Bonaire, Caribbean

Located some 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela is the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. It lies outside the hurricane belt and enjoys almost continuous sunshine and great weather throughout the year with constant light wind and average air temperatures of 27C. Water temperatures vary little at 24C and average visibility is 30-40m. All the waters around Bonaire form part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. The south western coast is protected by the natural bay and Klein Bonaire, it offers great diving and swimming condition with very little waves or currents. The rugged north eastern coast line, on the other hand, bears the burden of the trade winds and waves. On the northern tip of the island lies Washington National Park. Numerous indigenous plants, birds and animals thrive in this protected area which was the first Nature Sanctuary in the Netherlands Antilles. The southern tip of the island is dominated by salt flats. Here the salt company, Cargill, and the largest breeding colony of flamingos in the Caribbean region have coexisted in harmony for many years. Shore diving around the island of Bonaire is rated by many as the top shore diving destination in the world.