Bonaire Cruise Port - US$35 North & South Island highlights by local tour operator. What to expect?

We booked a US$35 North & South Island highlights shore excrusion with a local tour operator at the pier which is 1/3 the price the ship would have charged us. How did it go? A 3 to 4-hour tour of Bonaire is the ideal way to see the entire island, as it allows for a "best of both worlds" experience. Because Bonaire is relatively small, 4 hours provides enough time to cover both the rugged, hilly North and the flat, colorful South without feeling rushed. Here is what you can typically expect from a comprehensive North and South island tour: 1. The Rugged North (Nature & History) The northern loop is characterized by limestone cliffs, cactus forests, and historical sites. 1000 Steps: A famous dive and snorkel site. You don’t actually have to climb 1000 steps (there are about 67), but the limestone stairs offer a stunning turquoise view of the ocean. Goto Lake (Gotomeer): A saltwater lagoon where you can often see wild pink flamingos. It's one of the best spots for birdwatching on the island. Rincon Village: The oldest village in the Dutch Caribbean. Most tours stop here to visit the Cadushy Distillery, where they make liqueur from local cacti. Seru Largu: A high viewpoint with a large monument that offers a panoramic "birds-eye" view of the capital, Kralendijk, and the island of Klein Bonaire. (We miss this stop for some reason or maybe the group stay too long in Rincon Village) 2. The Scenic South (Salt & Color) The southern part of the island is almost entirely flat and is home to Bonaire’s famous salt industry. Salt Pyramids & Pink Water: You will see massive, snow-white mountains of salt. The nearby evaporation ponds often turn a vibrant pink due to the brine shrimp and algae. Slave Huts: These tiny, historic stone huts (White and Orange) were used by enslaved people working the salt pans in the 1850s. They are a somber but essential piece of the island's history. Willemstoren Lighthouse: Built in 1837, this lighthouse marks the southern tip where the calm leeward waters meet the rougher windward side. Jibe City / Sorobon Beach: A world-famous windsurfing spot with shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water. Many tours take a short break here to watch the windsurfers. Pick-up: Most 4-hour tours are designed for cruise passengers and depart directly from the cruise terminal in Kralendijk, but hotel pick-up is usually available for land-based travelers. Group Size: You can find these tours as "Small Group" 10–15 people in a minibus or 4-6 people in an SUV. Private tours is also available and often allow you to spend more time at a specific spot like staying longer at the beach or the distillery.