Bonaire Attractions and Other Activities

Please, be a compassionate traveler! Do NOT use the service of Dolphin and Shark Swims Programs that hold these wild animals in captivity. The capture and transportation process causes the death of thousands of these animals before they reach the destination. Also the average life span of a dolphin in the wild is 45 years; yet half of all captured dolphins die within their first two years of captivity. The survivors last an average of only 5 years in captivity more

Snorkeling and scuba diving are the best Bonaire attractions. The island’s true beauty is under the sea, where visibility is 30m (100 ft.), 365 days of the year. The water temperatures range from 26-28°C (78-82°F). The reefs are home to various coral formations that grow at different depths, ranging from the knobby brain coral to staghorn, elkhorn, gorgonians, giant brain, and others.

Schools of rainbow-hued tropical fish inhabit the reefs. The reefs are also home to a range of basket sponges, groupers, and moray eels. Most of the snorkeling and diving is done on the leeward side, where the ocean is lake flat. There are more than 40 dive sites and endless numbers of snorkeling sites just off the beach. Divers and lovers of snorkeling from around the world come here to spend their vacation and leave with a sense of awe.

Bonaire Marine Park is a protected area that incorporates the entire coastline of Bonaire and neighboring Klein Bonaire island. The park is policed to make sure the rules are followed.

The visitor information center at the Karpata Ecological Center gives lectures, slide presentations and films. Visitors are asked to respect the marine environment and to refrain from activities that may damage it, including sitting or walking on the coral. There's no fishing or collecting fish, shells, or corals - dead or alive. Spearfishing is forbidden.

Bonaire's coral reefs are an underwater paradise for snorkelers. They start just off the beach and have dense coral formations in very shallow surf. Most snorkeling on the island is conducted in 5m (16 ft.) of water or less, and there's plenty to see even at this depth. Most snorkelers swim out to reefs from points directly offshore, but most of the dive operators will also allow snorkelers to ride out to dive sites with scuba divers for a US$12 fee.

The major hotels offer guided diving tours. A resort course for first-time divers costs US$80; for experienced divers, a one-tank dive goes for US$42, a two-tank dive for US$63. An additional attraction, a cargo ship named Hilma Hooker, confiscated by the police in 1984, along with its contraband marijuana cargo, sank unclaimed in 27m (89 ft.) of water. Lying just off the southern shore near the capital, its wreck is now a popular dive site.

The park is another must do of the Bonaira attractions. It has varied terrain that includes desert like areas, secluded beaches, caverns, a bird sanctuary and a visitor center. Occupying 6,000 hectares of Bonaire's territory, the park was once plantation land, producing divi-divi, aloe, and charcoal; today it functions as a wildlife preserve.

The entrance fee is US$10. The park is open daily except holidays from 8am to 5pm. You must enter before 2:45pm. You can see the park in a few hours but to be able to appreciate it fully you might need a few days. If you want to drive through the park, you must use a four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you want a closer look, the hiking possibilities are nearly endless .

There are a few important stops you shouldn't miss. Just

past the gate is Salina Mathijs, a salt flat that's home to flamingos during the rainy season. Beyond the salt flat is Boca Chiquito, a white-sand beach and bay. A few miles up the beach is romantic Boca Cocolishi, a two-part black-sand beach. One part of the beach has a calm, shallow basin with no current, so it's perfect for snorkeling close to shore. Further away on the main road you will find Boca Bartol, a bay full of living and dead elkhorn coral, sea fans, and reef fish.

An excellent bird-watching site is Poosdi Mangel. Immediately inland is Mount Brandaris, Bonaire's highest peak ( 236m or 774 ft.). At the foot of the peak you will find Bronswinkel Well, a watering spot for parakeets. More than 200 species of birds live in the park, many with such exotic names as bananaquit and black-faced grassquit. Bonaire has few mammals, but you'll see goats and donkeys, perhaps even a wild bull.

As for the hiking, the national park has a varied terrain; if you climb some of its steep hills you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views. The hiking possibilities are seemingly endless. Small hidden beaches with crashing waters by the cliffs provide ideal spots for picnics.

If you are fond of biking you can explore more than 300km (186 miles) of trails and dirt roads enjoying the scenery. Ask at the tourist office for a trail map that outlines the most scenic routes. You can check with your hotel about a bike rental or call Cycle Bonaire (tel. 599/717-2227). Their rental fee is US$15 per day.

If you love sailing go to Bonaire Boating, at Harbour Village. You can rent small boats for between US$80 for a half-day and US$120 for a full day. The boat comes without a crew so you have to demonstrate some sailing skills before they rent anything to you.

Kayaking is another popular activity on the island. Miles of flats and mangroves in the south of the island is a perfect place to go kayaking. You can see baby fish and wildlife along your way. Kayak rentals are available at Jibe City in Lac Bay for US$25 per half-day or US$35 for a full day.

If you rented a car you probably got the detailed map of the island. Take half a day and go for a exploration drive. See the coastline, famous 1001 step beach, flamingos at Goto Lake, slave huts, 500 years old Arawak inscriptions just outside Rincón and stunning mountains of salt flats. At nearby Boca Onima, you'll find grotesque grottoes of coral Farther down the coast is the island's oldest lighthouse Willemstoren built in 1837. Although, the Washington Slagbaai National Park mentioned above deserves a separate attention you can still include it in you island tour to make it complete.

The carnival event is usually held every February. It is not even close to be as big and elaborate as let’s say in the island of Trinidad but is still worth checking it out or even participating. Grand Carnival Parade is held in Rincon, culminating with the Farewell to Carnival Parade also called Playa Parade in Kralendijk the next day. An interesting addition to the carnival is the ceremony of the burning of King Momo, the Carnival King. A straw doll representing the King of the Carnival is set on fire every year during Playa Parade. The ceremony is accompanied by fireworks, cheering of the crowd and Caribbean music. There are many parties before and after the carnival where everyone is welcome.