Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

For over twenty-five years, Bonaire has led the Caribbean in the conservation of its marine resources. Since 1979, all the waters off the island's coast have been declared a marine park, which has led us to the enviable position of being ranked as one of the finest scuba diving and snorkeling destinations in the world.

- Snorkeling & Diving in Bonaire >>

Kayaking, sailing, cycling or birdwatching

Visitors to Bonaire will soon find that not all the activities are confined to just under or in the sea. We have many more water-related activities that are being discovered by today's active traveler. As a windsurfing location, the island is becoming well known for our steady tradewinds and protected areas with onshore winds. Our other water sports include both ocean and sea kayaking as well as sailing.

Other topside activities that are being enjoyed by visitors are cycling and nature tours through the "kunuku" or outback.

Bird watching has always been a rewarding past time here. More and more visitors are enjoying the thrill of catching glimpses of some of our almost two hundred species of birds including our signature bird, the pink flamingo.

A trip to the Washington/Slagbaai National Park will present visitors with starkly beautiful vistas filled with many varieties of cacti, divi-divi trees, unbelievable landscapes and our wildlife, including semi-tame iguanas.

As you browse our pages we are sure you will find what you are looking for in the way of a destination. Above all, Bonaire is one place that takes seriously its responsibility to the environment and has pledged to keep that trust.

Donkey Sanctuary

When you visit the beautiful island of Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean, stop by and meet the wonderful donkeys living in our sanctuary. The ancestors of these animals were originally brought to the island as beasts of burden and to work in the great salt pans that form almost one quarter of Bonaire land mass. When machinery replaced the donkeys, they were set free to fend for themselves.

- Donkey Sanctuary Website >>

Cycling and Biking on Bonaire

Mountain biking and cycling have become a popular way to explore Bonaire, and 21-speed TREK or 21-speed Giant bikes, specially outfitted for off road exploring, are available for rental. Many of the local bike rental companies also conduct tours through the Kunuku (outback) following the hundreds of miles of paths (using orange painted stone markers) and also through Washington/Slagbaai National Park.

Many of the trips follow along the coastline and make stops allowing time for picnicking and a swim or snorkel. Some of the trails pass through the village of Rincon, the oldest settlement on Bonaire. You also will have a chance to pass by Gotomeer, the landlocked salt lake, where you are bound to run into a few of Bonaire's famous pink flamingos.

Fishing

One of the biggest thrills a person who enjoys fishing can experience is to match wits with an elusive, feisty, bonefish. There are a number of "secret" spots the local guides have staked out on the island and are willing to share with visiting fishermen.

In addition to bone fishing, there are a number of charter boats that will take anglers sport fishing in the waters off the coast of Bonaire. Sailfish, marlin, tuna and tarpon are the most likely to be caught, however it is not uncommon to catch wahoo, dorado and other edible species.

Bonaire also hosts a number of local and International fishing tournaments during the year. The organizers are proposing a plan to record, tag and release them back into the sea for future tournaments. The edible species are generally donated to various charitable organizations.

Bonaire National Marine Park

It is necessary for all who use the waters of the Bonaire National Marine Park to pay a Nature Fee of $10.00 per year ($25.00 for scuba divers). At the time of payment, you will receive a specially designed tag indicating your support for nature preservation and a receipt. Keep both, as they will also provide you with complimentary admission to Washington-Slagbaai National park throughout the year your tag is valid. Tags are available at all dive operations, hotels, resorts, windsurfing operations, sport fishing charter boats, sail/snorkel/water taxi operations, marinas, and other water sports operations on Bonaire.

Bonaire with Kids

Bonaire has always been a great place for families to vacation. Youngsters can enjoy almost all of the same activities right along with their parents. Scuba diving is about the only sport with an age restriction, 10 years old for Jr. Certification, so many of the resorts have instituted programs tailored for the younger set. In addition to the fun programs below, many of the diver operators are offering SASY - Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youths. The gear is similar to Scuba gear but is made to fit children starting about age 5. The child-sized BCD keeps the child at the surface while a mini tank with regulator and gauge supply air. Great for those little divers that just can't wait to join Mom and Dad.

Sand Dollar Resort has a program, the Sand Penny Club, which is open to children 3 - 7 years old. Ocean's Classroom is a program for older children 6-15 years offered by Bonaire Dive and Adventure. Plaza Resort Bonaire also has a morning program for the kids. The activities are tailored to the group and generally are organized around the dive boat schedules. Toucan Diving has a program called Aquakids which incorporates a snorkel program into the fun activities.

Discovery programs are offered by Sea & Discover for kids interested in fish, corals, sea creatures and adventure. Their marine biologist combines classroom and water sessions to teach kids about the marine environment in a safe and fun atmosphere. Just for teens, Jong Bonaire offers a special program for visiting teens. Teens have the chance to participate in activities with local teens - afternoons Monday through Friday. Most of the local teens speak several languages including Dutch, English, Spanish and our local Papiamentu. Enjoy music, sports, computers, or just hanging around.

Links & Sources:

• Frommers
• Infobonaire.com