Bonaire
Once a visitor always a friend
Why visit?
Bonaire is an ecotravel destination. From the depths of the pristine waters to the height of our tallest peak, Brandaris, you will feel Bonaire’s magic. You will feel it from the moment you arrive and throughout the days as you become attuned to Bonaire’s unhurried pace.
Besides being famous for surfing and snorkelling, Bonaire is also recognised as one of the top destinations worldwide for diving. For the 24th consecutive year, Bonaire got first place for Shore Diving Destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic in Scuba Diving Magazine’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. It was voted number one for Macro Diving and Beginner Diving.
GOOD TO KNOW
Culture & Local Life
Bonaire positioned itself as the first Blue Destination in the world. The vision is focused on the people. As community, people of Bonaire have the task of protecting, unifying and magnifying the island. Therefore they also have to minimise the negative impact on the community and environment and to create opportunity to balance the financial benefits.Furthermore, the economy is magnified by integrating culture, tourism, commerce and nature. At the same time, it is also respecting the authenticity of Bonaire by conserving norms and values.
Sustainability
Bonaire has a long history of nature preservation. It always seeks to find the balance between environmental protection and growth, while maintaining nature and culture. Bonaire was one of the first Caribbean islands to collaborate with the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) to conserve our reefs. But the conservation and preservation are not limited to the marine environment. The island continues to pursue initiatives that will reduce the CO2 effects on our planet as we work towards fulfilling our promise to remain as Bonaire Ecotravel destination.
Getting There
The island is accessible from Europe, Latin America, North America and the Caribbean. You can visit Bonaire by Air or by Cruise. The Flamingo International Airport receives local as well as international carriers. Bonaire also has the pleasure of welcoming many cruise lines to the island. The port consists of a North and South Pier. Both are within walking distance of downtown Kralendijk.
Getting Around
The best way to explore Bonaire is by foot considering the small size of the island. Next to walking, it is also nice to rent a scooter, a golf cart or one of the quads. A number of shops now offer the chance to feel the breeze blow through your hair while on board one of these “open air” vehicles.
GOOD TO KNOW
Nature and Wildlife
Bonaire has always been at the forefront of nature preservation and conservation and strives to be one of the top eco-friendly destinations in the Caribbean. The island accomplishes this by taking the environment and local culture into consideration when embarking on tourism initiatives.
Good Places
These businesses are committed to responsible tourism, they are checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs: Bonaire Blue Destinations and Good Travel Seal.
Good Travel Tips
Hottest tips from GTG editors
The Salt Pyramid
One sight that should not be missed is the salt pans. It greets arriving visitors, both by sea and by air. It is a distinctive line of white salt pyramids at the southeastern end of the island. Each pyramid, roughly 50-feet high, contains approximately 10,000 metric tons of 99.6 percent pure salt. Depending on the time of the year, there can be upwards of 200,000 metric tons of salt neatly stacked in long rows awaiting shipment.
Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary
This is one of only four areas in the world where Flamingos breed. Pekelmeer means “salt lake” in Dutch. Pools appear pink against the white salt flats because an abundance of tiny rosy brine shrimp live in the water. The Sanctuary is located on the vast salt pans at the southern end of the island and home to over ten thousand flamingos. Tourists are not allowed in the sanctuary, but the birds can be watched with binoculars.
Use reef friendly sunscreen
Please use Reef Friendly Sunscreen & Body Care when you are snorkelling or doing any water activity on Bonaire. One of the biggest and most permanent contributors to this massive pollution is sunscreen. It is harming the coral reefs and causing irreparable damage. Luckily, several shops in Bonaire offer these biodegradable sunscreens.
Sustainability Recognitions & Certifications
RECOGNITION
Bonaire features in the 2019 Top 100 Sustainable Destinations.
CERTIFICATION
in 2019 Bonaire received the QualityCoast Silver Award.
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