Bonaire: A Scuba Divers Dream

Looking for a little island with a big reputation? Then look no further than Bonaire, which sits in the center of the Dutch "ABC" chain slightly north of Venezuela.

In fact Bonaire is one of the top scuba spots on the globe so naturally is better known as a diving destination or to be precise a diver's dream destination. Bonaire is located right in the center of the most diverse and accessible ecosystem in the Caribbean Sea and therefore giving divers a chance to see more undersea animals, natural phenomena and plants then anywhere else in the region.

Bonaire is dedicated to preserving its natural assets and the Bonaire Marine Park is a ring of protected area that actually encompasses the whole coastline and offshore reefs of not only the mainland but its sister island, Klein Bonaire.

All divers wishing to dive here have have an orientation which alerts them to all the rules of conduct which if not followed can bring severe penalties.

Once in the water the visibility averages about 100ft year round and the water temperatures range from 78 degrees to 82. In this warm and relaxed atmosphere divers get to encounter just about every tropical feature that can be thought of such as moray eels, groupers, sponges, brain coral and schools of rainbow colored fish.

But fear not for all those that do not dive, Bonaire offers many attractions above the waves as below. Windsurfing is very popular here with Lac Bay being one of the most popular areas due to its shallow waters and constant winds.

The best conditions for windsurfing run from December to August but you can see some great windsurfing at the October competitions that coincide with Bonaire's Regatta Week.

The island itself also offers a wide range of attractions such as the Washington Slagbaai National Park, which is really the land-based version of Bonaire marine Park. Washington Slagbaai National Park protects Bonaire's tropical ecosystem and provides a perfect environment for ecotourists to explore.

Bronswinkel Well is the place to visit if you are a birdwatcher. This site is almost like an over-sized birdbath that serves over 200 species of birds such as, pigeons, parakeets and bananaquits.

The site of Bronswinkel Well is situated at the bottom of Bonaire's highest peak, mount Brandaris so birdwatchers can combine their sightseeing with a hike (and yes, backpacks and hiking gear are required).

Although most visitors come to Bonaire for its natural attractions it is also home to Dutch-tinged culture that really is worth taking time to see. For example in the capital of Kralendijk can be seen fine examples of Dutch Colonial architecture like the Old fort and the Customs House.

Rincon is a town north of Kralendijk and is Bonaire's oldest village. This town was a former settlement for slaves who worked in the salt flats. The heritage of this village is celebrated every year with festivals such as the Dia di Rincon (April) or smaller celebrations held intermittently through the year.

The gateway airport to Bonaire is Kralendijk (BON) and for entry you will require a passport. Currency here is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder.

Source: Continental Airlines Guide to the Caribbean