Cactus Cocktails and Low-emission Coffee? What We Can Learn From the Caribbean Island of Bonaire

More ideas for contributing to a positive transformation in Bonaire

There are so many opportunities for a low-impact, two-fold transformative experience in Bonaire. From participating in monthly beach clean-ups to walking dogs at the Animal Shelter or simply ordering a lionfish burger, you can travel to this island and leave a positive footprint. There’s nothing quite like falling to sleep to the sound of braying donkeys being carried on the breeze. It’s a birder’s Eden and a deep lesson in upcycling, innovation and the harmony that can exist in human-animal relationships.

Learning more about coral reef restoration, invasive species, the international parrot trade and island food security magnifies the power of thoughtful travel. As Bonaire boasts, “It’s in our nature.” I want it to be in my nature too. It’s a good transformation.

1. Visit the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire

The Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is always seeking volunteers and interns to assist with their ambitious care of more than 800 donkeys. A visit to the sanctuary is highly interactive (expect some enthusiastic slobber) as many of the curious and sentient donkeys are eager to engage and lean into a scratch (or for a handful of pellets). The wild donkey population outside the sanctuary is thriving–more than 1,200 donkeys live on the island, but they are often victims of traffic accidents and find care and rehabilitation at the sanctuary. Descendants of donkeys originally introduced by Spaniards in the 17th century for labour, the donkeys’ role was replaced by modern equipment. Many were released into the wild to fend for themselves. You can adopt a donkey at the sanctuary—all profits are dedicated to the donkeys for their ongoing medical care, wellbeing and food. A visit to the Special Care Unit where orphaned foals are bottle-fed is unforgettable, as is time spent in the Seniors Meadow with the aging donkeys who love to be groomed.

2. Support local food trucks like Cactus Blue on Donkey Beach

This is the only place on the island where you’ll find lionfish burgers on the menu–and it’s run by a woman! The lionfish is invasive and its presence alters the natural ecosystem and creates competition for native fish. They have few predators and can quickly decimate areas of smaller fish and crustaceans. The Cactus Blue grilled lionfish burger is served with jalapenos, onions, bacon and cheese with a honey mustard dressing. It’s an unusual but delicious way to pitch in!

3. Volunteer or donate items to Animal Shelter Bonaire

The shelter is constantly seeking extra hands to help out in their secondhand shop Pakus di Pruga (flea market). They have a wishlist for items like cat toys, dog collars and leashes which are easy to squeeze into a carry-on! If you are handy or a gardener, there’s a to-do list for you too.

4. Rent a bike or travel by foot

Unfortunately, Bonaire doesn’t have a public transit system. Yet! Until then, several island companies rent mountain bikes, scooters, e-bikes and even electric fat bikes. Golf carts are also an option. At EcoWheels, the only electric car rental on Bonaire, choose from an entire fleet of electric options from electric economy to mid-size crossovers to e-scooters and e-fatbikes.