I was just looking at Bonaire-Update.com (thanks Jerry I hadn't seen that site before).
There was a little info on Slagbaai Beach Bar and Restaurant - which I also had not heard of before, but it sounds interesting.
Does anybody have any additional information or comments on it? Is it actually in the Park?
Sounds like the first Sunday of every month they have a special "True Taste of Bonaire". We will be on island on March 7th.
Thanks

Joe, we had lunch at the restaurant while on the Island In January. It was on a Friday so we did not have the "Taste of Bonaire." Our lunch was good and reasonably priced. You can eat inside or out. Also, there is now easy access to either diving or snorkeling from this area.

Remember that each first Sunday of the month, Washington Park is open for free for those who enter at the south gate and go to Slagbaai for the day.......see http://www.bonaireinsider.com/index.php/bonaireinsider/washington_slagbaai_national_park_hosts_open_house_at_slagbaai_on_august_2_/

Looks really cool. I did not know it existed.

Thanks Susan

So the beach bar and restaurant is right there?

Do they still have the 30 car 120 people rule?

Joe, let me ask STINAPA tomorrow when their offices re-open, but I think yes, they do limit it so they are not over run with people and everyone can enjoy the area. I'll also see if I can get better directions.

I didn't eat there but had a few cold Amstels when touring the park. I did see some food that others ordered and it looked quite good. It is inside the park.

Hey Jeff, how are you my friend?

I really don't understand from the read. When exactly are they open? Is it every Sunday, or only the first Sunday of the month?

My understanding is that they are open every day. On the first Sunday every month they have the BBQ and music

Thanks Joe. I'll be checking a couple of Brights there for sure. That is a great snorkeling beach as well, as I remember. I have only been in the park once in all my trips.

Thanks Susan,

Keep me posted. Wheels up in about 5 hours, but We can check BT when we're on island.

Hi Jim, doing well here. Was lucky enough to be in Key West for the big snows at home. I think the restaurant is open every day. I was surprised to see a restaurant there when we were touring the park. It was great to drain a few bottles while sitting out enjoying the breezes. It really helped with the heat.

Hi Joe,

Here's directions to the south gate.

Travel up the coast road, and then turn inland towards Gotomeer. Pass the lake, and then on the left, look for two grey concrete pillars on each side of an asphalt road, and turn left there. On Sunday, there should also be a sign marking this road. This will take you directly to the south gate of the park.

One thing: have your Dive Tag and white receipt and ID to get in for free. This year, entrance is not free for the once-a-month Sunday event unless you have your dive tag. Entry can be as early as 8:00 AM.

Enjoy your trip!

Susan

the restaurant is open from 11am to 4pm every day, serves drinks, ice cream, snacks, soups, stopped there today

I never realized that there was another gate.........Can you enter by the south gate every day or just on the free sunday??

Cindy, keep your receipt for your dive/snorkle tags, and everyday is free.

The south gate is only open on the once-a-month Sunday event. And it's not free, they will charge at the gate if you don't have your tag receipt. The first time they did it last year, it was free. But now the entrance fee applies, but, as Ron said, have your tag receipt and you get in free.

And, your dive/snorkel tags are good for a year

The Scuba/snorkel Tags are good for a calender year...