
Bonaire lies outside the hurricane belt, and is served by Flamingo
International Airport.
Bonaire
is world renowned for its excellent scuba diving and is consistently
rated among the top shore diving and Caribbean diving locations in the
world. Bonaire's license plates carry the logo Diver's Paradise (in
English). The island is ringed by a coral
reef which is easily accessible from the shore along the Western
and Southern sides. Furthermore, the entire coastline of the island
has been declared a marine sanctuary, preserving local fish life. Bonaire
is also consistently recognised as one of the best destinations for
snorkeling.
The coral reef around uninhabited Klein
Bonaire is particularly well conserved, and it draws divers,
snorkelers, and boaters.
Bonaire also has several coral reefs where seahorses are common.
Bonaire is also famed for its flamingo
populations and its donkey
sanctuary. Flamingos are drawn to the brackish water, which harbours
shrimp they feed on. Starting in the 1500s, the Dutch raised sheep,
goats, pigs, horses and donkeys on Bonaire, and the descendants of the
goats and donkeys roam the island today.
Washington
Slagbaai National Park, located at the north side of the island,
is an ecological preserve. The highest point of Bonaire, Brandaris,
located within this preserve has a complete view of the island.
Lac
Bay, (also known as Lac Cai or Lac Cay) on the eastern side of the
island, is a windsurfer's paradise. Locals Taty and Tonky Frans in 2004
were ranked in the top five of the world's freestyle windsurfing professionals.
Finally, Atlantis Beach, on the western part of the island, is the local
kitesurfing
spot.
Bonaire
nature
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