The Plan
We combined two very different experiences into one trip: a week of diving and beaches in Bonaire, followed by the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos in Sao Paulo. Bonaire is one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean, and Interlagos is one of the most legendary circuits on the F1 calendar. Flying between them through Curacao and Bogota was surprisingly straightforward.
Bonaire
Bonaire is a small Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. The entire coastline is a protected marine park, which means the reef is in incredible condition. We spent four days here and wished we had a full week.
Diving and Snorkeling
Bonaire is famous for shore diving — you literally drive up to a dive site, gear up in the parking lot, and walk into the water. No boat needed. The reef starts just a few feet offshore and the visibility is usually 80 to 100 feet.
Our favorite dive sites:
- 1000 Steps: Named for the long staircase down to the water (it is actually about 70 steps). Stunning wall dive with sea turtles and eagle rays
- Bari Reef: Right in front of the Sand Dollar Resort. Easy entry and incredible for night dives
- Klein Bonaire: The uninhabited island offshore has some of the best reef on the island. Take a water taxi for the day
- Salt Pier: Dive under the industrial salt pier and see massive tarpon, coral-encrusted pillars, and nurse sharks
If you do not dive, the snorkeling is just as good. The reef is shallow enough that you can see everything from the surface at most sites.
Beaches
Bonaire is more about rocky coastline than sandy beaches, but there are some gems:
- Te Amo Beach: Near the airport, good snorkeling, food trucks for lunch
- Pink Beach: Named for the pinkish sand. Beautiful at sunset with palm trees and calm water
- Sorobon Beach (Lac Bay): Shallow, warm, turquoise water on the windward side. Popular for windsurfing and kayaking
- Klein Bonaire beaches: White sand, crystal clear water, zero development. Take the water taxi
Other Activities
We rented a car and drove the island in a few hours. Do not miss the flamingo sanctuary on the south end — hundreds of wild flamingos in the salt flats. The donkey sanctuary is also worth a stop. Washington Slagbaai National Park on the north end has hiking trails with cactus-covered hills and coastal views.
The Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos
After Bonaire, we flew to Sao Paulo for the F1 race at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos.
Why Interlagos Is Special
Interlagos has produced some of the most dramatic races in F1 history. The circuit is built in a natural amphitheater, which means you can see a huge portion of the track from most grandstands. The elevation changes are dramatic — the Senna S at the top of the hill and the run down to the lake section create incredible racing.
The Brazilian fans are among the most passionate in F1. The atmosphere in the grandstands is electric, with constant chanting, singing, and flag waving regardless of who is winning.
Getting There and Tips
- Interlagos is about 30 minutes south of central Sao Paulo. Take the metro to Autodromo station on race day — driving is chaos
- November in Sao Paulo means unpredictable weather. Pack a rain jacket — some of the best Interlagos races have been in the rain
- Grandstand A on the main straight gives you the best view of the start and pit stops
- General admission is affordable and gives good views from the hill sections
- Food inside the circuit is basic. Eat a proper Brazilian meal before entering
- Stay in the Vila Madalena or Jardins neighborhoods for the best restaurants and nightlife
Sao Paulo Beyond F1
We spent two extra days in the city. The food scene is world-class — Brazilian steakhouses (churrascarias), Japanese-Brazilian fusion in the Liberdade neighborhood, and street food everywhere. The Pinacoteca museum and Ibirapuera Park are both excellent. Vila Madalena has incredible street art and lively bars.
What It Cost (Two People, 10 Days Total)
- Flights: ~$1,200 total (NYC to Bonaire, Bonaire to Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo to NYC)
- Bonaire hotel (4 nights): ~$800
- Sao Paulo hotel (4 nights): ~$600
- Diving gear rental + marine park tag: ~$300
- F1 tickets (grandstand, Sat+Sun): ~$400 per person
- Car rental Bonaire: ~$200
- Food and activities: ~$1,200 total
- Total for two: ~$5,100
Would We Do This Combo Again?
The Bonaire-to-Interlagos combination was unconventional but worked perfectly. A few days of relaxation and diving followed by the adrenaline of an F1 race weekend. Bonaire is one of the most underrated destinations in the Caribbean, and Interlagos delivers one of the best F1 experiences on the calendar. If you can find the flight connections, this combo is hard to beat.