When scuba divers dream, they dream of Bonaire—all the waters surrounding the island form a marine park, making it one of the finest dive spots on the planet. It has crystal clear water and colorful reefs that in many places are easily accessed right from the shore. Underwater visibility can reach 150 ft/45 m.
Bonaire's land-based attractions can't match its marine wonders (the nightlife is very, very low-key), but they can make for a day or two of interesting sightseeing—flamingos and wild donkeys give the island a surreal quality. Washington-Slagbaai National Park, in particular, is an excellent place to admire a dry, desertlike landscape contrasted by rolling hills and cactus jungles.
Location
Cruise ships from all over the world stop in Bonaire. Most stay for one day and move on. Cruise-ship visitors will find vendors selling handmade jewelry and other unique items in a park next to the town and commercial piers. The tourism office keeps an up-to-date cruise ship schedule on its Web site.
