Bonaire's What's-Up Dock

DEEP BACKGROUND With Zeezicht ("seaview"), one of Bonaire's oldest eateries, owned by his family for three generations, Johan Visser figured that the best way to help visitors enjoy that view would be to add a bar on the water. In 1986, he and his wife, Madey, built Karel's Beach Bar (named for Johan's late brother) on a dock in front of the restaurant.

TRY THIS AT HOME

Karel's Special
2 oz. Malibu Rum
1 oz. coconut crème
1 oz. pineapple juice
Splash of vodka
Combine over ice and shake.

CAST OF CHARACTERS Madey claims that if you need anything on Bonaire —plumber, electrician, snorkel guide —simply speak up: Everybody comes to Karel's. You'll belly up next to divers après dives, tourists touring town, sunset seekers and locals galore, especially once work ends and the clock strikes happy hour. 

DIVERSIONS It's rare that there's not a game of dominoes, backgammon or cards at one of the tables, and a TV can be tuned to any big games going on. Boats leave from the dock for turtle watches and rides out to Klein Bonaire directly offshore. A bit farther out on the dock, the Vissers have built a cappuccino bar to ensure guests stay caffeinated.

SUSTENANCE You'll never go hungry here. Zeezicht's full menu is available for dining at Karel's, while the bar itself specializes in good drinking foods: fish, chicken, spaghetti and tasty little tummy fillers called bettar balls — beef and potato rounds served with hot sauce. 

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Bonaire's hottest happy hour is here every day from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with free snacks, $1.50 beers and $2 drinks. Wednesday is Karaoke Night — the cocktailed crooners start at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday feature live bands (reggae, pan), while DJ Wolf spins discs every other night. Karel's (011-599-717-8434) is open from 10 a.m. until as late as 3 a.m.

Posted online 03/15/05.