Bonaire is a quiet place with an exciting underwater world and nature, perfect for relaxing and getting away from noise and stress. Curacao has a good mixture of beach and nature, night life, culture, history, and shopping. One thing, however, Bonaire is not known for is beaches. Most of Bonaire’s shoreline is iron shore - remnants of a blend of coralline and volcanic activity. As you know, Bonaire is a unique place combining environmental wonders, friendly people, great food, and opportunities for plenty of relaxation. It is the kind of place that feels like home after your first visit, and the kind of place that welcomes you back as if you were a member of the family.
Since Bonaire is in the Caribbean, it cannot match the marine diversity that can be found in the Pacific Ocean. This is not to say, however, that there are not plenty of impressive things to see in Bonaire. Shaped like a boomerang-only 24 miles long and three to seven miles wide-Bonaire is the peak of a submerged volcanic mountain. Because reefs are close to shore and the water is exceptionally calm, you can dive from anywhere on the island, day or night. Bonaire is also consistently recognised as one of the best destinations for snorkeling.
But don’t equate “flat” with boring, as Bonaire is the most interesting island in the Dutch Antilles. As part of Tourism Month, the Tourism Corporation of Bonaire is sponsoring a guided walking tour of part of the island on Sunday, November 22nd. The tour starts at 3pm in Barcadera, at the Stinapa office. Now, as a National Park, Klein Bonaire is guaranteed to be saved from what would be ecological disaster through development for personal profit. As a National Park, with no development and no changes made to its natural beauty, generations to come will be able to enjoy what nature has given Bonaire.
Bonaire is strongly positioned in the Brazilian dive market, but has to improve the airlift connections so as to translate this into tourism arrivals out of Brazil. South America accounted for 6% of the total tourism arrivals to Bonaire in 2007. The saltpans in this area also serve as home to the pink flamingos that Bonaire is known for. The rustic northern coastline features dramatic scenery including 1,000 Steps, Devil’s Mouth, and Gotto Lake where a stop is made to view the shy flamingos feeding. Bonaire is in the southern Caribbean, just three hours south of Miami, Florida. It is 24 miles long and seven miles wide at the widest point.
Bonaire is located about 2 1/2 hours by jet south of Miami. It is below the hurricane belt so you shouldn’t worry about the weather. The most famous beach on Bonaire is Pink Beach, so called because of the pinkish hue it takes on when wet. The calm waters make this an idyllic spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving. If you have the time, Bonaire is a good habit to have, and a vacation rental at Harbour Village Beach Club is the best way to indulge yourself.
