June, 2010, Issue 6-2010

Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) is pleased to announce that Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2010 is taking place now through September 30, 2010. This program, in its fourth year, focuses upon SCUBA diving through a series of specialty topics including family, photography, and marine conservation and features an array of activities for divers, adventurers, and sun seekers. The program for Bonaire Dive Into Summer offers visitors the flexibility to enjoy their planned vacation on-island, and, as an added bonus, the option to take part in special dives and clean-ups, eco-oriented activities and festivals, all of which practically guarantees a fun and educational experience in Bonaire.

Bonaire Dive Into Summer will also feature specially priced activities for various happenings, specialty topics, and one-of-a-kind events. Here’s a look at some of the showcase activities taking place during Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2010:

Beginning in June, and running through August 1st, Buddy Dive Resort will be offering the Buddy Dive Photo Contest with the opportunity to win coveted prizes.  Anyone can submit their favorite Bonaire image with a simple upload.  For more information, visit www.buddydive.com/index.php/photo-contest.

Several international festival days will be celebrated in Bonaire in June, including World Environmental Day on June 5th, when STINAPA will organize a Washington Slagbaai National Park Mountain Bike Day, featuring the opening of a new cycling trail.  World Ocean Day is June 8th, and it's the first year's celebration since being officially recognized by the United Nations.  Activities on this date will emphasize the economic importance of Bonaire's waters with an island-wide awareness program.

June 6th there will be an Open House at Bonaire's Washington Slagbaai National Park.  Activities will begin at 8:30 AM and include guided activities such as walking and climbing trails, a climb to Brandaris, Bonaire's highest point, and cycling events.  Additionally, a local market will take place at the entrance to the park, which will be open from 8:00 AM  to serve breakfast.  Booths and stands will be on site with local foods, BBQ, snacks, and sweets, as well as local products and artwork.  There will be live music and the park's museum will be open from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.  Entrance and participation are free.

July 4th will bring Dia di Arte (Art Day), filled with art, music, and cultural happenings.  It's a day when visitors can mingle with the islanders and dance to the local beat, sample authentic cuisine, and rub elbows with the entire Bonaire community.  This year's event will be the 18th annual event, taking place in Wilhelmina Park from 11:00 AM until 11:00 PM.

On July 10th, Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech will host an underwater clean up of an area of Bonaire's yacht anchorage.  Everyone is welcome to join in, including divers, snorkelers, or those who wish to help with land support.  After the cleanup, a BBQ is planned for all participants.  Those interested in participating may gather at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine at 1:00 PM.  For more information, visit www.dive-friends-bonaire.com/clean_up_dives.html.

From July 28th through August 1st, the Sixth Annual Starboard Pro Kids Freestyle World Championship will be held, when young, internationally recognized windsurfers from around the world gather to compete at Bonaire's windy Lac Bay.  For more information, visit www.prokidsfreestyle.com. 

Bonaire will once again host the Wounded Warriors during the week of August 7th through 14th, 2010.  During this week, severely wounded troops and their significant others will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their dive certification, hosted by Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire. Each year the island opens their arms to welcome this group and shows them not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of Bonaire, but also the warmth and friendliness of the Bonairean people and their genuine hospitality. 

From August 22nd through 28th, Bonaire will be commemorating Celebrate Our Planet Week.  During the week, there will be themed dives, book signings, and oceanographic presentations by a noted personality, providing informative events at which anyone can increase their knowledge of how Bonaire's ecosystem fits into the global environmental picture.  Also, during this special week, the 2010 recipient of Bonaire's Lifetime Achievement Award will be honored, and the winner of the island's on-line contest will enjoy their free trip for two, with accommodations provided by Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire and airlift provided by Continental Airlines, the official sponsor of Bonaire Dive Into Summer.  For more information on the contest’s rules and regulations, or to make a contest entry, view www.tourismbonaire.com/celebratecontest.

On September 18th, Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech will host a second underwater clean up, in conjunction with World Cleanup Day, of the area surrounding Karel's Beach Bar's pier.  All are welcome to join in, including divers, snorkelers, or those who wish to help with land support.  The traditional BBQ will follow, with a plethora of raffle prizes, celebrating twelve consecutive years of underwater cleanups on Bonaire.  Those interested in participating may gather at Dive Friends @ Dive Inn at 1:00 PM.  For more information, visit www.dive-friends-bonaire.com/clean_up_dives.html.

On September 25th, lend a helping hand and join the beach cleanup of Klein Bonaire, an important turtle nesting ground.  Keeping the beaches at Klein Bonaire free from litter and trash help the little turtle hatchlings make it safely to the ocean.  This cleanup is organized by Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire and Ocean Conservancy.  For more information, visit www.bonaireturtles.org.

Additionally, throughout the four-month event, there will be local markets held, food events, and other Bonairean cultural happenings.  For more information, view the Bonaire Dive Into Summer Calendar of Events at www.tourismbonaire.com/index.php?id=285. 

There is no registration fee to participate in Bonaire Dive Into Summer, although select activities may have a nominal cost involved, and all activities are open to anyone on island wishing to take part.

We look forward to seeing you in Bonaire this summer!