Washington Slagbaai National Park

Bonaire's northern fifth drives as one great nature loop: Washington Slagbaai, the island's founding protected area, rolls candelabra-cactus hills past flamingo-worked salinas, iguana crossings and coasts that alternate blowhole limestone with snorkel coves - Wayaka's ledges and Boka Slagbaai's historic plantation bay the classic stops - while Brandaris, the island summit at 241 metres, adds a scrambly morning hike with Curacao on clear horizons. The loop roads ask high clearance and a full day's water; the reward is the Bonaire that existed before diving found it.

What you actually see

• The cactus hills - candelabra forest over the loop roads.
• The salina flamingos - pink work-parties on the salt flats.
• Wayaka's coves - ledge snorkelling on the wild coast.
• Brandaris summit - the 241-metre island crown.

When to go

January to June for the drier months; gates open early and close entry by early afternoon - start with the morning. The Brandaris hike wants dawn's cool.

Honest expectations

The loop is rough and committing - fuel, water and spare-tyre sense required; swimming stops are unguarded. The park's fee rides the island's nature-tag system.

Nearby

Rincon's village, the northern salinas and Kralendijk.