Bonaire
Bonaire is the second largest island in the Netherland Antilles and the least populated and developed of the ABC islands, Aruba and Curacao being the other two. Bonaire is located only 40 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela which gives its air and water an average temperature of 82 degrees F. year round. The island topography ranges from low mountains in the north to salt flats in the south. The capital city, Kralendijk, lies at the midpoint along the western coast of the island. Its waters are protected by a small uninhabited island called Klein Bonaire which lies just off the coast. The island gets very little annual rainfall which accounts for its dry and scrubby appearance accentuated by large stands of cactus all over the interior. The official language is Dutch but English is spoken everywhere and the U.S. dollar is widely accepted as are major credit cards.
The island of Bonaire was formed by a combination of volcanic activity and limestone formations and the coastline, particularly on the eastern side of the island, has many rocky cliffs which are gouged with indentations forming small coves and cozy, intimate beaches along its length. The eastern shoreline has beautiful strands of golden-colored sand which give way to black sand beaches in the far northwestern tip of the island. Sunbathing on the beach and playing on the water's edge is a relaxing way to spend your day, but Bonaire's claim to fame is in on and under the water. Diving and snorkeling sights around this island are some of the best in the world and most of activities and accommodations are geared towards people who want to do these sports. There are more than 86 dive sights around Bonaire. These dive sites are clearly marked by large boulders painted bright yellow which can be seen as you drive around the coastal highway. The reefs are very close to shore and combined with the very warm year round water temperatures as well as 100+ foot visibility gives divers and snorkelers near perfect water conditions. Many of the reefs are close to the water's surface making snorkeling just as ideal as diving. Boating, deep-sea fishing and sailing are wonderful activities to persue in these crystal clear translucent blue waters. The uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire which lies just off the coast of Kralendijk can be reached by boat or kayak and is a great place for a day-trip or a picnic.
A trip into the countryside of Bonaire shows a landscape that is totally different from the coral reef fringed underwater world that surrounds it. Most of the interior is dry and scrubby and filled with large stands of 20 to 30-foot tall cactus and sun-basking iguanas. The northern part of the island is hilly with the highest point being the 787 foot Mount Brandaris in the northwestern tip of the island. Most of the central and southern parts of the island are flat with the southern part having many partially submerged salt pans. The salt processing industry is still a major part of Bonaire's economy and peacefully coexists with thousands and thousands of pink flamingos.
Kralendijk, sits at the midpoint along the island's west coast. The city is neat and clean and the streets are lined with beautiful pastel-colored Dutch-inspired buildings and homes. The colorful is relatively flat and easy to sightsee by a walking tour. Most excursion and tour companies have offices in town to help you arrange any activities you desire during your vacation. Shopping is relatively low-key here, but many stores in the city offer locally-made crafts and souvenirs. Most of Bonaire's accommodations are small to mis-sized hotels and resorts geared mainly towards divers, but many have casinos and good restaurants. Most of the better hotels and resorts lie along the western coast of Bonaire either in Kralendijk or along the coastlines north and south of the city. Over 60 restaurants, pubs, and bars offer great food, tropical drinks, and island music. Watch a beautiful sunset along the beach and be on the lookout for the "Green Flash".
The island nation of Bonaire offers a wonderful combination of Dutch architecture, culture, and people combined with a decidedly laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. Its weather, water, and people are always warm and inviting, and a vacation will leave you with lifetime memories. If diving into a huge aquarium surrounding you with hundreds of types of tropical fish is your style, then Bonaire won't disappoint.
