Official Language:
Spanish
|
Currency:
Peso & US Dollar
|
Population:
Approximately 15,000 people call Bonaire home.
|
Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Bonaire: It is tropical and dry with very little rain. Winter temperatures are in the upper 80°F's (27°C) with summer temperatures just slightly higher.
|
|
|
|
Bonaire, the second largest, yet least populated of the islands of the Dutch Antilles and located only 50 miles north of Venezuela. Kralendijk is the capital, the first inhabitants on Bonaire were the Arawak Indians. Amerigo Vespucci discovered Bonaire and claimed it for Spain. Because the island had no gold nor sufficient rainfall to develop agriculture, the Spaniards forced the native Indians into slavery on the large plantations of Hispaniola, resulting in the almost depopulation of the island. The first human inhabitants of Bonaire arrived there over a thousand years ago. They were an Arawak tribe who sailed from Venezuela and lived uninterrupted for 500 years. In 1499 Europeans arrived, Amerigo Vespucci discovered Bonaire and claimed it for Spain. Because the island had no gold nor sufficient rainfall to develop agriculture, the Spaniards forced the native Indians into slavery on the large plantations of Hispaniola, resulting in the almost depopulation of the island IIn 1526, the governor of Bonaire decided to bring in laborers from Venezuela and, with the help of the local Indians, he began to raise cattle. Within a few years, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and horses were being raised on the island and became valuable for their hides. Along with stock farming, sea salt was being recovered in artificial salt pans on the southern end of the island and salt soon became a precious commodity.Over the next few centuries, convicts from Spanish colonies in South America were brought to the island and small settlements were begun. In the 17th century the Dutch arrived on Bonaire.Self-rule was granted by the Netherlands in 1954 but it remained a Dutch protectorate. Thanks to its abundant bird life and beautiful coral reefs, Bonaire began to emerge as a holiday resort. Hotels began to open and the airport, originally constructed in 1955, was expanded in 1972 to support the increase in visitors.Today, Bonaire is well known to scuba divers and bird-watchers. There is little agriculture and most of the island is covered in scrub and cacti.
Bonaire is the marine life capital of the Caribbean, a "Diver's Paradise" full of deep sea treasures. For both diving and snorkeling, Bonaire is one of the premier locations in the entire world. In fact, it is said that it is easier to scuba dive in Bonaire than anywhere else on earth. Bonaire, French for "good air," is in fact not a French Island. This luxurious paradise is fifty miles north of Venezuela, and is the middle island in the ABC Netherlands Antilles chain (with Aruba and Curacao being the A and C). Bonaire's beaches are uncrowded and intimate. The island is a mere 112 square miles, and varies between three to seven miles wide. It is shaped likea boomerang,and so comfortable that you will feel like the island is your own personal resort.
Diving is the main attraction for visitors of Bonaire, but you will find that there truly is much more. The animal and marine life alone is enough to fascinate and perplex even the most seasoned traveler. Among the most exotic creatures on the island are giant iguanas, blue-tailed lizards, wild donkeys, fluorescent lora parrots, and feral goats. Per square foot, there is more cacti in Bonaire than anywhere except the deserts of the southwest and Mexico. The friendly locals of Bonaire are a perfect complement to the beauty and tranquility that envelops all that inhabit the island. A cornucopia of ancestries, you will find people of African, Dutch, and South American descent. Expatriates from the U.S., Australia, and Britain can be found as well. The majority of Bonaire's inhabitants live in or around the capital city, Kralendijk. Kralendijk is located on the West Coast of the island, home to the majority of the nightlife, exploratory sights, and dining facilities. Bonaire combines relaxation, excitement, and beauty, truly a marvel of nature. This miniature landscape may be geographically small but it is simply wonderful.
As you come ashore, your cruise ship will dock in the port of Kralendijk. The dock leads directly into Wilhelmina Park, a lovely area open to the public. The majority of the town's shopping and restaurants are located on Kaya Grandi, which is only one block inland from the port. Ship passengers are always greeted at the pier by taxis. They can take you anywhere on the island, and drivers will produce a price list upon your request. There are a number of transportation options for tourists in Bonaire. For the most interactive experience, walking or hiking is often preferable to the use of motorized vehicles. Taxis can be taken to and from anywhere on the island. Be certain to negotiate a price before departing, as the fee is not fixed, and you can really get swindled if you are not careful. There are about 15 Rental Car agencies on the island. Depending on the availability and the season, rates range from $40 to $65 per day. Mopeds can be rented for around $18 a day, and two seated scooters average about $32. The glorious coast can be explored by bicycle, and a 21- speed mountain bike can be rented for $15 to $20.
|
|
Attractions |
 |
 |
Kralendijk:
Fewer than 2000 people live in this sleepy, two-story town, where the main street is a stone's throw from end to end. Although salt has been the island's economic mainstay for centuries, the town's name (Dutch for coral reef) reveals that it's the capital of diving - reefs being to Bonaire what cable cars are to San Francisco. The locals call it simply 'Playa.'A walking tour pamphlet, available from the tourist office, will lead you on a merry jig to the town's modest attractions. One of the best sights is the 19th-century Fort Oranje (now serving as the Harbor Office) and its adjacent stone lighthouse. The Bonaire Museum is a sweet local affair, housing exhibits on the Caiquetio Indians as well as more recent art, artefacts and household items.
Flamingo Sanctuary:
The vast salt pans at the island's southern end are home to one of the largest flamingo breeding grounds in the western hemisphere. The pink wonders flock 10,000 at a time to the sanctuary's 55ha (135 acres). Nearby Witte Pan (Pink Beach) on the southwestern coast is one of the island's few good beaches, though it bears the scars of Bonaire's darker history in the form of cubby-house-sized stone huts in which slaves working the salt pans used to sleep.
Washington-Slagbaai National Park:
Created out of the grounds of two former plantations on the northwestern knob of the island, this park contains 5500ha (13,500 acres) of scrub-covered hills, lakes, hiking trails and over 100 avian species. The island's hilly northern extremity culminates in the 235m (780ft) Mount Brandaris, not far from the northwestern shore. The peak is a good place to take in the sweep of the island and the curve of the Caribbean horizon.Unlike much of Bonaire, the park has some good beaches. Playa Slagbaai on the western coast has bright yellow 19th-century buildings and good swimming; to the north, Playa Funchi has good snorkelling in calm waters full of parrotfish and coral. The park's saliñas (salt pans) host hundreds of flamingos but you're not allowed to get too close
Klein Bonaire:
This uninhabited islet is a short boat ride from Kralendijk. Surrounded by reefs, it's a popular picnic spot and jumping off point for dives. Unlike much of Big Bonaire, the little one has white sandy beaches. Due to its popularity with seabirds and nesting turtles, Klein Bonaire is one of two local areas covered by the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
Radio Nederland Wereld Omroep:
Fans of big pans will enjoy the novelty of exploring caves and spotting iguanas in the shadows of this massive broadcast and power generation park. If you've always wanted to laugh with the parakeets and run from the bees in a forest of antennas this nature park on Bonaire's western coast is the place for you.
Downtown Bonaire:
This island's main town is small. A Dutch village with a Caribbean twist. A mix of buildings old and new. Restoration is always ongoing maintaining a Dutch colonial look to the town. The flamingo images are embedded in the sidewalks throughout town.
The Bonaire Museum:
Displays exhibits on the Caiquetio Indians along with local art, artifacts and photos from celebrations and festivals of Bonaire.
Washington-Slagbaai National Park
Located on the island’s northern end, this is a 13,500 acre park that was created on of the grounds of two former plantations and is now home to more than 100 species of birds.
Kaminda Onima:
Which borders the island's northeastern coast, is where you will encounter Onima. Onima is a site that houses Caiquetio Indian inscriptions, which are over 500 years old. There are roughly 75 inscriptions, including red and brown drawings of turtles, rain, snakes, suns, and human hands. An eccentric and unique experience can be found at the
Mt. Brandaris:
Stands 784 feet and is Bonaire's highest peak. 130 species of birds fly about, and snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving are permitted. The park can be contacted at (599/717-8444.)
Birders :
flock to Bonaire and not just for the tens of thousands of flamingoes who call the island home. There are dozens of native species and many more who pass by while migrating to South America. The flamingo sanctuaries at Goto Meer in the northwest and Pekelmeer in the south are vast tracts of feathery pink. You can also see frigatebirds, pelicans, red-necked pigeons and five different species of heron.The island's nearly 300km (186mi) of roads and trails make
Mountain Biking:
A good way to see the country. Unleash your inner paleoanthropologist by pedaling up to the northeastern coast and inspecting the Caiquetio Indian petroglyphs in the Boca Onima Caves. If the hilly northern end seems too strenuous, the southern flatlands are an easier ride. The 1835 Willemstoren Lighthouse near the tip of the island makes a fine picnic stop.
The SeaCow WaterTaxi:
leaves from Club Nautico Pier on the water in Kralendijk. Nighttime snorkel trips are a very popular excursion (09/5607-126).
The beaches of Bonaire island:
There are as diverse as they are beautiful. Generally, it is best to engage in all of your aquatic adventures on the west coast of Bonaire. The winds and currents of the east coast can make conditions incredibly treacherous. Pink Beach is aptly named, as the entire shore is a pinkish color resulting from the coral being crushed into sand by the powerful waves. There are no shade or refreshment stands here, so bring your sunscreen and cooler. Klein Bonaire is a tiny, uninhabited island three-quarters of a mile offshore. You dive in Bonaire. There are 40 top sites on the leeward coast alone, many within a few meters of shore. There are hawksbill turtles, peacock flounders, stingrays and seahorses off Pink Beach on the southwestern coast. There are good spots a bit farther north at the Salt Pier, where angelfish slalom among the coral-encrusted pilings. The wreck of the Hilma Hooker lies in 30m (100ft) of water near the Salt Pier. The ship's cargo of marijuana bales was its ticket to the deep - customs officers confiscated the load and sank the boat.
Snorkelers:
You can find dozens of good spots, including groves of elkhorn and staghorn coral just off Klein Bonaire, and the shallow waters of Boca Slagbaai, in Washington-Slagbaai National Park.Constant trade winds make Bonaire a super sailing destination; anchoring is prohibited within the Marine Park but there are marinas around the island, one right by Kralendijk. There's decent
Windsurfing and Kayaking:
At Lac Bay and Sorobon Beach on Bonaire's pin-drop quiet southeastern coast, though folk heading this way are likely to be off to drop their jocks at Sorobon's naturist resort.
Lac Bay Beach:
It is a perfect serene paradise for windsurfing and family enjoyment.
Witte Pan and Pink Beach:
The island's better beaches. Diving is excellent in Bonaire with 30+ sites just off the Leeward coast. Bonaire is considered an ocean paradise.
Divi Flamingo Beach:
This resort is just south of the cruise ship piers. Here you will find a peaceful place to enjoy the beach in uncrowded fashion. A perfect Caribbean beach. The water here is clear and you will feel engaged by the high cliffs that overlook the beach.
Sorobon Beach, Lac Bay Beach & Boca Cai:
Come into view. They're at landlocked Lac Bay, which is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Conch shells are stacked up on the beach. The water here is so vivid and clear, you can see coral 20m to 36m (65 ft.-120 ft.) down in the reef-protected waters.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling:
The most amazing aspects of Bonaire are found under the sea. Visibility is over 100 feet every day of the year. Water temperature ranges from 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit, and you will find perhaps the most diverse communities of life in all of the West Indies.
Dee Scarr's Touch the Sea:
Located at Kaya Gobernador Debrot 133 (599/717-8529), is a great diving program for certified divers.
Habitat Dive Center:
(599/717-8290)It is a great dive facility that offers both NAUI and PADI certification courses. Call (599/717-2500) for a guided snorkeling program. If you are looking for somewhere to cool off after your day in the sun, try your luck at Divi Flamingo's Beach Resort and Casino (599/7-8285). This gambling haven is known as the World's First Barefoot Casino. If you are eager to show off your Western moves, then dance over to Fantasy Disco, on Kaya LD Gerharts (599/717-6345).
Bonaire Art Gallery:
At Kaya LD Gerharts as well (599/717-7120). The best place for drinks with a view.
Karel's Beach Bar:
This small outfit is on stilts perched above the sea. To hear local bands and enjoy a great happy hour, this is the place to be.(599/7-8434)
Shopping:
Most of the shops are located on Kaya Grandi, Bonaire’s main street, and its adjacent streets. Bonaire is not a major shopping center but you will find many small stores selling good quality watches, gold jewelry, Dutch cheeses and fine china. Look for local arts and crafts with an ocean theme. The local currency is the Netherlands Antillean Florins (NAFl). U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.
|
|
More Information |
|
|
|
Useful Links About Bonarie:
Bonarie Travel Information
http://www.bonairetalk.com/
|
|
