Meet your Bonaire birding guides!
Susan and Martijn are passionate about Bonaire’s birds—and they’re looking forward to sharing their favorite sightings with you!
Explore Bonaire’s birdlife with a local guide—fun for families, essential for birders.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder chasing lifers or a family looking for a fun, nature-filled outing, hiring a local bird guide in Bonaire can transform your experience.
The island has registered hundreds of bird species, including iconic flamingos, parrots, and hard-to-spot native terrestrials—many of which are easy to miss without expert insight. A local guide knows where to look for elusive species and can share fascinating details about their behavior and habitats. The guides will tailor the tour to your interests and experience level.
For families, that means an engaging and educational adventure; for serious birders, it means maximizing your sightings and making the most of your time in the field. With a guide, Bonaire’s birdlife truly comes to life.
Your bird guides on Bonaire:
Susan
Bird Guide, Photographer & Lifelong Nature Enthusiast
Susan has called Bonaire home for nearly 35 years, drawn to the island’s nature, both above and below the surface. A certified bird guide and accomplished photographer, she brings a keen eye and a deep passion for wildlife to every tour she leads.
A nature lover since childhood, Susan began her Bonaire journey as a SCUBA instructor and underwater photography teacher. But over time, her gaze drifted upward—from reef to canopy—and her fascination with birds took flight. Eventually, she traded fins for binoculars, and birding became her true calling.
In 2016, Susan earned her certification through the Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Guide Course, conducted by BirdsCaribbean. Since then, she has combined her knowledge of local ecosystems with her photographic skills to create unforgettable birdwatching experiences.
Susan’s dedication to Bonaire’s avian life has led her to document several first records for the island, including the White-tailed Kite, Marbled Godwit, Blue and White Swallow, and the White-winged Dove—testaments to her sharp observation and deep connection to the island’s nature.
Martijn
Bird Guide & Nature Enthusiast
Martijn is a passionate nature lover who turned his lifelong hobby into a fulfilling career. Originally from the Netherlands, he made Bonaire his home in 2012, drawn by the island’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty. His early adventures focused on the underwater world, and he still runs a successful night diving tour business, but his love for birds also called him back to the surface.
Since 2016, Martijn has been actively birding, not only across Bonaire but also throughout South and Central America. His deep curiosity and sharp eyes have led to some remarkable discoveries, including the first documented sightings on Bonaire of species such as the Snail Kite, Manx Shearwater, and White-collared Swift.
Today, Martijn shares his expertise and excitement for birdwatching through collaborations with Bonaire Bird Photography Tours. Whether you’re a casual observer or a dedicated birder, his tours—offered in both English or Dutch—combine local insight with a personal touch, making each outing both informative and inspiring.
Get In Touch
Get in touch with Susan to check availability for the dates you are visiting Bonaire.
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