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Bonaire Information
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Bonaire is a small, 112 square miles, Dutch island just 50 miles north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea.
Lightly inhabited, it is a quiet destination where visitors appreciate the natural environment. It's desert-like landscape is home to abundant birdlife...it is a birdwatchers heaven. But its real claim-to-fame is diving, and it is the reason most people visit. The entire island is surrounded by a protected marine park which offers underwater splendor. This quiet island is trying hard to protect itself from overdevelopment in order to preserve it's unique natural beauty, both on land and sea.
Island Inns specializes in luxury hotels and villas in the Caribbean and Bahamas.
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INFORMATION ABOUT BONAIRE
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BEACHES: The beaches on Bonaire are not as spectacular as on some other islands but they still have some lovely, sandy spots.
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SNORKELING AND DIVING: Snorkeling is taken as a serious sport on this island and you can wade in right offshore to explore the reefs. Bonaire is one of the world's top destinations for diving. Bonaire Marine Park which surrounds the entire island was established in 1979 in order to insure that this rich marine habitat would not be spoiled, hence, rules on diving are strict. Warm, siltless (visibility averaging 100 feet) waters are host to more than 80 diverse dive sites. The reefs, beginning at the shoreline have amazing coral formations. There are also cliff dives and wall dives and many PADI dive facilities which offer instruction and certification.
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WATERSPORTS: The protected, shallow waters of Lac Bay make windsurfing a very popular activity and lessons can be found. There's also very good conditions off the eastern shore. Another popular sport is sea kayaking where you can paddle in the calm waters of Lac Bay or explore wildlife among the mangroves. Waterskiing and parasailing are also available.
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BOATING AND SAILING: You can charter yachts for day sails with some fantastic snorkeling or go to uninhabited Klein Bonaire. Sunset sails, dinner cruises and full moon sails can be scheduled. Glass bottomed boats can be found to view the marine life from above.
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BICYCLING: Mountain bikes are the way to go here and there are over 180 miles of trails.
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TENNIS:There are a few courts available, some with night lighting.
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FISHING: Deep sea charters go after big game fish...marlin, tuna, and sailfish are just a few to be found. You can also go reef fishing or bone-fishing on the salt flats. No spearfishing when diving!
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HORSEBACK RIDING: Horse ranches offer private lessons and trail rides to view the island's natural beauty.
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EXPLORING: Red-stained petroglyphs in the limestone caves at Onima were created 500 years ago be the native Arawak indians. Salt flats in the south part of the island are home to a vast array of birdlife including pink flamingos. In the north, Washington-Slagbaai National Park is filled with floral and fauna in its unspoiled state. This wildlife sanctuary is 13,500 acres of semi-arid desert accessed by dirt roads. Again, birdlife, including flamingos and parakeets, abounds. Here you can also spot large iguanas, goats and donkeys. Klein Bonaire, just off the western coast of the island is great for picnicking and barbecues. It is completely uninhabited and you must reach it by boat.
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SHOPPING: The capital, Kralendijk has boutiques selling batik, swimwear and t-shirts. You can also find cuban cigars, jewelry, leather goods and liquors. Bonaire Art Gallery displays a collection of local art and crafts.
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NIGHTLIFE: Two casinos on Bonaire offer blackjack, poker, slot machines,roulette and other games and close at 2am or 4am. Live music can be found at some of the bars on weekends and there is a disco for dancing to all types of music.
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BIRDWATCHING: This is a big activity on this eco-friendly island. There are over 170 types of birds including flocks of pink flamingos on the salt flats.
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All contents of this web site are copyright (c)2002 by Island Inns LLC. All rights reserved.
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