6/30/09 to 7/17/09

We have finally arrived in Bonaire, fulfilling a dream of Kathy’s since 1979. What now? Scuba dive, of course!

The waters surrounding Bonaire are a marine reserve and anchoring is not permitted. Running parallel to the town’s boardwalk is a sloping reef full of corals, sponges & algaes, hosting an amazing variety of fish, invertebrate & turtle species. Moorings installed by the Marine Park not only protect this fragile ecosystem, but provide visiting yachts safe holding & access to the town of Kralendijk.

Mooring field off Kralendijk’

Some of the Local ‘Residents’

During our two-week stay, we made several dives off Kralenkijk & Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island located just off the mainland. The water visibility, which usually exceeded 125 feet, combined with the warm temperatures & amazing diversity of sealife can only be described as spectacular!

Underwater Bonaire & Klein Bonaire

By our second week, we decided an island tour was in order. Together with Linda & Mike we rented a truck & set off to explore this unique island. Island Tour – Day 1: Bonaire’s Past – Driving south we passed by vast salt pans, color-coded obelisks & slave huts, which are historic reminders of Bonaire’s prosperous salt production industry during the mid-1600’s through the mid-1800’s.

Piles of salt

Orange oblelisk & slave huts

Lac Bay – This almost enclosed body of water is a windsurfer’s paradise. Located on Bonaire’s southeastern (windward) coast, steady winds and smooth, shallow waters entice locals & tourists alike, from novices to professional sailors.

Butterfly Park – On our return to Kralendijk, we stopped at this small facility that houses several species of tropical butterflies. In addition to the butterfly enclosure, the center has a self-guided interpretative center & gift store.

Island Tour – Day 2: Washington-Slagbaai National Park – The 13,500-acre natural park covers almost one-fifth of the island and offers views of Bonaire’s rugged interior, eastern coast & historical ruins. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife including wild donkeys, goats, iguanas, parrots & pink flamingoes. There are several self-guided driving tours & hiking trails, as well as several beaches with access for snorkeling & diving.

Rugged Eastern Coast

Unique Reef Formations

Wild Flamingos

You know what they say….‘Time flies when you’re having fun!’ It was already the middle of July & we were scheduled to haul Makai in Curacao on July 22nd. Okay, okay, okay…. one more dive, then we’re off!

On July 17th, we said farewell to Linda & Mike & headed west towards the small island of Klein Curacao where we would anchor for the night prior to making our way into Spanish Water, Curacao.