Bonaire

Bonaire might be the perfect destination for you if scuba diving and snorkeling are what you have in mind for your next vacation. This unspoiled Caribbean island, which is just 50 miles off the Venezuela coast, is surrounded by an official marine park. The reefs and marine life that can be found in this underwater park are nothing short of spectacular. Lending to the quality of the scuba diving and snorkeling in Bonaire is the fact that the area waters are exceptionally clear. The average water temperatures range from 78 to 84 degrees. When you're not scuba diving or snorkeling on your vacation to Bonaire, the bird watching is excellent. Flamingos are especially abundant in Bonaire, but there are nearly 200 other bird species that you can expect to spot as well. Parrots, pelicans, and hummingbirds are also on ready display in this slice of paradise.

There aren't a lot of renowned beaches on Bonaire, which is why scuba diving, snorkeling, and bird watching figure among the top activities. That doesn't mean that you can't enjoy some beach time on your vacation to Bonaire, however. This is a Caribbean island after all. While visiting the beach in Bonaire, you might try some windsurfing when you're not soaking up the sun. The north side of the island is especially good for wind surfing, as it boasts the largest waves and the strongest winds. Lac Bay is arguably the best wind surfing spot on the island, and you can find it on the eastern side. Bonaire travel might not be all about the beaches, but there are some inviting strips of sand on this small island that can satisfy your need for beach time.

Since scuba diving and snorkeling are among the top things to do on a vacation to Bonaire, those who are interested in enjoying lots of it can always stay at a resort that features a dive shop. A Bonaire resort without a dive shop is a rare thing. Even if you are staying at one of the hotels in Bonaire that doesn't have a dive shop, it shouldn't be hard to arrange scuba diving and snorkeling tours. While exploring the underwater reefs of the Bonaire Marine Park, some of the things that you are likely to see include colorful coral formations and sponges. As for the fish, the population in these waters is among the Caribbean's most diverse. Lizard fish, goatfish, peacock eye flounders, and parrot fish are just some of the fish species that might cross your path. In addition to exploring reefs, certified divers who are enjoying a vacation to Bonaire can also visit various wrecks, one of the most popular of which is the Hilma Hooker freighter.

Bonaire is just one of three islands that make up the ABC Islands. This Netherlands-owned island group also includes Aruba and Curacao, which are other excellent Caribbean destinations that deserve a look. While Aruba is relatively glitzy, Bonaire manages to maintain a fairly laid-back appeal that some travelers prefer. Much like Curacao, Bonaire is largely desertous in appearance, though that doesn't mean that the landscape isn't beautiful. On the northern side, you'll find Washington Slagbaai National Park, which is an ecological preserve that rewards hikers with some wonderful panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding hills. The terrain is varied in this park, and when you need a break from hiking, you can stop at a small, hidden beach to catch your breath or enjoy a picnic.

In addition to scuba diving, snorkeling, bird watching, wind surfing, and hiking, you might also add fishing to your Bonaire travel plans. You can access some excellent deep sea fishing spots from Bonaire, and line fishing is allowed within the boundaries of the Bonaire Marine Park. Blue marlin and snapper are just two of the fish species that anglers commonly snag in the Bonaire waters. Some of the other activities that visitors to this relatively pristine island can enjoy include mountain biking, sailing, and sea kayaking. Sightseeing tours can also make for ideal additions to any and all Bonaire travel itineraries. One of the most interesting stops on the sightseeing tours are the salt flats, which are home to the island's resident pink flamingos.