The NETHERLANDS

Many events throughout the Caribbean have been either postponed or cancelled due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. As countries have begun to adjust to the new normal, events have restarted on a smaller scale and in keeping with health and safety protocols.

While visiting Bonaire you can partake in several sports inclusive of a wide variety of watersports, golf, rappelling and rock climbing just to name a few.

The people of Bonaire hail from many ethnic and racial influences inclusive of persons from African, Indian, Asian and European descent. They observe many traditions and holidays from the various countries.

This is especially seen in theor music which a blend of tribal beats utilising a mix of modern instruments and their traditional farming tools.

Stoba kabritu, a goat stew

“Coral Reefs

Geologically, Bonaire is a unique island. Rather than being the remnants of a volcanic explosion, or the tops of underwater mountains, the entire island is made up of coral reefs. Surrounding the island are even more coral reefs.

Bonaire has a narrow fringing reef, starting practically at the shoreline, that extends to a maximum of 200 feet (60m) depth. in fact, the entire coastline of Bonaire has been declared a marine sanctuary as part of the Bonaire National Marine Park .

Washington Slagbaai National Park

The Washington Slagbaai National Park is located in the northern end of Bonaire. It comprises of two former land plantations, Washington & Slagbaai, which once supplied salt, charcoal, aloe extract, divi-divi pods, and goats for export to Curaçao and Europe.

The Washington National Park was initially founded in 1969 as the first Nature Sanctuary of the Netherlands Antilles. Ten years later, the Slagbaai land plantation was negotiated and added thereby creating the Washington Slagbaai National Park”

The shores of Bonaire are graced with sandy and rocky beaches alike, including Atlantis Beach, Flamingo Beach, Pink Beach and Boka Kokolishi. However, none is quite so as unique as 1000 Step Beach.

With white sands and bleached bits of coral, the semi-hidden beach is any beach-goers dream. There are 67 historic steps (not 1000!), that lead down to the sand and water. Once at the ground level, you can enjoy the pristine snorkeling conditions, admire the surrounding limestone cliffs, and delight in the wildlife.

For those who love the national bird of Bonaire, the stunning pink flamingo, head to the south of Bonaire to The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary.

Here, you can see flamingos in one of only four breeding grounds in the world. As you observe the stunning pink birds, you will also be able to see the famed Salt Pyramids in the distance, courtesy of Bonaire’s salt industry.