Kralendijk
Kralendijk is the small capital of Bonaire. It is a quiet place that is visited by most tourists for its diving possibilities. The name 'Kralendijk' refers to the reefs around Bonaire.
Fort Oranje was built in the 19th century and nowadays houses the Harbor Office. It is next to the lighthouse. The Bonaire Museum has exhibitions on the Caiquetio Indians and holds various local artifacts.
There are several hotels and restaurants in Kralendijk. The town is on Bonaire's western coast, opposite the islet of Klein Bonaire, which can be reached by water-taxi and is an excellent place for snorkeling.
There are many interesting sites in Kralendijk, including:
- World War II Monument to commemorate people frpm Bonairea who died during WWII.
- Pasangrahan is a building from 1890 that houses the Island Parliament.
- Wilhelmina Park was named after former Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.
- Protestant Church was built in 1847.
- Van Walbeeck Monument commemorated the 300th anniversary of Johannes van Walbeeck in 1934.
- Eleanor Roosevelt Monument commemorates of Mrs. Roosevelt's visit during World War II.
- Welcome Seat is a 'W'-shaped bench where people would sit and wait for loved ones arriving from Curaçao. The 'W'-shape is for 'Welcome', 'Waiting' and 'Wilhelmina'. The bench dates from 1923.
- Customs Building was built in 1925 and houses a customs office.
- Government Office Building dates from 1837.
- Fort Oranje was constructed in 1639.
- Betico Croes Monument was erected for Betico Croes who's efforts led to Aruba's Status Aparte, which meant more freedom within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- Post Office was established in 1890.
- Tourist Information Office is a good place to get information on Kralendijk and Bonaire.
- Telephone Company is where the first telegraph connection with Curaçao was made in 1911.
- Simón Bolívar monument commemorates the Liberator's 1816 visit to Bonaire.
- Museo Boneriano shows historical artifacts from Bonaire.
- St. Bernardus Church dates from 1848.
- Plaza Fraternan di Tilburg is a monument dedicated to the Fraters of Tilburg who established educational centers on Bonaire.
- Julianaplein is named after former Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.
- St. Franciscus Convent is an old school from 1856.
- Old Hospital dates from 1922 and boasts a nice little chapel.
- Historical cannons can be seen across the street from the Old Hospital.
- Kaya Grandi is Bonaire's main shopping street and it is lined with many beautiful old buildings.
- Fish Market was established in 1935, but nowadays it's mainly a fruit market.
Accommodation is widely available in Kralendijk and there are countless café's and restaurants.
