Bonaire in the South Caribbean
The Caribbean island Bonaire is situated just north of the coast of Venezuela. It’s close to Aruba and Curacao and part of the Netherlands Antilles. Native language on Bonaire is Papiamentu but English is widely spoken. As is not surprisingly Dutch and a little Spanish.
Divers paradise
You won't find miles of sandy beaches and endless palm trees though. In fact, it's a fairly rocky and rugged little island. It has a unique look and character and some very interesting places to explore.
Bonaire is known for its ‘pioneering role’ in de preservation of the marine environment. Bonaire is also known to have excellent conditions for windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact Bonaire is one of the world's top dive destinations. The water is crystal clear, and there are dozens of dive locations around, many of which you can access right off shore.
Climate
Bonaire has an humid, tropical climate. Average year round temperature is 81 degrees Fahrenheit with a daily variation of about 10 degrees. A steady cool breeze blows in from the east. (So steady that some trees – divi divi trees - grow in the winds direction). Relative humidity averages 76%. Bonaire collects about 20 inches of rain of which 65% from October through January. Note of caution: while the climate here is most agreeable the sun is powerful. So make sure to use a good sunscreen.
"You can’t get lost and all smiles!"
Bonaire is small - it's only 24 miles long and 7 miles wide. There are only a few main roads, so you really have to make a serious effort to get lost.
The local population is less than 12,000 and the place has a small town feel to it. Everyone knows everyone else, and there's no shortage of friendly smiles as you travel around the island. When repeat visitors are asked why they keep coming back year after year they say: “it is the warmth and friendliness of the people”.
Also on Bonaire you'll find many donkeys and flamingo's. The donkeys have really put their mark on the island community and even put up their own traffic signs to regulate people and traffic...
More info about donkeys here.
The many thousand flamingos can be found at the salt lakes.
Bonaire’s main town – or capital if you will – is Kralendijk. All government offices are here. Kralendijk has a harbor, many restaurants, markets, supermarkets, one disco and even a movie theater.
Transport
Prinses Amalia Airport (the official name but also known as Flamingo Airport) International (!) is only 5 miles away.
Cuisine
Bonaire has a rich mixture of food and over 70 different cultures to draw recipes from. There are many excellent restaurants. If you fancy a local dish with sopi (soup), stobi (stew), piska (fish) or food that is hasa (fried) watch for the sign “Aki ta Bende Kuminda Krioyo” which, you guessed it, means local food sold here.
But ask yourself: “Why not prepare something at home…”. Your BoaniareOcenafront comes with a fully equipped 'all American gourmet' kitchen with a window overlooking the ocean that should inspire you to out perform even the best chef…!