Washington Slagbaai National Park is a 16 square miles (42 square kilometer) protected area, located in the northwest part of the island. It was the first nature sanctuary of the Netherlands Antilles and was established in 1969. It provides safe habitat for several endemic and endangered species of Bonaire such as parrots, flamingos, parakeets, iguanas and many other species of birds and reptiles. The beaches inside the park are an important nesting ground for all four species of sea turtles found in the Caribbean.
Originally inhabited by native South Americans, and comprised of two of the largest plantations on the island during colonial period, the park is rich in historical and cultural heritage. The visitor center at the park entrance, with its museum and hiking trails, offers visitors an enjoyable learning experience.
Visit Stinapa Bonaire for more information.
