Bonaire Island
The island of Bonaire belongs to the Netherlands, as do its two neighbors, Aruba and Curaçao. They are called the Netherlands Antilles, or also ABC-Islands, after the first letters of the names of this trio of islands: Aruba – Bonaire – Curacao. The island of Bonaire is located in the very south of the Caribbean Sea, away from the so-called “hurricane belt” – the main path of cyclones originating off the coast of Africa and occasionally covering the northern Caribbean and Florida. That said, Venezuela’s coastal drop-off is also quite far from here, and as a result, water clarity on Bonaire is excellent, and the island’s southwestern coastline, closed off from the prevailing Caribbean swell, is encrusted with excellent healthy coral reefs.
Tourism and Beaches
Bonaire’s main advantages for tourists are its pristine nature and unique underwater world, making it an ideal destination for diving, snorkeling and windsurfing. Although the island is more oriented towards a quiet, relaxing vacation, adventurous and active travelers will also find something to do here. In addition, Bonaire has beautiful sandy beaches, many small cozy hotels and restaurants to suit all tastes. Most of the beaches on Bonaire are municipal and admission is free. The only exceptions are the beach at the Harbour Village Resort (free for guests and a small fee for others) and Sorobon Beach, a private resort that specializes in nudism (which is not practiced anywhere else on the island except here). Bathing and sunbathing topless is not forbidden, but it is not approved. Most tourists ignore the approval of the local authorities, and on the isolated small beaches are brave enough to get rid of the top part of the swimsuit.
.Diving
Transparent (visibility from 30 to 50 meters) and year-round warm water (+25-28 ° C), a huge variety of corals, steep underwater walls, an abundance of underwater flora and fauna invariably attract thousands of divers to the island of Bonaire. More than 450 species of fish, four species of sea turtle and about 70 species of algae have been recorded in local waters. Dive safaris or dive tours to the island’s east coast and Washington Slagbaai National Park are also available. In total, the number of dive sites on Bonaire passes one hundred.
.Windsurfing and yachting
The constant, “just right” winds make Bonaire one of the best places for windsurfing and yachting. Sailing is generally practiced here at Kralendijk Bay, Lac Bay, Sorobon Beach and other open stretches of the southeast coast. Lac Bay in east Bonaire is considered one of the best windsurfing spots in the world. This sheltered shallow bay has several professional stores with equipment. 90% of the time the weather is windy, allowing not only professionals but beginners as well. From mid-December to August, when the winds are particularly strong, windsurfing competitions are held on the island. In October there is traditionally a sailing regatta, where sailing and surf races are organized. It is worth noting that anchoring is prohibited within the Marine Park in Kralendijk Bay.
.
