About Bonaire

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

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 ±14,000 residents is Dutch. The island's language, Papiamentu, with both English and Spanish, are widely spoken.

CLIMATE: The year-round average air and water temperature is 82 degrees, and rainfall averages 22 inches. Bonaire is located outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt, allowing for good weather year-round.

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, Washington-Slagbaai National Park, in 1969. Just ten years later, in 1979, the Bonaire Marine Park was established and in 2000 became Bonaire's second National Park.

ACCESS: Bonaire is served by a number of airlines: American Airlines/American Eagle offers service several times a week from many U.S. cities via San Juan, Puerto Rico. Continental Airlines offers non-stop flights from Houston and Newark, and Delta Airlines offers a non-stop flight from Atlanta, and plans a new non-stop flight from New York's JFK Airport beginning December 20, 2008. Dutch Antilles Express offers daily flights from Aruba and Curaçao; Divi Divi , Insel Air, and Easy Air offer flights between Curaçao and Bonaire.

SCENIC ATTRACTIONS: North -- Gotomeer is a favored flamingo spot located in a beautiful inland spot. 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, while Lac Cai offers the opportunity to explore mangroves on guided kayak excursions.

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.

All of the waters surrounding Bonaire and the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire (Little Bonaire) have been designated as a Marine Park since 1979. Spearfishing, collecting coral and reef anchoring are strictly prohibited. In 2000 the Marine Park was recognized as a National Park.

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 diversity of activities make it a perfect destination for families. In addition to environmental learning programs, guided group tours and sporting activities many of the island's hotels and dive shops offer special programs for children.

BRIEF HISTORY: Bonaire was discovered in 1499 by Amerigo Vespucci, but had been inhabited for centuries prior by Arawak Indians. Spain attempted to colonize the island between 1527 and 1633, but in 1634 the Dutch claimed Bonaire and established a military stronghold on the island.

The British occupied Bonaire briefly during the early 1800's, and the island suffered from the raids of French and British pirates. However, the Dutch regained control in 1816 and established a government plantation system based on commercial crops.

By the 1950's international tourism began to spur Bonaire's economy. It was at this time that the saltpans were modified to use solar energy and they became the most successful in the world.

Determined to protect their natural resources, Bonaire was the first of the Antilles to enact strict environmental legislation on land and sea, reserve a National Park, and safeguard flamingos in a wildlife sanctuary.

GOVERNMENT: The island is part of The Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous region of the Netherlands. The Lt. Governor is appointed by the Queen of The Netherlands, and the locally elected legislature has several island commissioners.

ECONOMY: The Bonaire economy is based primarily on tourism, salt harvesting, oil trans-shipment, and construction.

CURRENCY: The official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Florin or Guilder. U.S. $1.00 = NAfl. 1.78. U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

VISITOR REQUIREMENTS: Currently U.S. and Canadian citizens must prove citizenship either with a valid passport and return ticket.

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

ELECTRIC CURRENT: 127/220 volts, 50 cycles. Adapters are necessary in some cases.

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.