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About Bonaire (english only)
Bonaire, where is that? This is the question I most encounter when I speak about this picturesque, quiet, "out of the way" diving Mecca. "Near Aruba", I usually respond, then get a nod and an "oh yeah, I know Aruba" from the person asking the original question.
It is important to understand that Bonaire is similar to Aruba, but is definitely different, with the exception of the flora and fauna. Bonaire does not have high-rise hotels; they have small inns and "condo" like resorts. Traffic lights or traffic jams? Nope. Huge shopping malls and "touristy" like areas? Nope. Bonaire has a small quaint capital, Kralendijk, where you can stroll the Main Street from end to end in 10 minutes. It has 5 star restaurants, at 3 star prices. It has Karel’s Bar, where an Amstel will cost you 2,50 Antillean Guilders ($1.40 US) at happy hour. The island has an afternoon siesta. It has Captain Don Stewart, who can spin yarns and tell you so many wonderful stories. It has Washington-Slaagbai Park, wild donkey, iguana, parakeets, and Lora. The wonderful Bonairean people will welcome you with open arms. They are loving, caring, giving and respectful of what Mother Nature has given them. Compare Aruba as a big city, with Bonaire as a small town.
Bonaire is not exactly known for its' spectacular night life. However, there are some cozy little bars in town and there are two casino's. There are plenty of good restaurants to choose from and given the fact that everything needs to be imported, reasonably priced.
Bonaire is part of the Netherland Antilles aka Dutch Antilles or Lesser Antilles, located in the Southern Caribbean. It is approximately 86 miles east of Aruba, 50 miles North of Venezuela and is located outside of the hurricane belt. The island is small, measuring 24 miles (39 km) long and between 3-7 miles wide, 112 square miles total (290 km squared). The highest point is Brandaris Hill, located in Washington-Slaagbai Park at 784 feet (240 m).
You can expect very sunny weather year round! The weather is extremely stable with temperatures almost never dipping below 75 degrees Fahrenheit/ 20 degrees Celsius in "winter", and seldom higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit/ 35 degrees Celsius in summer. As a consequence the water never gets colder than 75 degrees, even at depth! Complementary of the weather gods, Bonaire is laced by constant trade winds that make our climate extremely enjoyable.
Rainfall averages only 22" (56 cm) per year. Humidity averages 76%, sunny all year round. Constant trade winds prevail.
There are approximately 13,000 residents currently living on Bonaire. They are comprised primarily of Native Antilleans, Dutch and Americans. The official language of Bonaire is Dutch, the Native language being Papiamento, Papiamento is a derivation of the old Spanish verb papear, which means to speak or converse. Papiamento is a mixture of African, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, and English. English and Spanish are widely spoken on the island.
The license plates on Bonaire may read "Diver's Paradise," but it would be a mistake to think that great diving and snorkeling are the only activities for which this island is famous. People who visit solely for the Marine Park may be surprised to find themselves caught up in Bonaire's world-renowned windsurfing, or entranced by the island's complex and unusual ecology.
Although Bonaire is famous for it’s diving and snorkeling, there is much to do topside. Divers vacationing with non-divers tend to shy away from Bonaire, overlooking all the wonderful activities for the non-diver. As a result, the diver and non-diver miss out on the many wonderful experiences and beauty of Bonaire.
Washington-Slaagbai Park is a whole day trip in itself! Be sure you rent at least a pick up as the roads can be a little rough and bumpy, but well worth it. If you are doing a whole day, do the long road. Enjoy the "blow holes" and the fresh water springs where 6-foot iguanas will pose for you as long as you bring some over ripened fruit to feed them. They will practically eat out of your hand! Enjoy the hidden small sandy romantic beaches where you can enjoy a lovely picnic, snorkel or dive. Check out the old lighthouses and ruins of ancient Bonaire. Climb Mt. Brandaris to see the whole island in all its splendor!
Which leads me to another topic that is overlooked on Bonaire, the beaches. Contrary to belief, Bonaire does have beaches. They may be small, hidden away, but are relaxing and romantic! A majority of resorts can offer small white sandy beaches, but the majority of the beach of Bonaire can be a mix of sun bleached coral and sand. The best beaches on Bonaire? Excluding the resort beaches, I highly recommend Donkey Beach, where trees blanket the beach providing ample shade. Great for diving and snorkeling too. Another is the dive site Ole’ Blue. Perfect for the non-diver accompany a diver. Divers bring your non-diver here. They can relax on a small stretch of sandy beach while you dive. Be sure to bring plenty of water, a great book, sunglasses and sunscreen. Anywhere on the north and east coast of Washington Slagbaai Park you will find a welcoming beach. Enjoy a picnic and a snorkel. Sorobon and Lac Bay are perfect for the little ones, with shallow, sandy soft entrances. Great for picnicking too!
Other fun stuff to do topside is deep sea fishing, horseback riding, paragliding, guided tours of the island, mangrove kayaking, sea kayaking, mountain biking, motor cross on mountain trails, hiking, sailing, shopping, bird watching, and the list can go on and on.
So you see, Bonaire is just not a Diver’s Paradise. Its just Paradise.
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