Enlarge Photo

Photo by: Mathis Weatherall

LOCATION
The most eastern of the Leeward Islands, Bonaire is located 50 miles north of Venezuela and 38 miles east of Curacao.

SIZE
Twenty-four miles long and 3 - 7 miles wide, the total land area is 112 square miles.

POPULATION/LANGUAGE
The official language for Bonaire's ±15,000 residents is Dutch.  The local island language is Papiamento.  English and Spanish are widely spoken.

CLIMATE
The year-round average air and water temperature is 82 degrees, and rainfall averages 22 inches. 

ENVIRONMENT
Bonaire has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to preserving and protecting the environment both above and below the water and was the first Netherlands Antilles Island to establish a national park, and is the recipient of the prestigious Islands Magazine/Caribbean Tourism Organization 2008 Sustainable Tourism Award.  Bonaire continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism as reported by National Geographic Traveler (March 2004) and Islands (December 2007), and as one of the top diving destinations in the Atlantic/Caribbean for eight consecutive years in the Scuba Diving magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards (2003-2010).  Additionally, the readers of About.com voted Bonaire as their favorite dive destination in the world in July 2008, and Bonaire was also designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as having the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean (January 2008).

In 2009, the island celebrated Bonaire’s Commitment to Conservation, commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Washington Slagbaai National Park and the 30th Anniversary of the Bonaire National Marine Park. There was a variety of festivities and events throughout the year, celebrating these combined years of nature protection for the island.

ACCESS
Continental Airlines operates two weekly round-trip non-stop flights between to Bonaire from Houston, TX and Newark, NJ.  The Houston flight departs on Friday nights, arriving into Bonaire on Saturday mornings.  The return flight departs on Saturday mornings arriving into Houston later the same day.  The Newark flight departs Saturday nights, arriving into Bonaire on Sunday mornings.  The return flight departs on Sunday morning arriving into Newark later the same day. Delta Air Lines operates two weekly non-stop flights to/from Bonaire via Atlanta on Saturdays. Insel Air operates one weekly non-stop flight to/from Bonaire via Miami on Saturdays. Other flights from North America generally arrive in Aruba or Curacao.  Flights between Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao are available on Dutch Antilles Express (DAE), EZ Air and Insel Air.  Divi Divi Air flies between Bonaire and Curacao. Tiara Air flies between Aruba and Bonaire.

SCENIC ATTRACTIONS
North-Gotomeer is a favored flamingo spot located in a beautiful inland area.  Rincon is the island's oldest village and just beyond its borders are 500-year-old Arawak Indian inscriptions.  The entire northern portion of the island is the 13,500-acre Washington-Slagbaai National Park.

South-The enormous salt flats are the island's largest flamingo nesting ground.  Primitive huts, which were once homes to slaves and the nearby 30-foot obelisks were built in 1838 to help mariners locate their anchorages. Further down the coast is the island's oldest lighthouse, Willemstoren, built in 1837.  The landlocked Lac Bay offers excellent windsurfing.

NATIONAL PARKS
Washington-Slagbaai National Park covers the northwest corner of the Island, an area of 13,500 acres.  An exploring and bird watching haven, the park is home to 189 species of birds and endless cliffs, valleys, beaches and cacti-lined pathways. The Park was established in 1969

All of the waters surrounding Bonaire and the uninhabited Klein Bonaire -a.k.a. "Little Bonaire" - from the high water mark to a depth of 200 feet have been designated as a Marine Park since 1979.   Spearfishing, collecting coral and reef anchoring are strictly prohibited.

DIVING/SNORKELING
A result of submarine volcanic eruptions that occurred millions of years ago, Bonaire is the peak of a submerged mountain, with deep sloping reefs close to the shore.  In addition to being extremely accessible from shore, the reef is considered one of the best in the world.  Underwater visibility is over 100 feet year-round and most of Bonaire’s 86 marked dive sites can either be accessed from shore or are no more than a 15 minute boat ride. 

ECO-ADVENTURE
Long recognized for its unique climate, topography and protected environments, Bonaire has ideal conditions for mountain biking, hiking, diving, snorkeling, bird watching, kayaking, deep sea fishing, windsurfing, horseback riding, touring, walking and more.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Bonaire's relaxed atmosphere and diversified activities for all skill levels make for a perfect destination for families.  In addition to environmental learning programs, guided group tours and sporting activities, in August, some of Bonaire's resorts, restaurants and tour operators offer special packages and amenities for family travel.

CURRENCY
Currently, the official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder (US$1.00 = NAfl$1.77) until January 2011 when the US$ 1.00 will become the official currency of Bonaire.

VISITOR REQUIREMENTS
U.S. and Canadian citizens must prove citizenship with a valid passport. 

TIME ZONE
Atlantic Standard Time, which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Savings Time.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Taxis and small buses.

CAR RENTALS
Cars, jeeps and vans are available from a number of agencies.  Valid U.S. driver's licenses are accepted.  Driving is on the right and no traffic lights make driving around the island easy and unhurried.

TOURIST OFFICE
Tourism Corporation Bonaire

80 Broad Street, Suite 3202

New York, NY  10004

Tel: 1-800-BONAIRE or 212-956-5912

http://www.tourismbonaire.com