Bonaire
Aruba, Bonaire and Curazao, are so-called "Leeward Islands". The easternmost is Bonaire with 281 km. This beautiful island group belongs to the Netherlands Antilles, located in the southern Caribbean Sea, 64 km north of Venezuela, close to the South American continent. Its first inhabitants were Caiquetio, descendants of the Arawak Indians originally from Venezuela, which is believed to have arrived around 1300 BC. The Spanish conquistadors Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci, came to Bonaire and colonized the island in the name of Spain in 1499. Around 1636, after arriving in Bonaire, the Dutch took control of it. Between the years 1799-1816, referred to as the "time of confusion", the island was occupied by several countries during a period of time, due to change in European politics, which affected the Caribbean Islands. In 1816, Bonaire came once again under Dutch rule. Its most important industry besides tourism is the exploitation of salt. The entire south side of the island is occupied by huge salt reserves, produced through evaporation when the water receides. The official language is Dutch, almost nobody uses it, but everyone knows it. Papiamento is the primary language spoken there. English and Spanish are spoken mostly for tourists. Activities and Information
Scuba Diving Bonaire has 86 dive sites with beautiful marine life. Ideal for experienced divers and also ideal for those learning how to dive, with excellent visibility, abundant landscaping and tranquil waters. Their instructors are among the best in the world. Ecobuzos can plan your diving vacation. Click on the link for more information.
Kite Surfing The venue for this sport, is at the southwestern tip of Bonaire, with winds of 12 to 18 knots from September to December and from 15 to 25 knots the rest of the year. Their trade winds provide the perfect setting for kitesurfing.
Wind Surfing Sorobon is a special area for windsurfing in Bonaire. The mixture of sun, sustained winds, weather and warm shallow waters make this a perfect place. In October is when we celebrate the week of racing and is where the island is filled with sailboats, windsurfers and kitesurfers from all over the world.
Fishing Bonaire provides the perfect environment for fishing. There are charter boats available and packages that vary according to your operator. There are also small private operators that rent out their boats fishing outings. Note that fishing in Bonaire is only allowed outside the coastal zone and with certain restrictions.
Traveling There By air or by sea.