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About Bonaire Bonaire is part of the Dutch Caribbean, located 86 miles east of Aruba and 30 miles east of Curacao. It is well out of the hurricane belt. The crescent shaped island shelters the calm leeward side bay and encloses the uninhabited small island of Klein Bonaire. Bonaire's fringing reef system is a national park to a depth of 200' and is a protected marine sanctuary. Climate Bonaire has a tropical climate with a yearly average temperature of 82 degrees F. and an average water temperature of 80 degrees F. Cooling breezes average 15-20 mph. October, November and December bring rains (mostly at night) refreshing the semi-arid landscape into one with verdant green lush vegetation. Yearly rainfall is 22". Population You'll be greeted with smiles and "Bon Bini" (Welcome) on Bonaire. The friendly relaxed atmosphere is inviting and tranquility is contagious. When you first come to the island you are a visitor but when you leave you are a friend. The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento; however English and Spanish are widely spoken. Drinking water Drinking water is the best in the Caribbean. Distilled and purified from sea water it is of excellent quality and safe from the tap. No need to buy water bottles! However, it is expensive so we appreciate your conservation. Money On Bonaire both the Antilleanguilder and the American dollar are accepted. ATMs are available in Kralendijk and at the airport. You'll be able to use a credit card in most large shops and restaurants. Water sports Known as the Diver's Paradise for scuba diving, most of Bonaire's incredible dive sites can be reached from shore. You can also dive from most dive shops boats to reach Klien Bonaire and other sites. The same conditions that make diving great also make snorkeling fantastic. Bonaire is also a destination for windsurfing or kite boarding and is an ideal place to learn or enhance your skill. Try a kayaking excursion in the mangroves or go on a day or sunset sailing trip. You can even rent your own boat. Activities Other activities available include land sailing, cycling and mountain biking and many others. See the Activities page for more information. Nature Bonaire offers natural beauty both above water and below. Divers and snorkelers are amazed by the diverse life below the waves. Above the water line, the serene landscape is dotted with numerous cactus, divi trees, and unusual land formations carved through the millennia. Flamingos can be seen near the salt pans or Goto Meer. Look for the colorful tropical birds including tropials, orioles and local parrots. Iguanas and lizards add to the variety. |