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National Flag
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Airport
Flamingo Airport (BON) | Annual Rainfall
22 inches | Area
112 sq miles
| Area Code
599 | Banks
Monday - Friday, 8 am to 3.30 pm
| Capital City
Kralendijk
| Co-ordinates
12 10' N, 68 17' W | Currency
Netherland Antilles Florin | Departure Tax
International - US $20/regional - US $7, payable in cash
| Dimensions
24 miles x 5 miles
| Dress
Swim wear on the beach, summer wear during the day, more elegant at night. Nudity is illegal
| Driving
Driving on the right, international driving licenses accepted
| Electricity
127 volts, 50 cycle (most hotels rent transformers)
| Exchange Rate
Af 1.77 - US$1.00
| Highest Point
Brandaris Hill (780 feet)
| Language
Dutch. Papiamento, English and Spanish are widely spoken
| Medical
Dial 114 for ambulance. Hospital, hyperbaric chamber, ambulance plane
| Population
14 006 | Public Transport
None
| Shopping
Monday - Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12pm, 2-6pm
| Taxis
Taxis are not metered, check rates in advance
| Telecommunications
Phone cards, internet access, cellular
| Temperature
82F (30C) | Time
Atlantic Standard | Tipping
10-15%, usually included
| Water
Tap water safe for drinking - desalination
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History
Bonaire's first inhabitants were the Caquetios Indians, of the Arawak, who sailed over from Venezuela around 1000 AD. Traces of Caquetio culture can be seen at archaeological sites at Lac Bay, Spelonk, Onima, Ceru Pungi and Ceru Crita-Cabai. The Spanish initially referred to the Leeward Islands as 'las Islas de los Gigantes' (the islands of the giants) giving rise to the belief that The Caquetios were very tall. Bonaire was claimed for Spain in 1499. The Spanish settlers enslaved the natives and transported them to Hispaniola. By 1526, the island was depopulated, and it was turned into a cattle plantation. In 1633, the Dutch captured Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba, and Bonaire became a plantation of the Dutch West India Company. African slaves were put to work alongside Amerindian slaves and convicts in the cultivation of dyewood and maize, and the harvesting of salt. Slave quarters still stand near Rincon. The British took control of the island briefly from 1800-1803 and again from 1807-1815.
Geography
Bonaire is the easternmost of the ABC islands, and is located 50 miles north of Venezuela, 30 miles east of Curacao and 86 miles east of Aruba. The uninhabited island called Klein Bonaire (Little Bonaire) lies just off the western shore. Bonaire is known the world over for its excellent scuba diving, and is consistently rated among the best in the world for both diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by a coral reef which is easily accessible from the shore, and the entire coastline of Bonaire has been declared a marine sanctuary. The coral reef around the uninhabited Klein Bonaire attracts divers and snorkelers from all over the world. Bonaire is also famous for its flamingos and its donkey sanctuary. In the 1500s, the Dutch raised sheep, goats, pigs, horses and donkeys, and the descendants of the goats and donkeys still roam the island today. Washington Slagbaai National Park is an ecological preserve.
Economy
Bonaire is part of the Dutch kingdom, and has a well educated work force. Over 400 000 tons of salt are exported annually, mainly for industrial use. Bonaire is home to several teaching institutions, and has facilities for medical conferences. Tourism is also an important part of the island's economy. Navigating around Bonaire is easy and roads are well sign posted. A 4 wheel drive rental vehicle is recommended.
Religion
At present, all churches on Bonaire are Christian, but there is an Islamic mosque under construction. Churches welcome visitors to attend services, but appropriate attire is required.
Language
The official language of Bonaire is Dutch, but Papiamentu is widely spoken by locals. This language is unique to the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. It is a mixture of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, French, English, Amerindian and various African languages. Dictionaries and language training materials for Papiamentu are available on the island. All Antillean children are required to be fluent in Dutch, and English is widely spoken.
Sport
Most people who visit Bonaire do so to take advantage of the pristine marine conditions. The Bonaire Marine Park, which includes the entire coastline down to a depth of 200 feet, boasts numerous dive sites and more than 70 sites with boat moorings. The ideal diving conditions come complete with 100-foot-plus visibility. Shore diving is very popular, and there are countless entry points around the island. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are also very popular due to the ideal sea conditions and strong winds. Lac Bay is a windsurfers mecca; local windsurfers are regularly ranked in the top five in the world. Atlantis Beach is the kitesurfing mecca.
Entry Requirements
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport and return ticket are required. Air service to Bonaire is frequent and usually via either San Juan, Jamaica, Aruba or Curacao. Non stop service is available from Amsterdam, Ecuador and Peru. |
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