Bonaire
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Bonaire lies just off the north coast of Venezuela and just east of Curaçao. The environment is windswept and dry with little humidity or precipitation. The beaches, wildlife and vegetation are the principal attractions of the island.
Related Attractions
Bonaire National Marine Park
Bonaire National Marine Park circles all of Bonaire as well as Klein Bonaire. It is maintained by a non-profit, non-governmental organization to preserve the reefs and local ecosystems.
Kralendijk, Netherlands Antilles
Kralendijk is the capitol of Bonaire. It is notable for its Dutch Colonial houses painted in bright pastel colors. Breedestraat, the main shopping street, is the site of many luxury shops. At the harbor fishermen sell their catches every morning.
Bonaire Museum
The Bonaire Museum exhibits artifacts such as fishing gear, musical instruments and models of the slave huts to give visitors an understanding of Bonaire's earlier life and customs.
North
The north end of Bonaire is dominated by Washington-Slagbaai National Park, an excellent natural area.
Washington-Slagbaai National Park
The Washington-Slagbaai National Park, occupying 13,500 acres or one-fifth of the island, is an excellent place to see the flora and fauna of the island, especially the more than 100 species of birds. Pos Mangel and Bronswinkel are two places where the birds drink fresh water, so quiet visitors may find some of the rarer species at these spots. Other wildlife include donkeys, goats and iguanas. Throughout the park grow many species of cacti as well as mesquite, divi-divi and Brazil wood trees.The park is best navigated in a four-wheel drive vehicle because of the dirt roads. Once inside, visitors make park and hike. Subi Brandaris is the highest point on the island (241m/790ft) and it offers a fine view of the surroundings and, on clear days, the coast of Venezuela.The beaches of Playa Funchi, Boca Slagbaai, Playa Bengè and Playa Chiquitu are also accessible.
Rincon
Rincón is Bonaire's oldest settlement, founded by the Spanish in the 15th C. Today it is a small town coulored by its many pastel cottages.
Goto Meer
The saltwater lake of Goto Meer is home to Bonaire's flamingo population. They are especially abundant during the breeding season between January and July.
Onima
The red petroglyphs adorning the walls of Onima, a limestone cave, were made by the Caiquetio Indians five centuries ago.
BOPEC
The oil terminal of BOPEC is where tankers load or unload their petroleum.
South
The south end of Bonaire is significant for its historic sites, such as the Saltpans and slave huts, and its beaches.
Cabaje
Cabaje are waist-high stone huts which housed slaves who mined the salt flats in the 18th C. A salt obelisk stands at the site, originally a marker for arriving ships.
Peckelmeer Lagoon
Flamingos frequent the Peckelmeer Lagoon due to the brine shrimp that inhabit the waters.
Saltpans
Historically, the saltpans have been a great industry for Bonaire. In earlier times slaves harvested the salt, but today the site is modernized and uses only environmentally friendly means of production.
Sorobon - Lac Baai
Small peninsulas provide Lac Baai with smooth waters but a steady wind, which makes it a good spot for both beginner and more advanced windsurfers.
Map - Bonaire
Map - Bonaire
More Netherlands Antilles Resources
- Bonaire Travel Guide by iExplore
