the visitor center, you can use the restrooms before heading toward the trail.
- Continue through the park on foot, following the signs for the Lagadishi Trail.
The bigger consideration is the road into the park.
Many of the roads are unpaved and rocky, so take your time and choose a rental car you’re comfortable driving on rough roads, especially if you plan to explore beyond Lagadishi.
Best Time to Hike the Lagadishi Trail
The best time to hike the Lagadishi Trail is early in the morning.
We visited in May and started around 10:00 am, but if I were planning the hike again, I’d go earlier.
There isn’t much shade along the trail, so getting out early makes a noticeable difference.
An early start means:
- Cooler temperatures: You’ll be more comfortable walking before the midday heat builds.
- Better for kids: Younger hikers have more energy early in the day, and you won’t be asking little legs to hike during the hottest part of the morning.
- Better light: The morning light along the coastline makes for great photos.
- Potentially fewer visitors: Getting there early can also mean a quieter experience on the trail.
The park is currently open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with visitors permitted to enter until 2:30 pm.
A Broad Recommendation: If you’re visiting Washington Slagbaai National Park with kids, I’d aim for an 8:00 am start and make Lagadishi one of your first stops. You’ll thank yourself when the sun starts getting stronger!
Do You Need a Nature Fee for the Lagadishi Trail?
Yes. Because the Lagadishi Trail is located inside Washington Slagbaai National Park, you’ll need a valid STINAPA Nature Fee to enter the park.
The current cost is $40 per person and is valid for one calendar year, from January 1 through December 31. Children under 12 are exempt.
The Nature Fee covers both Washington Slagbaai National Park and Bonaire National Marine Park, so if you’re planning to snorkel or dive during your trip, you’ll likely use it for more than just this hike.
STINAPA recommends purchasing the Nature Fee ahead of time, although the park is currently cashless and accepts credit/debit card payments at the entrance.
Be sure to bring valid photo ID with you as well.
Tips for Hiking the Lagadishi Trail
Although the trail isn’t especially difficult, a little preparation goes a long way.
Here’s what I’d bring if I were hiking it again:
- Plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (you’ll have very little shade)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
- Snacks, especially if hiking with kids
- Camera or phone with plenty of storage—you’ll probably stop for more photos than you expect
- Binoculars for spotting distant flamingos
- Baby carrier if traveling with young kids
- Bug spray (depending on the season)
- Lightweight backpack to carry all of the above
If you’re planning to explore more of Washington Slagbaai National Park, bring your swimsuit and a towel, so you can cool off at one of the park’s beaches where swimming is permitted.
Other Things to Do in Washington Slagbaai National Park
While the Lagadishi Trail was the highlight of our visit, it only scratches the surface of what Washington Slagbaai National Park has to offer.
The park covers a huge portion of Bonaire’s northwestern coast, with beaches, historic sites, wildlife habitats, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails spread throughout the area.
STINAPA describes two driving routes through the park, with the longer route taking about two hours and passing many of the park’s major points of interest.
If you have a full day to explore, here are several other stops worth adding to your itinerary.
Visit Boca Slagbaai
Once the park’s original plantation, Boca Slagbaai is now one of the most popular places to stop inside Washington Slagbaai National Park.
You’ll find historic buildings, a beach, and opportunities to relax, swim, or snorkel when conditions allow.
It’s also a great place to take a break and enjoy a picnic before continuing your drive through the park.
Climb Mount Brandaris
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, consider hiking Mount Brandaris, the highest point on Bonaire.
This hike is much steeper and more strenuous than Lagadishi, making it a better choice for experienced hikers looking for a more challenging adventure.
It’s one of Bonaire’s most rewarding hikes, with panoramic views across the island.
Tim and I would love to do this one next time if we’re traveling just the two of us!
Relax at Wayaka
The beaches at Wayaka are some of the most picturesque in the park.
Wayaka offers a much calmer coastal experience than what you’ll encounter along Lagadishi.
Many visitors stop here to swim, snorkel, or simply cool off after exploring the park’s hiking trails.
Drive the Washington Slagbaai Park Loop
Even if you don’t plan on hiking, the scenic drive through Washington Slagbaai National Park is worth the visit.
The park roads wind through towering cactus landscapes, salt flats, open coastal stretches, and wildlife habitats where you may spot iguanas, flamingos, wild donkeys, and goats.
There are countless viewpoints and short stops along the way, making it easy to customize your day based on how much time you have.
We focused our visit on the Lagadishi Trail, but if we return to Bonaire, spending an entire day exploring more of the park would be high on our list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lagadishi Trail hard?
Not really. Most hikers with average fitness should be able to complete it without much difficulty.
The biggest challenges are the rocky, uneven terrain and the lack of shade rather than steep elevation.
How long does the Lagadishi Trail take?
We spent about 1.5 hours on the trail, including photo stops, wildlife spotting, and time at Suplado.
If you’re hiking without children or stopping less frequently, you may finish faster.
AllTrails lists a shorter estimated hiking time, but our 1.5-hour experience included frequent photo stops, wildlife spotting, and time at Suplado.
Can kids hike the Lagadishi Trail?
Yes! We completed the hike with two toddlers, and both had a great time.
The trail is manageable for young children, but you’ll want to supervise them closely on the rocky sections.
We also brought carriers and let the kids ride on their parents’ shoulders when they got tired.
Do I need hiking boots for the Lagadishi Trail?
No. A sturdy pair of sneakers, trail shoes, or lightweight hiking shoes should be sufficient.
That said, choose shoes with decent traction because you’ll be walking over uneven limestone and rocky sections.
👉 I wore my waterproof Vessis and had no trouble on this hike!
Where is the Lagadishi Trail?
The Lagadishi Trail is inside Washington Slagbaai National Park on the northwestern side of Bonaire.
You’ll need to drive into the park to reach the trailhead.
Do you need a car to visit Lagadishi Trail?
For independent travelers, a rental car is the easiest option.
STINAPA recommends a vehicle with higher ground clearance for the park’s rougher roads, although guided tours are another option if you don’t want to drive.
👉 Though I didn’t take this guided tour myself, I frequently book experiences through GetYourGuide and this Washington Slagbaai National Park Day Trip has great reviews!
How much does Washington Slagbaai National Park cost?
A valid STINAPA Nature Fee is required to enter Washington Slagbaai National Park, and it also covers Bonaire National Marine Park.
Because pricing and entry requirements can change, check STINAPA’s website before your trip for the latest information.
How much time do you need at Washington Slagbaai National Park?
If you’re primarily visiting for the Lagadishi Trail, I’d allow about half a day once you factor in the drive into the park, the hike, and a few stops along the way.
If you want to explore the park’s beaches, viewpoints, historic sites, and other attractions, plan on spending most or all of a day.
Is Washington Slagbaai National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even if your main reason for visiting Bonaire is snorkeling or diving, the park gives you a chance to experience the island’s landscapes and wildlife above the water.
For us, Lagadishi was the highlight of the visit, but if you have a full day, I’d recommend exploring more of the park rather than driving all the way north just for the hike.
Final Thoughts on the Lagadishi Trail
When I think back on our week in Bonaire, the underwater adventures still come to mind first, but hiking the Lagadishi Walking Trail gave us another reason to appreciate the island beyond the water.
It wasn’t the most difficult hike we’ve ever done, but it felt like a genuine adventure that our entire group—including two toddlers—could enjoy together.
We loved spotting iguanas along the trail, exploring the historic sites, watching the kids cheer every time Suplado “went off,” and eventually reaching the coastline.
If you’re spending several days on Bonaire, I’d absolutely make time for Washington Slagbaai National Park.
And, if you’re deciding whether to add Lagadishi to your itinerary, I’d recommend it—especially if you want to experience the park’s landscapes and wildlife without committing your entire day to a strenuous hike.
👉 Planning the rest of your trip? Check out my 7-Day Bonaire Itinerary to see how I’d fit Washington Slagbaai National Park into a week on the island.
What’s Next on Your Bonaire Itinerary?
After finishing our morning in Washington Slagbaai National Park, we headed to Cadushy Distillery for a well-earned drink and a relaxing lunch.
It ended up being one of the most memorable stops on our entire trip, and I’ll be sharing a full guide to the experience soon.
If you’re planning your own Bonaire adventure, here are a few other guides to help you make the most of your trip:
- 👉 Start with my Bonaire Travel Guide for everything we learned after 8 days on the island.
- 👉 Read my Harbour Village Beach Club Review if you’re looking for a place to stay—we loved having it as our home base for exploring Bonaire.
- 👉 See the Best Things to Do in Bonaire for more of our favorite experiences beyond Washington Slagbaai National Park.
I hope you love Bonaire as much as we did, and safe travels!
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!