Bonaire

The star attraction here is below the surface. Blessed with 80 pristine dive sites, Bonaire takes this endowment seriously, and while tourism was built on scuba diving, the island is dedicated to protecting the reefs. The waters surrounding the island and satellite isle Klein Bonaire are part of the marine park established in 1979 and managed by STINAPA, a conservation foundation. Dive and snorkel opportunities are just offshore in water depths from 25 to 150 feet; many sites can be reached from the shore and are marked by Bonaire’s ubiquitous yellow painted stones. A carnival of coral, sea fans, and sponges hosts over 350 species of fish that include the elusive seahorse and frogfish.

On land, the prickly desert-like landscape is accentuated by cactus and divi-divi trees that are suitable for goats and mountain bikes.  Expansive flatlands at the water’s edge flow into salt pans where pink waters are peppered with thousands of flamingos. Bird watchers find plenty of interest on the island with the local population of parrots, parakeets and the orange trupial, originally from Venezuela, that now makes its home on Bonaire.  The Washington-Slagbaai National Park and nearby salt pans and flamingo sanctuary are a starting point for wildlife sightings and adventure.  Hikers and experienced mountain bikers wind through the trails and rolling hills, and on foot, they climb the top of Brandaris, Bonaire’s highest peak.