Bonaire May Adventures |

Why Visit in May?

May is an excellent time for an adventure holiday in the BES islands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The Caribbean sun is warm, the days are long and the islands are still pleasantly relaxed before the busier summer travel period. You can enjoy outdoor activities at a comfortable pace, with plenty of time to stop for a swim, a local lunch or a spectacular coastal view.

These three Dutch Caribbean islands each have a distinct character. Bonaire is famous for diving, windsurfing and easy-going coastal exploration, while Sint Eustatius offers history, volcanic scenery and uncrowded trails. Saba is the choice for keen walkers, with steep green slopes, cloud forest and some of the finest views in the region.

Caribbean Holidays, Bonaire May Adventures, A scuba diver exploring clear coral reefs and colourful fish in Bonaire's calm May waters

Underwater Bonaire

Bonaire is one of the Caribbean’s best destinations for diving and snorkelling, and May is a rewarding month to explore its warm, clear waters. The island’s protected marine park surrounds much of the coastline, with accessible shore-diving sites marked by bright yellow stones. Beginners can learn in calm, shallow water, while experienced divers can seek out drop-offs, coral gardens and dramatic marine life.

Hire a car or pick up a bicycle and make your own route between the beaches and dive sites. Look for parrotfish, turtles and rays beneath the surface, then spend the afternoon relaxing beside the sea. Lac Bay is particularly appealing for windsurfing, with shallow water and steady breezes creating ideal conditions for lessons or confident riders.

Caribbean Holidays, Bonaire May Adventures, Hikers walking through green volcanic scenery towards a panoramic view on Sint Eustatius

Sint Eustatius Trails

Sint Eustatius, often called Statia, is a fascinating destination for travellers who like nature with a sense of history. Walk through Oranjestad to see old stone buildings and evocative ruins, then head into the countryside for trails on the slopes of The Quill, a dormant volcano covered in tropical vegetation.

A guided hike can reveal plants and wildlife that are easy to miss when walking alone, while the crater trail offers a real feeling of discovery. At the coast, snorkellers and divers can explore reefs and historic wreck sites. May’s warm weather makes early starts especially worthwhile, leaving you time to enjoy the island’s quiet beaches later in the day.

Caribbean Holidays, Bonaire May Adventures, A hiker on a lush forest trail on Saba with steep volcanic slopes and a wide Caribbean sea view

Mountain Adventures on Saba

Saba is small, dramatic and wonderfully different from the usual beach holiday. The island rises steeply from the sea, and its winding paths lead through gardens, woodland and misty cloud forest. The Mount Scenery trail is the main challenge, climbing through changing vegetation to the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Conditions can be humid, so take water, sturdy footwear and plenty of time. Even shorter walks around Windwardside and the island’s villages provide memorable views, colourful houses and a chance to meet friendly locals. After a day outdoors, enjoy fresh seafood or a relaxed drink while watching the clouds move across the hills.

Caribbean Holidays, Bonaire May Adventures, A relaxed Caribbean evening with travellers dining outdoors beside the sea on a BES island

Plan Your Island Escape

An adventure holiday in May gives you the freedom to combine the BES islands in a way that suits you. Choose Bonaire for underwater exploration, Sint Eustatius for volcano walks and heritage, or Saba for challenging hikes and unforgettable scenery. You can also create a multi-island itinerary for a varied Caribbean experience.

Pack light clothing, sun protection, swimwear and reliable walking shoes, and allow time for the islands’ slower pace. With warm seas, remarkable landscapes and plenty of activities away from the crowds, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba make May an excellent choice for an active Caribbean holiday.