Bonaire Island, Caribbean
Bonaire is an island in the Netherlands Antilles, and as such,
is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Together with Aruba and
Curaçao it forms a group referred to as the ABC islands. While
English, Papiamento and Spanish are commonly spoken, the official
language is Dutch. Bonaire means "Good Air".
Location: 50 miles North of Venezuela,
Size: 111 square miles
Population: 10,185
Language: English
Climate: Yearly average temperature is 82°F (27.8°C)
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Tourism info: Call +(212) 956-5912 or 1-800-BONAIRE
Attractions
One of the Caribbean's first established parks is Bonaire's
Washington-Slagbaai National Park. Located on the island's northern
tip, Bonaire's animals, geology, and vegetation are shown off here.
The park contains over 190 species of birds, and hundreds of other
animals, ranging from donkeys to lizards. The scenery is nothing short
of magnificent, including quiet beaches, isolated caverns, desert-like
hills, and wave-splashed cliffs. The park is open every day from 8am
to 5pm.
Kaminda Onima, which borders the island's northeastern coast, is
where you will encounter Onima. Onima is a site that houses Caiquetio
Indian inscriptions, which are over 500 years old. There are roughly
75 inscriptions, including red and brown drawings of turtles, rain,
snakes, suns, and human hands.
An eccentric and unique experience can be found at the Sherman
Gibbs Monument. Mr. Gibbs, surrounded at all times by his seven
iguanas, has created a marvel out of everyday items. He and his
domicile can be seen along the Kaminda Tras di Montana road, which
leads back to Kralendijk from Washington-Slagbaai National Park.
Old fan blades and the wind power his television, and he is considered
an island treasure by all.
Getting
around
For the most interactive experience, walking
or hiking is often preferable to the use of motorized vehicles.
Taxis can be taken to and from anywhere on the island. Be certain
to negotiate a price before departing, as the fee is not fixed,
and you can really get swindled if you are not careful. There are
about 15 Rental Car agencies on the island. Depending on the availability
and the season, rates range from $40 to $65 per day. Mopeds can
be rented for around $18 a day, and two seated scooters average
about $32. The glorious coast can be explored by bicycle, and a
21- speed mountain bike can be rented for $15 to $20.
Pedestrians should remember to look right before
crossing streets.
Check Dates & Prices for Caribbean
Cruises.
United State diplomatic representation
Consulate of Grand Cayman
16 Oxford Road, P.O. Box 541 Kingston 5, Jamaica
Phone: (876)-929-4850 to 9, Monday – Friday
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Fax: (876) 935-6019
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Web links
Bonaire
- Wikipedia
Visit Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
CIA
Factbook -- Netherlands Antilles
The CIA factbook says once the center of the Caribbean slave trade,
the island of Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in
1863.
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