Bonaire
facts

Bonaire is the marine life capital of the Caribbean, a "Diver's Paradise" full of deep sea treasures. For both diving and snorkeling, Bonaire is one of the premier locations in the entire world. In fact, it is said that it is easier to scuba dive in Bonaire than anywhere else on earth. Bonaire, French for "good air," is in fact not a French Island. This luxurious paradise is fifty miles north of Venezuela, and is the middle island in the ABC Netherlands Antilles chain (with Aruba and Curacao being the A and C).

The first human inhabitants of Bonaire arrived there over a thousand years ago. They were an Arawak tribe who sailed from Venezuela and lived uninterrupted for 500 years. In 1499 Europeans arrived, and then in the early 1900's oil was discovered in Venezuela, so Bonaire became a primary refining center.

Bonaire's beaches are uncrowded and intimate. The island is a mere 112 square miles, and varies between three to seven miles wide. It is shaped like a boomerang, and so comfortable that you will feel like the island is your own personal resort.

Diving is the main attraction for visitors of Bonaire, but you will find that there truly is much more. The animal and marine life alone is enough to fascinate and perplex even the most seasoned traveler. Among the most exotic creatures on the island are giant iguanas, blue-tailed lizards, wild donkeys, fluorescent lora parrots, and feral goats. Per square foot, there is more cacti in Bonaire than anywhere except the deserts of the southwest and Mexico.

The friendly locals of Bonaire are a perfect complement to the beauty and tranquility that envelops all that inhabit the island. A cornucopia of ancestries, you will find people of African, Dutch, and South American descent. Expatriates from the U.S., Australia, and Britain can be found as well. The majority of Bonaire's inhabitants live in or around the capital city, Kralendijk. Kralendijk is located on the West Coast of the island, home to the majority of the nightlife, exploratory sights, and dining facilities. Bonaire combines relaxation, excitement, and beauty, truly a marvel of nature. This miniature landscape may be geographically small but it is simply wonderful.

Geography
Bonaire is one of the islands of the Netherlands Antilles. The entire coastline of the island is a living mass of coral. The island also boasts fascinating birds and unique flora and fauna for which a National Park was created in 1969.

History
The Caiquetios, a branch of the Arawak Indians were Bonaire's first inhabitants. They sailed from the coast of Venezuela almost 1000 years ago. The first Europeans arrived in Bonaire in 1499, when Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci arrived and claimed the island for Spain. Finding the island of little commercial value the Spaniards enslaved the Indians they met and transferred them to Hispaniola, leaving Bonaire unpopulated. The name Bonaire is thought to have come from the Caiquetio word 'Bonay' which means low country. The early Spanish and Dutch modified its spelling to Bojnaj and later Bonaire.

The island remained "a lonely outpost" until 1526 when the then Governor, Juan de Ampues introduced cattle to the island. Many of the Indians were returned to the island which soon became popular for raising animals including cattle, sheep, pigs and horses.

In 1633, the Dutch took possession of Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba. Bonaire became a plantation island belonging to the Dutch West Indies Company. African slaves were soon brought to the island to cultivate maize and harvest salt. Until 1816 Bonaire changed hands many times finally being returned to the Dutch that year under the Treaty of Paris.

By 1837 Bonaire became a thriving center for salt production. Slavery was abolished in 1863 and it was not until a century later that the salt industry was revitalized.

Economy
Tourism is Bonaire's major economic activity. It is popular for its diving sites, windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing. There are also two casinos. Salt production is also a significant industry and there is some agriculture including animal husbandry. Offshore financial services are fast developing into a useful form of economic activity on the island.

People & Culture
The culture is reflected in the ethnic roots of the population which is predominantly African. The majority of the population is Christian. A Muslim mosque has recently been built on the island. There are many festivals throughout the year which feature the dances of the Simidan and the Bari. The Maskarada and the Spring Harvest Festival are also very popular.