| The Mecca of Scuba Diving | | | | more interesting water species, Those who are |
| The sea at its best is in Bonaire. The water is clear | | | | hesitant to venture into the deep can enjoy the |
| and teems with the flora and fauna of the sea. The | | | | snorkeling in the shallower portions. Visibility is excellent, |
| vast stretch of alabaster sand, the warm climate, | | | | and they can see the bottom of the diving craft 70 to |
| gentle murmur of the waves belie the strange but | | | | 120 feet from below. |
| wonderful world that only scuba divers can behold. | | | | Surfing the wind is another sport best done in the vast |
| Bonaire is the mecca of the diving elite, and Bonaire | | | | expanse of the sea surrounding Bonaire. |
| diving sites are truly exceptional. | | | | Diving Sites and Shops |
| The warm waters of the Bonaire make it an ideal | | | | There are some 90 dive sites in island. Bonaire diving |
| scuba diving and snorkeling haven all year long. Diver | | | | sites are categorized according to skill level. Dive sites |
| guides are always around to lead divers and other | | | | for the experienced and licensed have stronger |
| revelers. The law requires that divers show a permit to | | | | currents, and beginners and intermediate divers have |
| the diving operators that they are allowed to dive in | | | | their designated sites. |
| certain depths. This is a regulation in Bonaire. Diving | | | | The Marine Park offers a memorable experience for |
| activities are not allowed until they have attended a | | | | those who snorkel along the area. This is a veritable |
| refresher course on diving. | | | | paradise for rare sea species, and colorful corals. Here, |
| Surviving and Living With Tourism | | | | the view is indeed breathtaking. |
| Once they have fulfilled this requirement, they can go | | | | On land, the different shops and hotels vie for |
| diving the following day. On the first day tourists | | | | business. Hotels offer special discounted room rates |
| search for Bonaire diving operating outfits to ask about | | | | for groups. One can have accommodations for four |
| the different Bonaire diving sites. Just going along the | | | | nights and three days at only $280 (non-diver) if he or |
| strip is relaxing after long hours of air travel. | | | | she shares the dorm with 5 others. |
| Bonaire is on the south Caribbean but it has managed | | | | Friends can share an apartment and have all the |
| to preserve its environment with the enforcement of | | | | amenities and convenience for only $800 or less. The |
| strict environmental laws. Tourists are warned against | | | | 6-day package includes unlimited air fills and boat dives. |
| littering and picking anything on land and sea. So the | | | | For such a magnificent place, the price is affordable. |
| island remains pristine despite the influx of tourists. | | | | The different shops have different specials. Many rent |
| Bonaire Diving, Snorkeling, and Windsurfing | | | | out tanks and other scuba diving gear. They offer boat |
| What makes Bonaire diving sites fantastic? The reef | | | | trips to diving sites and these trips include the use of a |
| is so close, there is no need to hire a boat to see the | | | | tank. Some shops offer beginners' and advanced |
| reef. One can wade until he reaches the reef and | | | | diving courses. |
| prepares for the fantastic drop, which is about 35 | | | | Get Going |
| yards offshore. Once he dives into a 100 or 120 depth, | | | | On land or on sea, Bonaire has something more than |
| he can still see the sliver of sunlight. The routine here is | | | | interesting to show. It has a magic all of its own. Plan |
| wade and drop. | | | | your trip for next year. If you can, spend you holidays |
| Deeper into the blue, Bonaire diving experts can see | | | | here and go Bonaire diving, and snorkeling. |