“What do you do when you fall in love” Because that’s what happened to me. Where can I wake up at sunrise and see the lights of Kralendijk extinguish slowly? Where are afternoons so hot and the sea so close? Where can you enjoy the cool after sunset and the awesome clouds in the sky. Where are people as friendly and relaxed? Its here on this hill in this apartment. Of course we did some diving and snorkeling, and visited the Washington Slagbaai national park.
The incredible pureness of the landscape, the abundant greenness, we enjoyed it. We met two donkeys, a big curious iguana, some goats and a wild hog coming out of a mud pool and running away with shiny balls.
An awesome bird trip with Jerry, a mangrove tour with Waldo and, again with Jerry, a fish identity class, they were all the instructive part of this vacation. Wietze, you may stay. Thanks for being you."
Marie-Anne - November 2008
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Diving and snorkelling
The pristine reefs of Bonaire with its diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean. Of the 10 top sites for fish diversity in the Western Tropical Atlantic, 8 are located on Bonaire. Bonaire has a fringing reef that surrounds the entire island. The shallow terraces are a true paradise for snorkelers and divers alike. The reef system is a protected national park. On the leeward Western side of Bonaire there are many places where it is easy to just walk in the water from the shore and dive, or snorkel! That is one of the reasons why Bonaire was voted Best Shore Diving Destination in the World.
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Flying
Private pilots can rent a Cessna 172 at the BonAeroClub. Non-pilots can do aerial sightseeing flights and see Bonaire from a spectacular different angle. The colours of the salt flats, the mangroves, the "mountains" up north. And for those who always wanted to fly a plane: you may even get the opportunity to hold the controls flying with one of the FAA flight instructors on the island. |
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Bird watching
Bonaire's unique location off the Venezuelan coast attracts migratory birds in transit between North and South America. Bird watchers can also observe various species only found in this part of the Caribbean, such as the yellow-shouldered parrot. Bonaire officially has over 200 species of birds that have been sighted here. Join one of the Nature Tours with resident expert Jerry Ligon. |
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Kayaking
One of the popular water sports on Bonaire is kayaking. There are two types of kayaks available on the island: sit in and sit on top. The stable sit on top is easy to learn, it only takes a basic instruction. The sit in model is for the advanced kayakers who can do Eskimo rolls and can get out of the kayak when it topples over. Guided mangrove tours are a nice leisurely way of enjoying kayaking on Bonaire, but you may also rent one to paddle to Klein Bonaire and go snorkeling there.
www.bonairediveandadventure.com
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Cave exploration
Bonaire boosts over 200 caves. The caves are pristine ancient wonders, with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites and some with lakes and tunnels. You can even snorkel in the crystal clear underground lakes.
The cave systems are not accommodated with railings, paved paths or lights. It is a bit of a challenge to explore them: the only light is the one you carry, bats are flying around, and you will have to climb a little. But a guide is there to help you. Bring sturdy shoes, no flip flops. Its fun!
www.bonairediveandadventure.com
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Mountain biking
A perfect way to see Bonaire is on mountain- or tour bike.. See miles of unspoiled beauty, plants and birds, breathtaking vistas overlooking the Caribbean. There are over 300 kilometers of unpaved roads and many more paved roads to explore. Trail maps are available for those wanting to venture out on their own. A perfect way to spend a day. There are several places where you can rent mountain bikes to go by yourself. But you can also choose to do a guided trip. |
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Windsurfing
You could not ask for a better spot to go windsurfing than Lac Bay on the East coast of Bonaire. The ever present trade winds combined with a sheltered shallow bay are perfect for experts and novices alike. That is why the top of the world free style windsurfers has quite some Bonairean people in their ranks. Sorobon is where it happens. You can chill out on the beach and look at the pro’s practicing, or try for yourself!
www.bonairewindsurfplace.com
www.jibecity.com |
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Kite boarding
The same trade winds that cater the windsurfers are used by the kite surfers at Atlantis, at the South West side of the island. Wind, warm water and an easygoing atmosphere attract kite boarders of all levels to Bonaire.
www.kiteboardingbonaire.com
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Landsailing
Anyone, regardless of age, size or gender can enjoy this radically different sailing adventure, it’s a blast for the whole family!Blokart landsailing is one of the fastest growing eco-sports and a straight hit in Europe, New Zealand, Japan and the U.S.A.
www.landsailingbonaire.com |
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Hiking
Bonaire provides some stunning scenery for hikers. Washington Slagbaai National Park has hiking and walking trails Hike to the top of Brandaris Hill, Bonaire’s highest point. At the Park’s Visitor Center rangers can give you more details. Soldachi Tours in Rincon and other activity operators offer hiking trips throughout the Park and Bonaire. Take a hike and learn about the flora, fauna and nature of Bonaire.
www.outdoorbonaire.com |
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Climbing & rappelling
For those who cannot live without altitude Bonaire offers some spectacular cliffs to climb or to rappel down.
A bit easier is hiking/climbing Brandaris Hill (241 meters/784 feet) in the Washington Slagbaai park. This is the highest point on Bonaire, it offers a panoramic vista of the island. A footpath leads from the parking lot up the ridge. The round-trip walk takes about 2 to 3 hours. Once at the top, you can see almost the entire island and also catch a glimpse of Curacao on the western horizon. On exceptionally clear days, even Venezuela is visible.
www.outdoorbonaire.com |
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Sailing
Even if you’re not a sailor you can enjoy sailing for a short or prolonged sailing trip with one of the sailing operators on Bonaire. Experienced sailors can rent a catamaran or a variety of sailboats. The yearly Bonaire Regatta in October starts at the Cas di Regatta on the boulevard of Kralendijk.
www.bonairesailingschool.com |
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Fishing
Bonaire is one of the best bone fishing destinations in the world. But it also offers excellent deep sea fishing. Catch your own Tuna or Wahoo. Several times a year Bonaire organizes fishing tournaments. |
