There are few beaches along Bonaire's coastline, although shore diving and snorkeling is very popular. A jagged limestone shelf winds its way along the lee shoreline with dive and snorkel sites marked by large yellow painted rocks along the road. The many resorts, hotels, and motels cater to water sports enthusiasts, offering dive packages and boat diving on lush reefs and wrecks. Scuba instruction and advanced courses are offered at the nearly two dozen dive operations on the island. This is a great place for the family to try diving, snorkeling, or windsurfing in the sunny climate and the clear, teeming, 80-degree turquoise water.
Divers will like the short boat rides to Klein Bonaire to dive dozens of sites like Carl's Hill Annex, Munk's Haven, and Forest with coral, sponges, and gorgonians so thick you don't know where to look next. Sites accessible from shore or boats include the Hilma Hooker, a 235-foot freighter with orange cup corals covering her giant propeller nearly 100 feet down. Dive Salt Pier, the Invisibles, and Red Slave. Keep you eyes peeled for the camouflaged frogfish and seahorses. Abundant fish life rewards you on every dive with new and fascinating species to look up back at the dive shop.
Salt production made Bonaire a desirable colony, changing ownership several times before permanently becoming one of the Netherland Antilles in 1816. The Dutch salt ponds, slave huts, and colonial history can be seen while driving around the island's south shore and in the capital city of Kralendijk. Rent a car to explore the topside attractions starting with a trip through Washington-Slagbaai National Park. This hilly 13,000-acre flora and fauna preserve is home to dozens of bird species, including a large flamingo colony, iguanas of all sizes, magnificent lignum vitae trees and 20-foot high cacti. Visit Gotomeer at sunset to watch the daily take-off of flamingoes to Venezuela.
Trade winds sweep across Bonaire year around making Lac Bay the ultimate boardsailing location. Adjacent Sorobon Beach Resort features a clothing optional beach for true nature lovers. Continue around the island (watch out for wild goats) to the white hills of salt sparkling like diamonds in the sun. The Antilles International Salt Co. operates these historic brown and pinkish salt pans. Across the road are the tiny stone huts built around 1850 to shelter the slaves and three 30-foot obelisks built in 1838 to guide the salt ships to their moorings.
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