Travel in Bonaire – Hotels, Bonaire Vacations, Lodging, Trips, Attractions and Travel Guide

Vacationing In Beautiful Bonaire

sailing boats on caribbean sea in Bonaire - vibrant Colors

Bonaire is one of five islands and together with Aruba and Curacao form the ABC island chain of the Leeward Antilles. The island is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and will become a “special municipal” on December 15th, 2008. The economy is based heavily on tourism and is known for world class scuba diving, snorkeling and wind surfing. The island is consistently rated one of the best diving and Caribbean diving spots in the world.

One of the best kept secrets on the island is sport fishing. The island of Bonaire is known the world over for its excellent bone fishing opportunities, however, it is ideal for deep sea and light tackle fishing. Visitors can fish for such species as snook, tarpon and permit and the island is host to many yearly fishing tournaments. For a small fee, guests can hire a private boat with a captain and crew for either a half day or full day excursion.

For experiencing some of the culture and history, a visit to the local museums is in order. The Museum Boneriano, (which means Museum of Bonaire), was the first museum built on the island and is also the largest. The structure is located outside of town on Kaya Sabana and is housed in a historical 110 year-old building that has been completely renovated and restored back to its original splendor.

The other museum is located on the northeast end of the island and is located at the entrance to the Washington-Slagbaai National Park. Originally a plantation house, the location now serves as a history museum. There are exhibits of plantation life, wildlife, geology, tools and other articles that are available to view free of charge.

For those who enjoy rock-climbing, Bonaire is the perfect spot to partake of this activity. Along the road to Ricon, there are some amazing rock formations. The sister island of Aruba is also home to some challenging formations that were first opened in 1997 and 1998. The islands are formed of limestone and over the years, tiny coral polyps formed over millions of years. The remains are a reef that has risen above sea level by subterranean plates being smashed together. The highest point on Bonaire is Brendaris Hill at 784 feet and a climb to the top offers a panoramic vista to view the island below. There is a foot path leads to the ridge of the mountain and the entire climb takes approximately two and a half hours. It is a challenge that only the most accomplished climbers should attempt, but provides views of the entire ABC island chain on a clear day.

A unique thing about the island of Bonaire is that there are no native bird species on the island. However, there are subspecies or geographical races that are found throughout the islands. Bonaire is famous for being home to the largest population of pink flamingos that make their home on the southern tip of Bonaire, near the Willemstoren Lighthouse. There are over 200 species of birds now found on the island and one particular species, the Lora is protected against capture by an international treaty. The island provides birdwatchers with the chance to view some extraordinary bird life and possibly see some endangered bird species that are not found in many other areas of the world.

There are many peaceful and tranquil resorts and hotels located on the island that will gladly provide lodgings for the weary traveler. The Lagoen Hill is a quiet residential style hotel located near Lagoen Bay. There are only 30 private cottages on site, which are set in lush tropical gardens and have beautiful views of the island. However, if a guest prefers a more unique setting then Captain Dons Habitat is perfect. This hotel boasts being the home of diving freedom and was opened in 1976 by underwater environmentalist Captain Don Stewart. The hotel is set inside a habitat that has been at the forefront of environmentally friendly resorts on the island. Any hotel located on the island is committed to providing a wide array of services and amenities that will make any trip to Bonaire a memorable one.