“Located off the Venezuelan coast, in the southern Caribbean, Bonaire is a municipality of the Netherland that is famous for its National Marine Park, offering great diving and snorkelling opportunities.
More wildlife can be found in the island’s lush landscapes, such as in the large Washington Slagbaai National Park, where the beaches, caverns, hills, and lagoons are home to beautiful wildlife such as birds, lizards and donkeys.”
More than just a vibrant mix of breathtaking landscapes, exciting wildlife, and multi-ethnic heritage, Bonaire is first and foremost a pioneer in ecotourism. Providing a vast playground for both nature lovers and adventure seekers, the island puts the accent on opening its visitors to a more mindful and eco-conscious approach to tourism - a sustainable approach that has enabled Bonaire to keep its own development under control and, as a result, protect its natural resources from the often destructive consequences linked to mass tourism.
Bonaire empowers its visitors by turning them into actors of the land’s preservation, whether it is through environment-focused common sense (picking up trash, using eco-friendly products, etc), eco-tax such as the Marine Park Tag, or through one of the many programs destined to environmentally educate and engage both visitors and locals, all in the name of the respect beautiful Bonaire deserves.
Located 30 miles from Curaçao, 50 miles North of Venezuela, and 86 miles East of Aruba, the 38.6 km long by 4.8 to 8 km wide island lies outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt, an advantageous geographical position enabling the preservation and expansion of its luscious wildlife. Reputed for its year-round temperate climate, Bonaire benefits from an average temperature of 27.8 C (82 F), water at 26.7 C (80 F), and 12 hours of daily sunlight, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing beach holiday, or an active trip exploring the great outdoors.
Although the island’s forte clearly revolves around nature, those looking for a more typical luxurious Caribbean getaway will not be disappointed either, with Bonaire offering its own share of first class resorts, spas and wellness centres, as well as a renowned dining scene. Activities on the island are varied in pace and taste, ranging from energetic and adrenalin-fuelled adventures (rock climbing, diving, rappelling, etc.), to more laid-back and culture focused attractions (beaches, distillery, old slave huts, etc.).
Among its 18,000 inhabitants, Bonaire counts no less than four languages. Whilst Dutch is the official language, it is the colourful Papiamentu that the locals commonly use, along with glimpses of English and Spanish, as well as other languages associated with the many religious faiths found on the island. An all-encompassing destination, Bonaire is an abundant playground for nature lovers, heritage enthusiasts, and adventure seekers who find their solace in the natural and cultural beauties of the world.
