Thing to Know about Bonaire

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Bonaire is a small island located in the southern Caribbean (maps) known for its pioneering role in the preservation of nature, in particular the preservation of the marine environment, and for its excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing, among other things.

Many descriptions and slogans have been written about Bonaire: Best Kept Secret, Unhurried, Unspoiled, Unforgettable; Diver's Paradise; and the list goes on... The fact is that all these statements are true, and then some. Another truth is the statistic that over 30% of arrivals on Bonaire are repeat visitors!

There are a number of reasons people visit our island. First timers generally have heard about the climate, the water, the sun and what there is to do. When asked, repeat visitors generally say that they did not have enough time to do all they wanted to on their first visit. If it is the third or fourth trip, the answer is basically the same but with this addition "It is the warmth and friendliness of the people" that keeps visitors returning year after year.

 

June

Bonaire has the reputation of being laid back, slower paced and very tranquil. The good news is that while this is all quite true, the island also offers a lively nightlife, fun places to visit and world class restaurants. When you first come to the island, you are a visitor, but when you leave, you are a friend.

Getting to Bonaire can unfortunately be a challenge sometimes, and once you're here, you definitely need a set of wheels (Bonaire is a small island, but not small enough to walk everywhere).

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Bonaire is a relatively flat island, with its highest point, Brandaris Hill (located in the Washington Slagbaai National Park), peaking at a mere 780 feet (240 meters).

Arguably, Bonaire's main attraction is its natural beauty, both above water and below.

Below the water, colors and movement abound, dazzling the eye, while the mysterious crunching and clicking one hears offers a soothing balm to the soul. Divers and non-divers alike are amazed by the life below the waves. Corals, fish, crustaceans, nudibranchs, and even the occasional aquatic mammal are among those giving live to Bonaire's fringing reef and marine environment. Don't miss a quick look at Bonaire's Underwater Web Cam, additional web cams show the shoreline as well.

 

Cactus and aloe

Above the water line, Bonaire's hauntingly beautiful and serene landscape, carved by millennia of wind, water, and earth movements, stimulates the senses. Cactus of numerous species, divi trees, and a variety of other flora dot the land, with patches of fossilized coral, natural caves, and volcanic rock fill the spaces. Fauna of the avian kind fill the air, including the rare flamingo, while Bonaire's own version of squirrels -- iguanas and other lizards -- can be found in the vegetation. While not native to Bonaire, donkeys and goats can also be found in and about that same vegetation.

And, above the land, the sky is decorated with amorphous, soft wisps clouds but rarely does rain touch Bonaire's arid land. Sun touches it all day long while the constant wind cools the land. Bonaire's weather is a key contributor to its nature, and to the island's popularity with its residents and visitors.

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Marine

Strictly underwater, we have an array of fun little critters to make you smile like our frogfish. Frogfish are up to 4 or 5 inches long and come in an assortment of colors including bright yellow, red, green, white, black, and even pink. These little guys usually rest on sponges, move around by hopping along on finned feet. Ask your dive master where to look for one, and remember: Don't touch the marine life!

 

A white frogfish

Klein Bonaire's small beaches offer nesting to Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles, while Green and Leatherback turtles are occasionally sighted in our waters as well (but have not been seen nesting here). If you sight a turtle small or large, use the forms available at local dive shops to report it. If you do visit the beaches on Klein Bonaire please don't walk through the dunes or any areas which may be marked off, turtle nests can easily be damaged by the weight of a human walking across it.

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Scuba Diving

Overview
Just about everyone knows that "SCUBA" is an acronym for Self Contained Under Water Breathing Apparatus. The sport has become extremely popular in the last two decades, due in part to places like Bonaire, which has taken great pains to preserve the underwater world by establishing one of the first marine parks in the Caribbean. The other reason Bonaire has become such a popular destination is the wide variety of fish life and the ease of diving that the island offers.

Diving is easy Photo Courtesy of Julie Morgan

Dive Conditions
Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean. Because the waters around Bonaire are designated as an official marine park, diving Bonaire is like diving the Caribbean the way it used to be - untouched and unspoiled. The island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and diveable year round. It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers. Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F (25.6-28.9°C), with visibility averaging over 100 feet (30m), and frequently reaching up to 150 feet (50m). Bonaire Web Cams offers above and below water web cams plus  complete current weather conditions.

The dozen or so Dive Operators are all members of CURO, the Council of Underwater Resort Operators. As members, they participate in establishing standards and uniform practices that, along with the Bonaire Marine Park Rules, have worked to preserve our reefs and the fragile ecosystem of the reef.

Bonaire Dive Orientation
If you are planning a trip to Bonaire and have a dive/hotel package you will be given a thorough dive orientation and briefing before your first dive on the island. One of the Bonaire Marine Park Regulations is for all visitors to do a check-out dive as part of the briefing process before taking off on their own to shore dive or going on a dive boat. The main reasons for this are to have each diver check buoyancy so that damage to the reef is minimized or eliminated and also to check out their dive equipment, whether it be rented or owned. Also, every diver on Bonaire must purchase a Marine Park Tag valid for one calendar year. Orientation procedures vary from dive center to dive center, so it's a good idea to check in early.

Recompression Chamber
In case of a diving accident or emergency, Bonaire has one of the Caribbean's best staffed recompression chamber. The chamber is located adjacent to the San Francisco Hospital Emergency Room, and people in need of treatment must go to the

Purple Tube Sponge Photo Courtesy of Julie Morgan

hospital to gain access to the chamber.

The Bonaire Marine Park
The fringing reef which surrounds Bonaire is a National Marine Park from the high water mark down to a depth of 200 feet/ 60m . Every diver who has not dived on Bonaire within the last calendar year must attend a diver orientation dealing with Bonaire Marine Park regulations and information. These orientation sessions are usually held at around 9AM the morning after you arrive on Bonaire, and you are required to attend and to obtain your Marine Park tag, which is necessary to legally dive in Bonaire's waters. The cost of the tag is US$10, and proceeds help support park management and services.

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Snorkeling

Snorkeling from shore for all ages. Photo Courtesy of Bonaire Boating

Overview

Did you know that world-wide, snorkelers outnumber divers by a wide margin? The fact that less than 50% Bonaire's visitors are scuba divers is also a statistic that proves that you don't have to go under the water to enjoy our beautiful marine park.

If you can swim, you can put on a mask and start enjoying the wonderful sea creatures and the coral formations. You will be able to float effortlessly and observe the feeding and courtship rituals of the reefs many residents. There is nothing in Bonaire's water that is dangerous, but be sure not to touch anything as you may harm it and disturb the delicate natural balance of the reef.

Snorkeling is great entertainment for all member of the family no matter what the age. Be sure to protect yourself against the sun by using a waterproof sun block, especially on your shoulders and the backs of your legs.

Night Snorkeling is another experience that should not be missed Everything changes at night. All that is needed is a flashlight and some protection for exposed arms and legs. Night snorkeling can be done in any snorkeling area you are familiar with (snorkel it during daytime first). Enjoy the wonders of the ever changing ocean at night while some fish are sleeping and other critters are just starting their day.

Snorkeling Tips
If you can float, you can snorkel. In the calm Caribbean Sea you will find it easy to float due to the fact that salt water is more dense than fresh, so you will be able to "ride" higher on the surface than in lakes or swimming pools at home. If you have any doubt at all about your ability or comfort level while swimming, just find a beach with a sandy bottom, walk in to waist deep water and lay down on your back. 99.9% of the people will float comfortably. Of course, you are not going to snorkel on your back, so stand up, put on a mask, and insert the mouthpiece, put your face in the water and breathe. (Those that don't float naturally can avail themselves of a flotation device, such as a snorkeling vest - see below.)

 

Sea Fan Photo Courtesy of Dee Scarr

It's a bit difficult sometimes for first timers to get used to the different breathing pattern, but with a bit of practice, you should be able to master the skill. The next thing to do, if you are still timid, is lie down on your stomach and try breathing with your face in the water. Try to swim a few strokes. If you were not using fins as yet, now would be a good time to try them out.

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