Location: 30 miles (48 km) from Curacao; 50 miles (80 km) north of Venezuela and 86 miles (129 km) east of Aruba, outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt.
Size: 24 miles (39 km) long by 3-7 miles wide, 112 square miles (290 km2). Highest elevation is Brandaris Hill, 784 feet (240 meters). (Klein Bonaire 2.3 sq. mile (6 km²)).
Climate: Yearly average temperature is 82°F (27.8°C); water temperature of 80°F (26.7°C); rainfall of 22 inches (56 cm); humidity of 76%. Sunny, all year round.
Bonaire is an island ringed by a coral reef. Lac Bay, (also known as Lac Cai or Lac Cay) on the eastern side of the island, is a windsurfer's paradise because of its larger waves and wind gusts. It is also considered an excellent place for intermediate sailors to improve their skills because it is relatively shallow. Atlantis Beach, on the western part of the island, is the local kitesurfing spot.
Bonaire's economy is primarily based on tourism. The island caters mainly to scuba divers and snorkelers, as there are few sandy beaches, while the surrounding reefs are easily accessible for shore diving along the western and southern sides of the island. Bonaire is world renowned for its excellent scuba diving and snorkeling, and is consistently rated among the best diving locations in the Caribbean. A major reason for this prominence is the island's diligent stewardship of its marine resources -- all of the waters off Bonaire's coast have been legally protected since 1979, preserving local fish life. The coral reef around uninhabited Klein Bonaire is particularly well preserved, and it draws divers, snorkelers, and boaters alike. In addition, Bonaire also has several coral reefs where seahorses can be found.
But there is plenty more to do in Bonaire than just diving. The beauty of its semi-desert landscape is home to an broad assortment of wildlife. Iguanas meditatively toast themselves atop the desert rock formations of Washington Slagbaai National Park, located at the north side of the island. Within this park you will find the highest point of Bonaire, Brandaris Hill, providing you with a complete view of the island. Vast flocks of flamingos are drawn to the brackish waters surrounding the salt flats which harbours the shrimp they feed on.
And the descendants of the goats and donkeys left on the island in the early Dutch days still roam the island freely along with a small population of pigs as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment