Bonaire
Bonaire is the eastern most island of the leeward islands. The island lies about 45 kilometers east of Curaçao. And the distance to the mainland of South America (Venezuela) is about 80 kilometers. Bonaire has a shape that is reminiscent of a boomerang. In the kink is located about 2 kilometers west of the coast Klein Bonaire. This coral island has an area of approximately 6 square kilometers and is uninhabited. Bonaire is about 180 km2 in size and 38 km long and only 5 to 11 km from the east to the west coast. This makes Bonaire (after Curaçao) the second largest island in the Netherlands Antilles. Bonaire currently has 17,500 inhabitants. This is very little given the area of the island. You will find peace in an unspoilt nature, which makes the island so attractive. Both above and below water. Bonaire is a unique island, it has its own character and charm, the population is friendly without being intrusive and also in the evening you feel safe. Holidaymakers looking for fun, busy beaches and a vibrant nightlife are on the wrong address on Bonaire. But there are plenty of opportunities for a successful evening out. Most bars have a happy hour where the drinks are cheaper, and in the evening there are various bands with dance and live music. The official language is Dutch next to English and Papiamento. Bonaire uses desalinated seawater. This is of good quality, and you can drink from the tap.
Climat
The island has a tropical-arid climate with the most important features a lot of sun and an almost always present trade winds. This gives a wonderful and pleasant cooling. The temperature is the whole year between 28 and 32 degrees. The sea water is on average 27 degrees. The hottest months of the year are August, September and October. The coolest months are January and February. The average annual rainfall is 600 mm. This usually happens in short, violent local showers. The rainy season is from the end of October until the end of January. Bonaire is outside the "Huricane Belt"
The island has a tropical-arid climate with the most important features a lot of sun and an almost always present trade winds. This gives a wonderful and pleasant cooling. The temperature is the whole year between 28 and 32 degrees. The sea water is on average 27 degrees. The hottest months of the year are August, September and October. The coolest months are January and February. The average annual rainfall is 600 mm. This usually happens in short, violent local showers. The rainy season is from the end of October until the end of January. Bonaire is outside the "Huricane Belt"
Traffic
Although Bonaire is verry small you can certainly get lost. It is wise to always have a map with you. Of course we make sure that you will find it in your stay. Bonaire is an ideal island to rent a car, there are no traffic jams, no traffic lights and no speed cameras. The people here are very happy with the tourists who visit the island. Often they will raise their hands if you drive in front. If you wave back, they really appreciate it! Within Kralendijk, Rincon and the residential districts there are 40 to 50 km per hour, outside a little harder to 80 km per hour, harder is really not necessary. You should always be alert to crossing donkeys, goats, dogs and iguanas. Always give cyclists, walkers and scooters sufficient space. There are also sufficient opportunities on Bonaire to rent motorcycles and scooters.
Although Bonaire is verry small you can certainly get lost. It is wise to always have a map with you. Of course we make sure that you will find it in your stay. Bonaire is an ideal island to rent a car, there are no traffic jams, no traffic lights and no speed cameras. The people here are very happy with the tourists who visit the island. Often they will raise their hands if you drive in front. If you wave back, they really appreciate it! Within Kralendijk, Rincon and the residential districts there are 40 to 50 km per hour, outside a little harder to 80 km per hour, harder is really not necessary. You should always be alert to crossing donkeys, goats, dogs and iguanas. Always give cyclists, walkers and scooters sufficient space. There are also sufficient opportunities on Bonaire to rent motorcycles and scooters.
Currencies
The local currency is the US Dollar. There are enough banks and cash dispensers on the island where you can execute your transaction.
The local currency is the US Dollar. There are enough banks and cash dispensers on the island where you can execute your transaction.
Snorkeling& Diving
Bonaire is known for the great opportunities for snorkeling and diving, with an ever-growing reputation as a top holiday destination. Visitors and residents enjoy the reliable sunny climate, the clear, warm ocean with its ring of coral reefs and the large numbers of colorful fish. Because the waters around Bonaire have been protected in a particularly active way by the marine park for over 25 years, Bonaire is currently among the top 4 diving destinations in the world. The water temperature is between 25-29 C with an average visibility of 30 meters to often more than 50 meter
Bonaire is known for the great opportunities for snorkeling and diving, with an ever-growing reputation as a top holiday destination. Visitors and residents enjoy the reliable sunny climate, the clear, warm ocean with its ring of coral reefs and the large numbers of colorful fish. Because the waters around Bonaire have been protected in a particularly active way by the marine park for over 25 years, Bonaire is currently among the top 4 diving destinations in the world. The water temperature is between 25-29 C with an average visibility of 30 meters to often more than 50 meter
Bird paradise
On Bonaire are no less than 180 different bird species have been identified. They live there permanently or use the island as a haven during a trip between North and South America. For more nature, a number of car routes have been set out in the Washington / Slagbaai National Park. Many birds (including flamingos) and iguanas can also be admired in the park. Flamingos can also be found at the Pekelmeer at the southern tip. For a general impression you can explore the island with a car. From Kralendijk the northern route gives a view of, among other things, Washington / Slagbaai National Park and Rincón. The southern route leads, among other things, along the brine lake and the mangrove area at Lac Bay. Bonaire is in short a beautiful nature reserve of a rare beauty, which is definitely worth a visit for those who have an eye for it!Bird paradise On Bonaire no less than 180 different bird species have been identified. They live there permanently or use the island as a haven during a trip between North and South America. For more nature, a number of car routes have been set out in the Washington / Slagbaai National Park. Many birds (including flamingos) and iguanas can also be admired in the park. Flamingos can also be found at the Pekelmeer at the southern tip. For a general impression you can explore the island with a car. From Kralendijk the northern route gives a view of, among other things, Washington / Slagbaai National Park and Rincón. The southern route leads, among other things, along the brine lake and the mangrove area at Lac Bay. Bonaire is in short a beautiful nature reserve of a rare beauty, which is definitely worth a visit for those who have an eye for it!
On Bonaire are no less than 180 different bird species have been identified. They live there permanently or use the island as a haven during a trip between North and South America. For more nature, a number of car routes have been set out in the Washington / Slagbaai National Park. Many birds (including flamingos) and iguanas can also be admired in the park. Flamingos can also be found at the Pekelmeer at the southern tip. For a general impression you can explore the island with a car. From Kralendijk the northern route gives a view of, among other things, Washington / Slagbaai National Park and Rincón. The southern route leads, among other things, along the brine lake and the mangrove area at Lac Bay. Bonaire is in short a beautiful nature reserve of a rare beauty, which is definitely worth a visit for those who have an eye for it!Bird paradise On Bonaire no less than 180 different bird species have been identified. They live there permanently or use the island as a haven during a trip between North and South America. For more nature, a number of car routes have been set out in the Washington / Slagbaai National Park. Many birds (including flamingos) and iguanas can also be admired in the park. Flamingos can also be found at the Pekelmeer at the southern tip. For a general impression you can explore the island with a car. From Kralendijk the northern route gives a view of, among other things, Washington / Slagbaai National Park and Rincón. The southern route leads, among other things, along the brine lake and the mangrove area at Lac Bay. Bonaire is in short a beautiful nature reserve of a rare beauty, which is definitely worth a visit for those who have an eye for it!
Bonaire is in short a beautiful nature reserve of a rare beauty, which is definitely worth a visit for those who have an eye for it!