Melisa Sailing — Restaurant in Bonaire

My husband and I went on the Melissa through a Carnival Cruise excursion. It was one if the better sail boat Excursions we've been on.

If you're coming from Carnival, keep in mind that their description of the excursion isn't very accurate. Once we boarded, we were offered a glass of prosecco. The Carnival Cruise description states that you'll have a traditional meal of chicken, beans and rice. We did not have that. However, the meal we did have was amazing. We were served a three course meal. We had salmon and prosciutto on flat bread followed by cauliflower soup with truffle oil. The soup was divine.

We then had an opportunity to jump in the water and snorkel. The snorkeling was amazing. The water is so clear and we were able to see so many fish, plants and coral. We even saw a turtle!

After snorkeling, we were offered rum punch. There was also water available and beer. The carnival description stated there was an open bar, but there was not.

For our meal we had a pasta dish with chicken, vegetables and a tomato sauce. It was very fresh and flavourful.

The Carnival excursion was supposed to include cactus liquor tasting. There was no mention of that while on board.

Despite the discrepancies in the description, the tour was amazing. The crew was very accommodating, kind, and knowledgeable.

We had 40 people on board. This was only the 3rd excursion they did with Carnival. They did a wonderful job despite never having that many passengers on board. I definitely think it would have been better with less people, but I still really enjoyed myself.

Whether you're in Bonaire on your own or with a cruise ship, I definitely recommend sailing on...

If you’re visiting Bonaire and looking for a truly unforgettable experience, Melisa Sailing is an absolute must. While it is a bit of a splurge, this luxurious sailboat tour perfectly combines a 7-course fine dining experience with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea.

From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed by an incredibly friendly and attentive staff who set the tone for the evening by offering a refreshing drink of your choice. Be prepared to leave your shoes behind—this is a no-shoes boat, adding to the laid-back yet elegant ambiance.

The sail itself is a scenic journey along Bonaire’s picturesque coastline, providing a stunning backdrop to an already exceptional evening. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring fresh and inventive dishes, but rest assured, every bite is phenomenal. They are more than accommodating of dietary restrictions and allergies, which is a huge plus.

For our dinner, the menu included Focaccia, Smoked Lobster, Cauliflower Soup, Venison Stew, Seared Tuna, Truffle Risotto, and Carrot Cake. Each dish was perfectly portioned as a small bite, but the flavors were unforgettable. Despite the smaller portions, I left feeling wonderfully satisfied.

Melisa Sailing is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Between the warm hospitality, impeccable cuisine, and stunning views, it’s well worth every penny. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this is an evening you’ll remember long after your trip to Bonaire....

Sailing aboard the Melisa is best described as a feast for your senses and I’m not just talking about your taste buds! We had a wonderfully relaxing sunset cruise aboard this Turkish gulet sailboat and were spoiled with delicious foods and plenty of beverages to choose from. Our gracious hosts greeted us with champagne and showed us to our relaxing seats above the main cabin to recline and enjoy the night to come. We started motoring south along the coast and enjoyed a different perspective of Bonaire from the water that we had not yet seen. Each course was more delicious than the last and just after sunset we rolled out the Genoa (sail) and sailed north. The smells of our main course wafting up from the galley below were tantalizing and the food did not disappoint. From the first course appetizer, the tuna sashimi with papaya infused watermelon, the cabbage soup, the scroppino to cleanse our palate, to our main course of beef tenderloin we were on a culinary adventure with great company serving and chatting with us along the way. The night was topped off by a scrumptious dessert of rum raisin cake with banana compote and ice cream. Sailing aboard the Melisa is simply an experience you must have when visiting Bonaire. ...