Over the last several decades, Bonaire has consistently ranked as the finest snorkeling and scuba diving destination in the Caribbean. A major reason for this prominence is the island's diligent stewardship of its marine resources -- all of the waters off Bonaire's coast have been legally protected since 1979, and it shows.

But there is plenty more to do here. The unusually steady trade winds that wash over the island create ideal conditions for world-class windsurfing and kiteboarding, and the sere beauty of its semi-desert landscape is home to an outlandish assortment of wildlife. Iguanas meditatively toast themselves atop the desert rock formations of Washington Slagbaai, Bonaire's land-based natural park, while vast orange-pink clouds of flamingos drift across bone-white salt flats. Divi-divi trees bend into surreal sculptures of the wind itself, and towering cacti stand as reminders of the Caribbean's diverse ecology.

We invite you to explore all these aspects of Bonaire -- and more -- in the pages that follow. Our dive pages offer the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of Bonaire diving on the web, including site descriptions, service providers, and a Marine Park profile.

Bonaire is off the beaten path and as a result it's more challenging to get here. Our transportation pages suggest alternatives both for getting to the island and moving around via rental cars, bicycles or taxi.

The calendar of events describes not only the national holidays, but also includes special events such as concerts, farmers markets, artist venues, educational slide shows and kunuku visits. For example...did you know that there is a sustainable goat cheese farm on island?

There are many different types of accommodations on Bonaire for every budget and taste. Find a perfect place to stay by browsing through our many categories from eco-lodges to oceanfront resorts.

With a fine assortment of different dining options on island, our restaurant guide will help differentiate the choices based on cuisine or popularity.

And while English is widely spoken, nothing will get you further than a few choice phrases in Papiamentu, the language of the Dutch Caribbean. Meet some remarkable people on the culture page and explore some of the many historical milestones of Bonaire.

Welcome to Bonaire, or, as we say in Papiamentu , Bon Bini!

Location:   30 miles (48 km) from Curacao; 50 miles (80 km) north of Venezuela and 86 miles (129 km) east of Aruba, outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt.

Size:  24 miles (39 km) long by 3-7 miles wide, 112 square miles (290 km²). Highest elevation is Brandaris Hill, 784 feet (240 meters).

Climate:  Yearly average temperature is 82°F (27.8°C); water temperature of 80°F (26.7°C); rainfall of 22 inches (56 cm); humidity of 76%. Sunny, all year round.