Bonaire

Bonaire is an island situated in the calm seas of the southern Caribbean, surrounded by its amazing blue colors. It is well known for the excellent snorkel and scuba diving possibilities and is rapidly gaining a reputation as a superb destination to vacation. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the constant sunny climate, the clear, warm waters with its ring of coral reefs and huge amounts of colorful tropical fish. Since the waters surrounding Bonaire have been actively protected by the Bonaire Marine Park for the last 25 years, it can rank itself amongst the top 4 dive destinations in the world. The average water temperature is between 78-84° Fahrenheit (25-28° C.) and the average underwater visibility is easily 100 feet (30 m), but often even over 165 feet (50 m).

                                                     

Bonaire is truly fascinating, both above as well as under water. The local population is very friendly; there are beautiful old buildings, many flamingos and a perfect trade wind from the east for both wind- and kite surfing. Other outdoor activities to choose from are mountain biking, sailing, kayaking, heading out for a day trip or simply lazing about in the sun. The cooling trade winds are famous as they help maintain the balance in the dry and warm climate. The sun shines almost 365 days a year. The average temperature on Bonaire is around 80° F. (28° C.). The island is located in the far south of the Caribbean Sea and well outside of the hurricane belt, just 50 miles (80 km) north of Caracas in Venezuela.

Bonaire measures 112 square miles (288 km²) in area, it is between 3 to 7 miles (5 to 12 km) wide and is 24 miles (39 km) long. It is possible to see the entire island in one day, but it is much more relaxing to take it easy in order not to miss any of the beauty and nature Bonaire has to offer.

Although Dutch is the official language on Bonaire, Papiamentu is the native language spoken by the local people. This language has its roots in Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French and even a little bit of African. The name Papiamentu derives from the word 'papia' which means 'to talk'. The island has about 14.000 inhabitants and not a single traffic light!

It is truly unspoiled, unhurried and unforgettable!