| Bonaire
It' more than a pretty fish
The
automobile license plates on the Dutch Caribbean island of
Bonaire read “A Diver’s Paradise,” and there’s
no disputing the accuracy of this slogan
The
highly accessible reefs that surround Bonaire have never suffered
from exploitation and the island’s environmentally conscious
dive industry is ensuring they never do. For the first-time
snorkeler or the certified diver to the experienced eco-adventurer,
Bonaire is home to one of the world’s top underwater
environments and offers a number of eco-adventure activities
including sport fishing, kayaking and mountain biking.
With
a far-sighted dedication to protecting their assets both under
and above the water, the government of Bonaire was environmentally
aware long before it became fashionable. In 1969, Washington-Slagbaai
National Park, the first nature sanctuary in the Netherlands
Antilles, was established. Covering the northwest corner of
the Island, an area of 13,500 acres, the park is an explorer’s
and bird watcher’s haven, home to approximately 189
species of birds, and endless cliffs, valleys, beaches and
cacti-lined pathways. Then, in 1979, Bonaire designated all
surrounding waters as a Marine Park. The park instituted a
ban on spearfishing and coral collecting within the park,
and later a permanent mooring system to minimize anchor damage.
As a result of these efforts, divers and snorkelers find the
reefs virtually untouched, with lush coral growth and an abundant
fish population.
Created
through volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, Bonaire
is an underwater mountain with fringe reefs. Extremely accessible
from shore, Bonaire’s reef is considered one of the
best in the world. Underwater visibility is over 100 feet
year-round and most of the Bonaire’s 86 marked dive
sites can either be accessed from shore or are a 15-minute
boat trip away.
Well
out of the hurricane belt and therefore protected from reef
damage, Bonaire is able to offer world-class diving and snorkeling
365 days a year. Less than a mile off the coast lays the uninhabited
Klein Bonaire (Little Bonaire), which acts like a barrier
reef, creating calm, leeward waters and the ideal diving conditions,
for which Bonaire is so well known. The best sites can be
found within this protected leeward side of the island. Some
of the most popular include Thousand Steps, Alice in Wonderland
and Town and Salt Piers. Since the sites are close to shore
and the water is so calm, visitors can dive anytime, day or
night.
All
of the attributes that make Bonaire a haven for diving apply
to snorkeling. Right from their hotels, snorkelers can wade
from the shore to the reefs and view an array of coral, including
Elkhorn Barrier and Orange Cup corals, and a range of colorful
fish, such as Jewelfish and Parrot Fish.
Bonaire’s
hotels cater to divers and snorkelers of all levels with most
offering on-site dive shops that provide a full range of equipment
and training.
Beyond
diving and snorkeling, Bonaire offers a range of eco-adventure
activities ranging from sport fishing to windsurfing. Accessibility,
calm waters and abundant fish - the same features that attract
divers - are what make sport fishing on Bonaire so special.
The catch in Bonaire varies by season: November through February
is best for bill fish, including Marlin and Sailfish; February,
March and April is Dorado; March to late June is Wahoo and
Amber Jack; June through September is Yellowfin and Bonito.
A number of charter boat operations are available and bonefishing
is available as well.
The
calm waters surrounding much of Bonaire make kayaking a relaxing
and fun activity. On the windward side of the island, kayaks
are available to explore Lac Bay, a protected mangrove which
is a nursery for fish life. Creating a wonderful set of natural
waterways which can be navigated and through which beautiful
wildlife can be seen, the mangroves are a must see. On the
leeward side of the island, sea kayaks can be used as a means
to peacefully view the coast or to visit Klein Bonaire. Guided
mangrove tours and kayaking lessons are available.
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The
peaceful, protected lagoon at Lac Bay provides the perfect
spot for windsurfing with extraordinarily clear, waist-deep
water with constant crosswinds. Here, windsurfing operations
feature top-of-the-line equipment and classes for beginners
to advanced board sailors.
For
those who prefer to see Bonaire above water, the island
offers over 300 kilometers of mountain biking trails.
Consisting of goat paths and paved and unpaved roads,
visitors can easily explore the island on bike.
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A
number of hotels and local bike shops offer rentals and guided
mountain biking tours.
One
of the first national parks in the Caribbean, Washington-Slagbaai
National Park is home to thousands of birds, towering Candle
cacti, herds of goats, stray donkeys, and lizards. The park
terrain is varied and those who are ambitious enough to climb
some of the steep hills are rewarded with majestically sweeping
views. The park offers two driving trails and a number of
hiking trails, a museum and visitor center as well as opportunities
for diving, snorkeling and picnicking.
Ideal
for divers, snorkelers and adventurers, Bonaire’s relaxed
atmosphere and diversified activities for all skill levels
make it a perfect destination for families. In addition to
learning programs, guided group tours and sporting activities,
some of Bonaire’s resorts, restaurants and tour operators
offer special packages and amenities for family travel in
August.
For
more information contact the Tourism Corporation Bonaire at
1-800-BONAIRE or visit Bonaire’s official website at
www.InfoBonaire.com.
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