|
Diving
in Bonaire is like diving in the Caribbean- the way it used
to be. Bonaire's pristine reefs and  diverse marine life
make it a truly unique dive destination in the Caribbean.
Bonaire has some of the absolute best shore diving to be
found anywhere. Dive from the boats on a schedule. Dive
from the shore on your schedule. Since 1979 all of the waters
around Bonaire have been designated as a marine sanctuary.
As a result there has been no spearfishing, collecting or
anchoring on the reefs of Bonaire allowing Bonaire to remain
the pristine special place that it is.
Bonaire
Resorts & Packages
| |
Bonaire
Travel Information and Tips
|
|
Getting
There:
Airlines which fly to Bonaire include American Airlines,
Dutch Caribbean and Air Jamaica. Dutch Caribbean has
regularly scheduled service from Miami and Air Jamaica
has connecting service from 7 US departure cities.
American Airlines flies through their hub in San Juan.
Flying time from Miami is 2 ½ to 4 hours, depending
on connecting time.
Getting
Around:
While taxi are available in Bonaire, a rental car
or truck is advised to take advantage of numerous
shore diving sites on the island.
Language
and Culture:
Dutch is the official language of Bonaire, but papiamento
is the local language. English and Spanish are widely
spoken.
Airport
and Taxes:
The Flamingo International Airport in Bonaire is just
a short drive from Kralendjk, the capital. Departure
taxes are approximately $23.00 USD, but are always
subject to change.
Entry
Requirements:
US and Canadian citizens need a return ticket and
a passport. Please call for details.
Climate:
Average temperature is 80 to 82 degrees. Annual rainfall
is about 20”. Bonaire is a dry, windy island. Cactus
and parrots are a common site. Water temperature is
around 80 degrees.
Currency/Credit
Cards:
The Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin is fixed
to the US dollar at U.S. $1.00 = $1.77. U.S. dollars
are widely accepted as are credit cards and travelers
checks.
Time:
Bonaire is on Atlantic Standard time which is one
hour ahead of Eastern Standard time.
Electricity:
110 volts and 220 A.C.
TIPS
Bonaire offers relaxed, easy shore diving from your
resort or any of the numerous shore diving locations
readily marked by the side of the road. We suggest
getting a rental car for at least a few days of your
trip if not the entire time to get out of the resort
and experience the variety of dive sites Bonaire has
to offer. In addition, the Washington National Park
is a great day trip when you feel the need to dry
off.
Bonaire is not known for it’s night life. However,
there are several excellent restaurants downtown and
there are two casinos on the island for those who
wish to try their luck at cards!
Bonaire
National Marine Park Fee
In order to continue its important work and institute
new programs that will preserve Bonaire’s environment
above and below the water, STINAPA Bonaire, the non-governmental,
not-for-profit organization that oversees the Bonaire
National Marine Park (BNMP) and Washington-Slagbaai
National Park has proposed a restructuring of the
BNMP Fee, collected annually from divers.
Beginning April 1, 2005 a new Nature Fee will be introduced
giving people year-long access to both National Parks.
As of this day all scuba divers entering the BNMP
will pay a fee of $25.00 per year. The current fee
is $10.00 per year for divers only. Divers will continue
to receive the coveted BNMP Tag. All others who use
the waters of the BNMP including snorkelers, windsurfers,
kayakers, sport fishermen, kite boarders, etc., will
be charged a Nature Fee of $10.00 per year and will
also receive a specially designed tag similar to the
current BNMP Tag.
With the new Nature Fee, in addition to being allowed
to enjoy the Marine Park for a period of one year,
all persons who pay the Fee (both divers and other
users) and show their tag along with their printed
receipt will receive complimentary admission to Washington-Slagbaai
National Park throughout the year their tag is valid.
Funds collected from the Nature Fee will continue
to be for research, monitoring, education, law enforcement,
information distribution and maintenance of the areas
STINAPA Bonaire oversees.
For more information visit http://www.stinapa.org |
|
