The license plates on Bonaire may read "Diver's Paradise," but it would be a mistake to think that great diving and snorkeling are the only activities for which this island is famous. People who visit solely for the Marine Park may be surprised to find themselves caught up in Bonaire's world-renowned windsurfing, or entranced by the island's complex and unusual ecology. For a closer look at some of the adventures and activities you can find on Bonaire, follow the links.

Eco-touring | Diving/Snorkeling | Mountain Biking | Windsurfing | Kiteboarding | Sea Kayaking | Birdwatching | Fishing | Sailing | Horseback Riding

Eco-touring

Drive or hike through the varied terrain of the island's 13,500 acre Washington Slagbaai National Park, a wildlife sanctuary where birds, lizards, goats and iguanas are found in their natural habitat.

Diving/Snorkeling

Due to the accessibility of the reefs, a visitor can wade right from the shore to the reef to snorkel, or dive at any of the Marine Park's 80 sites to view a colorful array of coral formations and abundant marine life, day or night. For an in-depth look at why Bonaire is one of the world's top diving destinations, please visit our diving section.

Mountain Biking

Aside from being the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation, biking is an ideal way to see the islands natural beauty. There are over 300 kilometers of trails, consisting of smooth coastal drives, unpaved back roads, and even goat paths, allowing you to explore all of Bonaire's amazing natural resources. Our biking pages offer a look at what is quickly becoming one of the island's more popular pastimes.

Freewieler
Bonaire
Tel. and Fax: +599-717-8545
http://bonairefreewieler.com/

Outdoor Bonaire
Tel.: +599-791-6272
www.outdoorbonaire.com

Windsurfing

Consistent conditions make the shallow, calm waters of Lac Bay the epicenter of Bonaire's internationally-known windsurfing. On the island's leeward side, the calm offshore wind provides just the right sort of air to explore Klein Bonaire. Winds blow December through August at 15 - 25 knots, September through November at 12 - 18 knots. To learn more about Bonaire's "other water sport," browse the "Windsurfing at Lac Bay" page.

Jibe City
Bonaire
Tel.: +599-717-5233
Contact: info@JibeCity.com
www.jibecity.com

Bonaire Windsurfplace
Tel.: +599-717-2288
www.bonairewindsurfplace.com

Kiteboarding

Atlantis Beach near the salt mines on the southwest coast is where Bonaire's local kiteboarding community congregates. Brisk tradewinds, a light sandy beach and shallow waters make for a safe learning environment. Deeper waters and waves are close by for those looking for an additional challenge.

Snacks and cold drinks are usually available on the beach and a safety boat is almost always present.

Roan&Carla Jaspars
Kiteboarding Bonaire
Kaya Venus #2
Kralendijk
Tel: +599 701-5483
Tel: +599 786-6138
info@kiteboardingbonaire.com
www.kiteboardingbonaire.com/

Sea Kayaking

Paddle the protected waters of Lac Bay, or head for the miles of flats and mangroves in the South (the island's nursery) where baby fish and wildlife can be viewed.

Mangrove Info Center
Info@mangrovecenter.com
www.mangrovecenter.com

Birdwatching

Bonaire is home to over 210 species of birds, 80 of which are indigenous to the Island. Most famous are its flamingos, which can number as many as 15,000 during the mating season. Our birdwatching page will help you get started on what to see and where to see it.

Fishing

Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado, Blue Marlin, Amber Jack, Grouper, Sailfish and Snapper can be found off the coast of Bonaire. This abundance and variety of sport fish make the island home to some of the best deep-sea fishing. Bonaire is also one of the best kept secrets of bone-fishing enthusiasts.

Big Game Sportfishing
Tel.: +599-717-6500
Contact: biggame@bonairefishing.com
www.big-game-sport-fishing.com

Multifish Charter
Tel.: +599-717-3648
Contact: info@multifish.com
www.bonairefishing.net

Piscatur
Tel.: +599-717-8774
Contact: info@piscatur.com

Sailing

Want to get away from it all and back to nature with minimal effort? Try a Day out on the water on one of Bonaire's charter yachts. Steady wind and Calm seas make Bonaire ideal for sailing and yachting. A wide choice of Excursions are available to whisk you away for a Caribbean adventure in the Unparalleled Bonaire Marine Park. Enjoy the luxurious combination of Gliding swiftly and silently over the water while Bonaire's professional Crews take care of your every wish from serving up delicious tropical Drinks to identifying colorful fish, sea birds, or coral species on Bonaire's pristine coral reefs. Chase the elusive the "green flash" on a Sunset sail, or visit the deserted offshore island of Klein Bonaire for Some spectacular snorkeling. Some yachts even offer gourmet dinner cruises and full moon sails. If getting wet is not your thing, take a glass bottom boat trip and view the incredible underwater world from topside. You never know when a school of porpoises may be your escort, or even a whale shark or a pod of pilot whales! For more information on Bonaire's charter yachts, contact:

Samur Sailing & Charters
Tel.: +599-717-5592
info@SamurSailing.com
www.infobonaire.com/samur

Bowalie
Tel.: 599-786 7615
info@bowalie.com
www.bowalie.com

Woodwind Cruises
Tel.: 599-786-7055
woodwind@telbonet.an
www.woodwindbonaire.com

OTHER BOAT CHARTERS:

Baka de Laman Watertaxi
Tel.: +599-9-5607126

Blue Band Watersports
Tel: 599-9-5607897

Insulinde (120' sailing ship)
Tel: 599-9-5601340 / 5688710

Horseback Riding

Spend part or all of the day at one of Bonaire's fine horse ranches, or "kunukus," where group tours, private lessons and trail rides are available. Some of the kunukus offer accommodations and meals, and they are wonderful places to meet locals or just let the time pass by.

Rancho Washikemba
Tel: +599 788 8668 or +599 786 7321
www.rancho-washikemba.com/

The Riding Academy Club
Tel: +599 560-7949 or +599 786-2094
info@horsebackridingbonaire.com

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Photo on top left via Flickr (cc) user queulat00
Photo on top right via Flickr (cc) user Paul and Jill