Bonaire: The paradise island that attracts visitors at first sight

If you want to immerse yourself in the undersea world, Bonaire is an excellent alternative that you should not overlook. The southern Caribbean’s crown jewel is well-known for sustainable tourism, interesting outdoor activities, flamingo habitat, and a marine park that will exceed your expectations.

Photo: Wikipedia

Bonaire is one of three famous ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. It is a scuba diving paradise located just off the coast of Venezuela. Bonaire is the ideal destination for adventurous vacationers or those interested in water activities. With a “humble” area of approximately 287 km2, travellers can easily explore this intriguing island. This flat, river-free island can be explored in around 3 or 4 hours by motorcycle.

Bonaire’s population was little around 6,000 people in the 1960s, but it has grown considerably since 2010. However, according to the Dutch Statistical Service, the island known as the “secret of the world” currently boasts over 23,000 residents and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

Bonaire Island’s magnificent beauty, with hidden miracles

Bonaire is the least developed of the ABC group’s three islands. Nonetheless, it is a crucial advantage that aids in the preservation of the island’s natural beauty. With several protected places in Bonaire such as sea turtles, flamingos, donkeys, and coral reef rejuvenation funds, this sustainable island always upholds and promotes environmental protection… Furthermore, single-use plastic goods, such as straws, have been banned in 2022 in order to safeguard the environment.

Photo: Fodors Travel Guide

With numerous advantages ranging from a pleasant environment to communal welfare for locals, Bonaire attracts a large influx of immigrants as well as international tourists each year. When you look at the roads here, you could be astonished. Instead of traffic signals, you’ll witness goats and flamingos roaming freely over the island.

Snorkeling is a thrilling aquatic sport on Bonaire

Bonaire is regarded as one of the finest scuba diving and snorkeling locations in the world, with 86 snorkeling public areas and a strict no-anchor regulation to conserve reefs. Immersing yourself in refreshing water and admiring the beauty beneath the sea is without a doubt one of the nicest things to do when visiting Bonaire. Many tourists have expressed a desire to visit this southern Caribbean island simply to snorkel and dive.

Photo: Tropical Snorkeling

These tracking places can be reached by boat, and several of them are excellent snorkeling and tracking spots from the shore. The paradise for underwater photographers and snorkelers is surrounded by dazzling coral gardens that are home to numerous fish and marine life species. The government purchased the island in 1999, and it is presently controlled by the Bonaire National Marine Park. While the inclusion of the belt as part of a national marine park is surprising, it is an important turtle nesting place. As a result, turtles are common when snorkeling or scuba diving there.

Photo: Cruise Fever

More than just a beautiful location

Aside from the well-known water sports, there are other amazing elements that entice travelers to abandon their former home and live on the sparsely populated “secret of the world” island. From the spectacular natural landscape to the various food, this breathtaking location deserves to be one of the world’s most visited islands.

A great location: Bonaire Island has a small airport approximately 10 minutes drive from the city Kralendijk, which is home to the majority of the island’s resorts, so you won’t have to worry about where to stay. Furthermore, Bonaire is regarded as a safe location, with the US State Department classifying the island as tourism level 1 risk, the lowest level.

Photo: Bonaire Diving

Delicious cuisine: One of the experiences that tourists to Bonaire should not miss is the island’s diversified gastronomy. Tuna, barracuda, mahi-mahi, and bony fish are among the delicious delicacies available on Bonaire Island. Because of its ideal location on the lake, the majority of the seafood served here is fresh and caught locally. Furthermore, inhabitants have a tradition of standing up by the roadside at a food truck named Cactus Blue Bonaire on a regular basis to acquire a packet of lionfish. Last but not least, food carts always serve lunch on weekdays and are stationed outside the airport with reusable food trays to fulfill the needs of travelers. It is well-known for its reusable dishes and freshly squeezed juices.

Your holiday to experience Bonaire will provide you with a genuine sensation of relaxation, in addition to magnificent beaches, excellent services, and a natural living environment.

Photo: The Boca Raton Observer

 

Wanderlust Tips – TIPS

  • Transportation at Bonaire: bus, taxi, or rent a car to drive yourself.
  • Accommodation: From luxury resorts (Plaza Resort Bonaire, Captain Don’s Habitat, etc.) to standard hotels (Lizard Inn, Tropicana Apartments, etc.),
  • Leisure activities: Walking, shopping in Kralendijk city, fishing, squid fishing, scuba diving to see corals, exploring Washington-Slagbaai National Park, surfing, kayaking, sailing, and watching migratory birds and beautiful flamingos on Bonaire island.
  • Dining: Soups, stews, fried seafood dishes, and Bonaire’s traditional foods such as iguana, conch, green cactus, wahoo fish, lobster… There is also a small KFC shop for a quick snack.

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