Bonaire Island, Caribbean
Bonaire is an island in the Netherlands Antilles,
and as such, is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Together
with Aruba and Curaçao it
forms a group referred to as the "ABC Islands".
Bonaire means "Good Air". While English,
Papiamento and Spanish are commonly spoken, the official language
is Dutch.
Location: 50 miles North of Venezuela,
Size: 111 square miles
Population: 10,185
Language: English
Climate: Yearly average temperature is 82°F (27.8°C)
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Tourism info: Call +(212) 956-5912 or 1-800-BONAIRE
Attractions
One of the Caribbean's first established parks is Bonaire's
Washington-Slagbaai National Park. Located on the island's
northern tip, Bonaire's animals, geology, and vegetation are shown
off here. The scenery is magnificent, including quiet beaches, isolated
caverns, desert-like hills, and wave-splashed cliffs. The park is
open every day from 8am to 5pm.
Kaminda Onima, which borders the island's northeastern
coast, is where you will encounter Onima. Onima is a site that houses
Caiquetio Indian inscriptions, which are over 500 years old. There
are roughly 75 inscriptions, including red and brown drawings of
turtles, rain, snakes, suns, and human hands.
An unique experience can be found at the Sherman Gibbs
Monument. Mr. Gibbs, surrounded at all times by his seven
iguanas, has created a marvel out of everyday items. He and his
domicile can be seen along the Kaminda Tras di Montana road, which
leads back to Kralendijk from Washington-Slagbaai National Park.
Old fan blades and the wind power his television, and he is considered
an island treasure by all.
See a birds eye view of the region with
our Google Caribbean
Map.
Getting
around
The Bonaire Airport is Flamingo International
Airport (BON)
Walking or hiking is often preferable to the use of motorized vehicles.
Taxis can be taken to and from anywhere on the island. Be certain
to negotiate a price before departing, as the fee is not fixed, and
you can really get swindled if you are not careful.
There are about 15 rental car agencies on the island. Depending on
the availability and the season, rates range from $40 to $65 per day.
Mopeds can be rented for around $18 a day, and two seated scooters
average about $32. The glorious coast can be explored by bicycle,
and a 21- speed mountain bike can be rented for $15 to $20.
If you plan to rent a car in Bonaire, be
aware you will be driving on the left. The only islands in the Caribbean
where you drive on the right are Aruba, Cuba, Dominican Republic,
Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, and the Netherlands Antilles.
You can use your home driver’s license but you'll need to purchase
a temporary Bonaire driver's license for $20. Remember, when you take
to the road, British rules apply, so keep to the left. Pedestrians
should remember to look right before crossing streets.
Check Dates & Prices for Caribbean
Cruises.
United State diplomatic representation
Embassy of Netherlands
4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202)
244-5300
Fax: (202) 362-3430
www.netherlands-embassy.org
Consulate-General of
Netherlands
701 Brickell Ave, 5th floor, Miami, FL 33131
Phone: (786)
866-0480
Fax: (786) 866-0497
Bonaire Island reviews
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Web links
Bonaire
- Wikipedia
Visit Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
CIA
Factbook -- Netherlands Antilles
The CIA factbook says once the center of the Caribbean slave trade,
the island of Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in
1863.
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