The Caribbean island of Bonaire is blessed with a unique natural beauty and is known for its serene tranquility and impressive underwater world. It is a true paradise for divers and snorkelers, but there is also a lot to do for non-divers and eco-tourists. Do you want to go to the sun or are you looking for ideas for your bucket list? Here are the top 7 places that you should not miss when you go to Bonaire.
The best diving spots in the world
Bonaire has one of the highest concentrations of the best diving spots in the world and with over 60 marked dive sites, it is also referred to as the 'shore-diving capital of the world'. The island is known for its breathtaking underwater world, untouched coral reefs, beautiful tropical fish and other colorful sea inhabitants.
The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary
Bonaire considers the protection of the fauna and flora very important. That is why Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is one of only four areas in the world where flamingos can reproduce naturally. The pink salt lake owes its pink color to the abundant amounts of brine shrimp present in the water. More than ten thousand flamingos are at home here.
Snow in the Caribbean
Want to see a snowy landscape on a tropical island? Then visit the salt pyramids! Bonaire has been the largest salt exporter in the Caribbean for centuries with 400,000 tons per year. The sun, wind and shallow salt lakes by the sea provide the ideal combination. Seawater is let into the shallow salt pans, this is evaporated by the bright sun and the ever howling trade winds, and eventually salt remains.
Small Bonaire
Why visit one Bonaire when you can visit two? Klein Bonaire is just a short boat ride away from the main island. This beautiful uninhabited island has an area of approximately 6 km² and is blessed with beautiful snow-white beaches that also form the breeding grounds for sea turtles. It's heaven on earth.
A natural light show you've never seen before
Two, three days after a full moon, 45 minutes after sunset, a special phenomenon can be seen on Bonaire for 20 minutes. The ostracods, tiny clams, rise in droves from the depths to the reef for an impressive luminous mating show. This phenomenon is called bioluminescence. You can see it from the beach, but it's even more impressive if you go for a night dive.
Stay in an ecological paradise Founded in 1976 by noted underwater environmentalist Captain Don Stewart, Captain Don's Habitat has pioneered eco-friendly developments on the island of Bonaire. His vision is also reflected in the design of the resort. Every detail has been designed to have the least possible impact on the local environment; from the low impact of building methods to the use of solar water heaters and energy-saving devices. Set in a lush tropical garden, right on the beach, the resort is known for its relaxed atmosphere and is a true diving paradise. From the private jetty of the resort you can sail to more than 50 world-class dive sites within 15 minutes.
Enjoy a sunset dinner at the best Caribbean restaurant on the island
The popular Rum Runner restaurant is right on the ocean, in one of the most amazing places of Bonaire, opposite the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. The menu includes local dishes, fashionable snacks, fresh fish, seafood, quesedillas or pizza baked in the wood oven. Don't forget the impressive cocktail menu to enjoy the sunset even more.
Copyright photos:Tourism Cooperation Bonaire
