Has anybody driven the newly paved roads in a plain ole compact car? Would love to snorkel there again. we haven't been there on our own since we never have a 4wd.

4WD is not needed in the park, but a truck is because of ground clearence. The park rangers will not allow you to inter the park with a car!

What roads in the park have been paved?

They have paved some steep hills and the areas where people were continually getting stuck because of mud.

As Ron says, a vehicle with good clearance is essential and a compact is not allowed.

For the more energetic, cycling is permissible.

Ron that has changed. From Bonaireinsider.

Access Roads Restored in Bonaire’s Washington-Slagbaai National Park, the Park Plans Festivities
STINAPA recently announced that the road system in Washington-Slagbaai National Park has been graded and renovated so that all types of vehicles can traverse the park easily. The work has been completed just in time for their June 1st, 2008 anniversary celebration.

In the past, STINAPA recommended that only jeeps or pickup trucks should enter the park, but with the road renovation, other types of autos, such as family sedans, can now enter.

There are two routes in the park, the short route being 24 kilometers, and the long route being 34 kilometers. Both routes have been restored, since the rainy season (now past) and vehicular traffic can cause ruts in the roadways. Although STINAPA is hoping for additional funding to maintain the roads in this manner during future rainy seasons, it does not yet have the necessary funds to maintain the existing system of water canals.

On June 1st, 2008, the park will hold its annual anniversary celebrations, with special walking tours, music, transportation to Slagbaai from the park entrance, as well as children’s activities. To view the flyer regarding the day’s events, click here, in PDF format.

For additional information, contact STINAPA by telephone at 717-8444 or Washington-Slagbaai National Park directly at 788-9015. (Source: STINAPA)

Posted by Susan Davis on May 21, 2008 at 9:45am AST
Events • Nature • Transportation • (0) Comments • Permalink
Tuesday, May 20, 2008

thanks cecil i had read that as well but really wanted to be sure it is accurate before driving there. was hoping somebody had done the drive .

Diane and I took the long route May 17th, and the clearance for a car in many places is NOT there! Plus, people in a compact car will travel with more then 2 people in the car witch will decreace the curb height! If you break something in the park it will really ruin your day(and part of your night)check with your car rental company! They will not insure you if you take the car in the park! I rent a truck with P/S, A/C, P/Brakes. Drives like a car, but has a truck suspenion to withstand the abuse in the park! I sure wouldn't want to get stuck there!!! Ron
PS make sure you have a cell phone if you travel in the park with a car, and a good book to pass the time.

Karen, I would give the Park a call for their interpretation of what a "family sedan" is, not sure if a hatchback would fall in that category or not. I have not been to the park since they did pave a few roads, but with our truck last year, it was sure a bumpity ride and lots of craters. I wonder if they fixed all those too? Hope so, would make it much more enjoyable to drive through. Let us know if you do go, would love to hear. My in-laws are coming back to Bonaire this coming winter and I know the would enjoy driving through without having to have a truck as they don't rent a truck as they snorkel and don't feel the need for one and high season has always been hard to just rent a truck for a day in the park for them due to everything being rented out. Hubby took them in our truck last year, but I am sure they would love to go themselves if roads are better.

Hi Debbie,we never seem to be on the island at the same time.i have a vague feeling that stinapa may have painted a rosier picture of the roads than they really are,but i will check monday when on the island.

Hi, everyone! Joe and I just returned last Sunday from Bonaire. We did not see any real "additional" paving in the park. The steep grades were re-cemented for traction but 95% of the long route is still dirt surface.

We had an SUV and were glad we did. PU trucks are good, too.

We love the bumpy ride(s) in the Park and were actually "relieved" to see that the entire park road system had not been "paved".

It appears there has been some "smoothing"/flattening of some of the dirt/natural road tracks, too.

Either way, go on in with a high clearance vehicle and have fun!! Ayo. Carole

Karen, that has such a nice ring to it: "I'll check monday when on the island"

Safe travels to you and Roger - enjoy a Bright for me please

Don't know Roger. but Charles and I will have a Bright for him and you. carole seems to have confirmed what i suspected. i am disappointed. but i will recover as soon as i land!

Oh Lordy, Lordy.... I'm ten shades of red now!!!
I saw Karen and immediately thought of Karen & Roger Huff.

Guess I really need that Bright - and I'm sure that Roger won't mind either

May the winds be with you and the bubbles be happy!!!

Thanks 4 the good wishes. I have to pack now.
WAHOOO! By the way did you know that the fish called Ono in Hawaii is actually Wahoo?

Hey Boom...that was funny! But we (Karen & Roger) will be there in 22 days!!! We will have a Bright for you too (our first week we will be there with your other brother from another mother)

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT KAREN!!!!!!!!!! HI ROGER!!!!!!!!

HI PATRICK!!!!!!

See I wasn't daft or too far off.... I thought you had a trip scheduled soon!!!

Well, I wish ALL of you the most fantastic trip ever.