Willemstoren Lighthouse

Willemstoren Lighthouse – the oldest lighthouse on Bonaire

At the southern tip of Bonaire, where the ocean crashes wildly against the shore, stands the Willemstoren Lighthouse. The oldest lighthouse on the island and one of its most striking historical symbols. Built in 1837, it was the first navigational point to help ships avoid the dangerous shoals surrounding this part of the island.

It towers spectacularly over the wild Atlantic, and although you can’t go up to the viewing platforms, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the place by taking a walk around the area.

Surroundings and atmosphere

Ambiance around the lighthouse is wild and isolated. There will be no one here but you. You will be accompanied by strong winds and waves that constantly crash against the rocky shore, creating the raw beauty of Bonaire, without the interference of the modern world.

You can sit back, watch the breaking waves and let the strong winds that drive them here wash over you. You’ll be transported back to a time when even ship crews battled these natural elements.

Flamingos are a bonus

If you are lucky, you will also see the symbol of the island – flamingos. They come here to forage for food in the salty lagoons, where they feed on tiny crustaceans that give them their distinctive pink colour.

On Bonaire, you can almost always find them. But it is in this area, near Willemstoren and the salt pans, that they are most abundant. When whole flocks fly over the pinkish water of the salt mines, it looks like a vivid picture full of colour and movement. We couldn’t help ourselves.

We were taken by the beautiful but raw and desolate landscape of the south of the island. Especially after a previous visit to Aruba, which had no such nooks and crannies.

Why was Willemstoren built?

In the 19th century, Bonaire’s coastline was dangerous for ships, which often crashed into coral reefs or were stranded in the shallows. Therefore, the Dutch colonial administration decided to build the Willemstoren lighthouse, named after King William I. Dutch. Its purpose was to warn the crews of sailing ships approaching the coast of treacherous waters and strong currents.

The lighthouse is located near the salt pans, which were Bonaire’s main source of income at the time. Ships coming for salt needed safe navigation points to be able to approach the coast without the risk of being wrecked.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss Salt Pier or the Old Slave Huts, which you’ll encounter on your way out of the capital, towards Willemstoren Lighthouse.