Bonaire: Harmony is its Nature

1,000 Steps, Bonaire, Netherland Antilles

There is a quiet understated harmony about the southern Caribbean island of Bonaire.

Step off the prop plane from Curaçao and onto the runway of Bonaire’s Flamingo Airport, and the timeless feeling of this scarcely inhabited island is certain to capture the imagination of explorers at heart.


A soothing sense of tranquility can be felt in the warm breeze of the trade winds and in the pleasant welcome of the local Papiamientu greeting, “bon bini.” 


Come for the diving, windsurfing and birdwatching and you won’t be disappointed.


Bonaire is one of the gems of the Netherland Antilles, a string of islands situated off the north coast of Venezuela. Indications of the islands’ natural treasures can be found in the engravings of plants, birds and seashells that adorn the local currency, the Florin.

In the town of Kralendijk, the cultural infusion is seamless: the signature spring colors of Caribbean houses, garden-style Spanish patios and European roadways combine with the breezy, arid landscape to produce a warm, charming town.

The Bonaire Marine Park is comprised of a shallow reef just offshore that follows an underwater plateau until it reaches a drop-off.

The park’s management is widely recognized in the diving community for its pioneering efforts to preserve the reef over the last twenty-five years. These early efforts have resulted in a remarkable diversity of tropical fish making for excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.

Bright blue and yellow juvenile queen angelfishes rival the beauty of the more commonly seen parrotfish, which is named for its green, pink and yellow scales. Blue-green striped wrasses, silver and black jacks and navy and turquoise-speckled damselfish are easy to spot.

And, if the sea gods permit, an obscure seahorse may reveal itself among the branches of a gorgonion.

Colorful hard and soft corals including sponges and sea fans grace the ocean floor providing adequate resting grounds for many brightly colored juvenile fish. Expired coral has washed ashore creating beautiful sun-bleached coral beaches. But some words of caution: the coral can have rock-hard edges so wear protective footwear as you walk along the shoreline.

Sea turtle sightings are not entirely uncommon and the Sea Turtle Club of Bonaire requests visitors to send them details of their sighting by completing a form available at most dive shops.

Overall, there are sixty dive sites to choose from, many of which can be accessed easily from the beach.

Klein Bonaire is an uninhabited island off Bonaire’s lee shore and it offers another 24 sites that are accessible by boat. Warm water and excellent visibility make it easy to linger in the sea for hours at a time.

Warbler, Bonaire

As beautiful as the fish of the Caribbean Sea, are the birds that decorate the islands' skies. Bird watchers won’t have to watch long before catching a glimpse of the magnificent frigatebird whose striking long wingspan is reminiscent of the birds of yesteryear.

Yellow-breasted bananaquits are pretty little songbirds that sing whether it’s day or night. Keen and casual observers alike will spy yellow warblers, green and yellow Caribbean parakeets and stunning black, orange and white troupials.


The island’s sanctuary for pink flamingos is closed to the public but the elegant birds can be seen at various watering holes near the shallow turquoise waters of Lac Bay.

The trade winds that sweep the island create a world-class windsurfing spot in Lac Bay. Situated on the windward side of the island, the Bay is warm, shallow and windy.

Jibe City will cater to all your rental needs and offers a number of packages to suit various sailing levels. Work up an appetite and enjoy one of their delicious gourmet sandwiches and a cold beer in the shade of their patio bar. Their friendly service and unbeatable playground is a must for avid windsurfers and beginners alike.

If a warm and beautiful environment is your ticket to balance and harmony, Bonaire will be the place for you.