The Island of Bonaire - a review
Published Thursday, January 31st 2013 - Updated Saturday, March 2nd 2013
Categories
In December 2013, we had the privilege of visiting the island of Bonaire as part of our Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary. Bonaire is not one of the most frequented islands that usually make up a Southern Caribbean itinerary.
By cruising it enables people to get a sampling of the various islands that they visit, and gives them a change of scenery.
Bonaire is a member of the Dutch Antilles group of A-B-C islands. A for Aruba, B for Bonaire, and C for Curacao. It resembles its sister islands - most especially Aruba. It is located very close to the Venezuala coastline.
Bonaire resembles its sister island Aruba with the desert like and rocky terrain. Instead of palm trees, cacti are seen spread throughout the island. Palm trees need to be imported, and have a hard time surviving because of the arid climate. It is a great place to visit because you know that you are almost guaranteed sunshine and warm temperatures.
There are beaches, but many are not ideal for swimming because of rocks and coral reefs. It is a scuba divers and snorkelers paradise. Marine life love the coral reefs and the warm waters. Attracting many species to the area.
We are swimmers and elected to a beach recommended for swimmers. The beach did not have much sand, and whatever sand there was was covered with beach loungers. Shade was difficult to find. You either hid under the awning of the bar/restaurant that hosted the beach, or rented a beach umbrella. The swimming beach itself was approximately 30 minutes away from the pier and required the services of a taxi.
The water was very inviting in that it was crystal clear and pleasantly warm. The depth of the water did not exceed approximately 4 feet for yards out into the distance. The water was calm because the beach area was encircled by a large coral reef ridge which blocked the waves of the ocean in the distance. We figured that one would need to get closer to the large reef in the distance for the water to get close to 6 feet deep. Very few people ventured that far. It would be difficult for people to see you if you had problems.
Another drawback with this swimming beach was that there were smaller patches of coral close to the shoreline. These patches of coral were roped off and were off limits to swimmers. When you step on coral you kill it and it can be very sharp. A path was made for swimmers to wade to deeper waters and a safe sandy bottom for all concerned.
Those who did go snorkeling or scuba diving came back elated. They commented on the numerous fish and varieties that they saw. Pictures now firmly embedded in their memories for years to come.
A cruise is an ideal and economical way to visit the islands. These islands, because of their proximity, carry a very high price tag for both airfare and accommodations. All-inclusive resorts are few and far between. Some hotels/resorts may offer a dining plan.
We are glad to have had the opportunity to visit this sunny island in the Southern Caribbean to our vast list of Caribbean ports and islands that we have visited. We have now completed the collection of ABC islands.
It is one thing to learn about the islands in school, or online, and look at pictures, but another to experience it firsthand.
We now can say we know more about the island to assist our clients to enchance their total vacation experience. A priceless value that we offer for free.
Contact Cruise Planners - Cruise Pros Plus, to add value to a hassle-free and memorable vacation, and receive outstanding service for the price you pay. We are American Express Travel Service Representatives.
Call: 940-453-8904 or 607-358-4193
Email: lkolanko@cruiseplanners.com
By cruising it enables people to get a sampling of the various islands that they visit, and gives them a change of scenery.
Bonaire is a member of the Dutch Antilles group of A-B-C islands. A for Aruba, B for Bonaire, and C for Curacao. It resembles its sister islands - most especially Aruba. It is located very close to the Venezuala coastline.
Bonaire resembles its sister island Aruba with the desert like and rocky terrain. Instead of palm trees, cacti are seen spread throughout the island. Palm trees need to be imported, and have a hard time surviving because of the arid climate. It is a great place to visit because you know that you are almost guaranteed sunshine and warm temperatures.
There are beaches, but many are not ideal for swimming because of rocks and coral reefs. It is a scuba divers and snorkelers paradise. Marine life love the coral reefs and the warm waters. Attracting many species to the area.
We are swimmers and elected to a beach recommended for swimmers. The beach did not have much sand, and whatever sand there was was covered with beach loungers. Shade was difficult to find. You either hid under the awning of the bar/restaurant that hosted the beach, or rented a beach umbrella. The swimming beach itself was approximately 30 minutes away from the pier and required the services of a taxi.
The water was very inviting in that it was crystal clear and pleasantly warm. The depth of the water did not exceed approximately 4 feet for yards out into the distance. The water was calm because the beach area was encircled by a large coral reef ridge which blocked the waves of the ocean in the distance. We figured that one would need to get closer to the large reef in the distance for the water to get close to 6 feet deep. Very few people ventured that far. It would be difficult for people to see you if you had problems.
Another drawback with this swimming beach was that there were smaller patches of coral close to the shoreline. These patches of coral were roped off and were off limits to swimmers. When you step on coral you kill it and it can be very sharp. A path was made for swimmers to wade to deeper waters and a safe sandy bottom for all concerned.
Those who did go snorkeling or scuba diving came back elated. They commented on the numerous fish and varieties that they saw. Pictures now firmly embedded in their memories for years to come.
A cruise is an ideal and economical way to visit the islands. These islands, because of their proximity, carry a very high price tag for both airfare and accommodations. All-inclusive resorts are few and far between. Some hotels/resorts may offer a dining plan.
We are glad to have had the opportunity to visit this sunny island in the Southern Caribbean to our vast list of Caribbean ports and islands that we have visited. We have now completed the collection of ABC islands.
It is one thing to learn about the islands in school, or online, and look at pictures, but another to experience it firsthand.
We now can say we know more about the island to assist our clients to enchance their total vacation experience. A priceless value that we offer for free.
Contact Cruise Planners - Cruise Pros Plus, to add value to a hassle-free and memorable vacation, and receive outstanding service for the price you pay. We are American Express Travel Service Representatives.
Call: 940-453-8904 or 607-358-4193
Email: lkolanko@cruiseplanners.com
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