Bonaire

The Fisher Bonaire Travel Page

Published by John R. Fisher. All photo's and text are copyright (C) by John R. Fisher. Permission granted for noncommercial use. Any posting on noncommercial web pages must include above copyright and link to this page. Send E-Mail if you are interested in purchasing any photo's or would like enlargements.

Welcome to my text and photo trip to Bonaire. As with all my photography work, you'll notice I lean towards the natural side of my destinations and do little people or building work. Oh well.

I've set this up so that as your reading you can click on a highlighted word and see a full size photo of what I'm describing. You can also see thumbnails of the photo's (and more than are referenced in the text) below.

Bonaire is one of the three ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) of the Netherland Antilles, located of the northern coast of Venezuela.It is the least populated of the three and thus has little crime and the friendliest people. Much of the island centers around diving activities. Yet, this shouldn't stop you from visiting if your not a diver. I've often described this island as a perfect place for someone that likes diving or snorkeling, bird watching (damn near heaven!), cactus or doing nothing! There are a few small casino's on the island for some evening entertainment (all are informal) as well as some outstanding restaurants where the seafood is beyond words. The southern part of the island is flat and desert like with the salt pans where sea water is allowed to evaporate and the salt is harvested. Many species of cactus and lizards are found here also.

A word of caution: If you venture into the areas in the south where there are cactus be aware that cactus spines that have fallen off of (or have been knocked off by goats) can easily go right thru your Reeboks and make a painful hole in your foot. Trust me on this. I know.

Also here is beautiful Lac Bay, protected from the Atlantic. Its turquoise waters make your mouth water. Evidence is here that conch "WAS" at one time plentiful, with "was" being the operative word here! Check out the size of the piles compared to the VW bug I rented (BTW, I'll never understand anyone's attraction to those cars!)

Along the Atlantic coast the water is too dangerous to swim but is interesting nonetheless. There are areas that show us how the ocean levels were one much higher. Along these ancient seashores are caves with Petrolgyphs that have never been .

Travelling north you go thru the village of Rincon, with a neat little bar in town where you can stop to get a cold one and chat with the locals. There is also the highest point on the island (that you can drive too) for some fine views of the southern parts.

In the north is a large nature park with more trees and hills. It is an astounding contract between ecosystems. The park is all dirt roads and has some fine spots to stop and snorkel, as well as places to bird watch and explore.

Flamingo (its not plastic!) Birding spot Reef