Bonaire is the second largest island in the Dutch Antilles, located in the southern Caribbean 50 miles north of Venezuela.
Since 1979—quite early compared to the rest of the Caribbean—the island’s marine resources have been fiercely protected with an environmental focus. The Bonaire Marine Park completely surrounds the island, protecting the coral reefs, tropical fish, and teeming life within. It’s no wonder that Scuba divers make up around 50% of the tourists.
Trade winds caressing the island have made Bonaire a popular windsurfing and kiteboarding destination, and nature lovers and hikers come to experience exotic wildlife such as iguanas and flamingoes. To the credit of the island’s natural beauty and the friendliness of the people, 30% of tourists are repeat visitors. While the island has been known as being laid back and tranquil, there are also plenty of places to find nightlife, fine dining, and shopping. It is this blend of nature and modern recreation that creates a small piece of charming paradise for every taste.
Visitors to Bonaire usually come for the watersports, but cycling and mountain biking are also popular. Naturalists will enjoy taking a four-wheeled drive tour of Washington-Slagbaai National Park, a 15,000 acre wildlife preserve with desert areas, isolated beaches, caves, and a bird sanctuary. Lac Bay on the east coast of Bonaire has become increasingly popular for windsurfers, with nearly constant favorable winds and a large, uncrowded shallow bay. The waters are crystal clear, with vivid views of coral and conch shells.