Bonaire – Tours & Adventures Travel Guide
PureTravel Says
"Bonaire is a paradise for all watersports enthusiasts with plenty of national park reefs for diving, snorkeling and windsurfing. Explore the picturesque south as well with lush mangroves and salt flats."
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Bonaire Holiday Highlights
Bonaire charm’s lies in its people. From the influences of the Caiquetios Indians to those of the multiracial population who have made this island their home, the island has developed what is uniquely a Bonaire culture. From the African is derived the festive dances of Bari and Simadan. The Dutch brought with them the waltz, Polka and Mazuaka while the Latin segment of the population brought with them the Joropo, Danza and Rumba.
Not only is the island blessed with a rich cultural heritage, the island with its incredible reefs at the Bonaire National Marine Park also draws divers from all over the world. The park is also renowned for offering first-rate windsurfing conditions.
The mangrove swamps on the island with their pink flamingos are a feast for the wildlife lovers. If the pink flamingos present a feast for the wildlife lovers, then the Washington-Slagbaai National Park will represent the dessert to that feast. The exhilaration of observing the green iguanas in their natural habitat will more than make up for the heat of the tropical desert that one has to endure to get to this park.
- Bonaire Museum
- BOPEC
- Cabaje
- Goto Meer
- Kralendijk
- North
- Onima
- Peckelmeer Lagoon
- Rincón
- Saltpans
- Sorobon - Lac Baai
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Bonaire History and Culture
Bonaire was until 10 October 2010 part of Netherlands Antilles which was dissolved. The Netherlands Antilles was made up of five countries; Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius (which are now special municipalities of the Netherlands) and Curacao and Sint Maarten (which are now constituent countries of the Netherlands).
The Netherlands Antilles was originally discovered and settled by the Spanish in the 15th Century. By the 17th Century, the Dutch had conquered these islands and made them their military bases and more important the trading center for the slave trades in the West Indies. With the abolishment of slavery in 1863, these islands declined in importance. It was not until the 20th century that these islands began to flourish again by serving as oil refineries centers for Venezuela. It is also lately that tourism has played a greater role in the economic growth of these islands.
Due to the colonization by the Dutch, the cultures of these islands are largely influenced by the Dutch way of life. In addition, these traditions are often infused with a local flavor making them a unique potpourri of culture for each respective island. These cultural diversities are reflected in the festive events that display the colorful parades, the vibrant music like the Calypso and Pan Music as well as the traditional cuisines of the island.
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When To Go
The average temperature is quite stable at around 28C (82F). Peak season runs from December through April. The peak season for cruise ships runs from October until April. Because these islands usually miss the hurricane season, outside these peaks season month is a good time to go since the places can be classified as sleepy then. The hotels rates are also substantially lower during these off peak period.
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Top Tips
- The local bars are also a good place to meet with the locals. Because Rum shops are in reality the meeting places for the local community especially in Bonaire, you soon get to be part of the pack. Try to be loyal and not bar hop as so many tourists comes and goes. It might take a while before you get to be part of the crowd but a regular face soon becomes a familiar face.
Classic Itineraries
- Depending on what you prefer arrange your schedule so that you can have an easy and relaxing time on one or both islands. First, decide your favorite beaches and dive spots for each island. Compare and pick the best of each for both islands. Two weeks should be enough to have a satisfying and enjoyable time but you can take as long as you wish.
