Bonaire Vacations

Bonaire vacations typically revolve around a few main pursuits, with scuba diving topping the list of things to do. While scuba diving takes top honors, a beach vacation in Bonaire can also be the aim if you are looking to do little more than swim and sunbathe. Since Bonaire is a small Caribbean island, getting around to all the top attractions and destinations is relatively easy, especially if you choose to rent a car and are up for some driving. Coincidentally, it is also possible to rent a moped or scooter on Bonaire vacations, and it is especially fun to ride them along the coastal road on the leeward side.

Numerous Bonaire vacation packages exist to serve the needs of prospective visitors, and the majority of these vacation packages feature diving as a main activity. Bonaire is one of the top diving destinations in the world, and when visitors aren't diving, they are often snorkeling. A healthy collection of dive resorts can be found on the island, and they boast their own dive shops that offer excursions for licensed divers and lessons for beginners. If your resort or hotel doesn't have a dive shop, it will most likely be affiliated with a dive operator, in which case arranging diving adventures will be a breeze. The diving packages that the resorts and hotels offer tend to include accommodations and unlimited diving, and it's also possible to stay at a self-catering rental property and enjoy all the diving that you can handle.

While the world-class diving and snorkeling are what most Bonaire vacations revolve around, these aren't the only options for things to do. Beach enthusiasts can always enjoy a beach vacation in Bonaire, with Pink Beach and the beaches on the islet of Klein Bonaire figuring among the best strips of sand in the immediate area. Bonaire doesn't have a reputation for being a major Caribbean beach destination, but there are beaches to choose from, and the bulk of them are deserted. Couples who are enjoying a beach vacation in Bonaire can zip off to any number of small, secluded beaches and enjoy a romantic picnic.

Romantic Bonaire vacations can be ideal for couples who enjoy outdoor pursuits, as this island is all about eco-adventures. Diving or snorkeling with the one you love can fill hours on end during the day, and it's possible to follow up a day of underwater exploration with a satisfying dinner for two at one of the island's surprisingly good restaurants. While the Bonaire hotels and resorts are attractive, couples on a romantic escape might prefer a vacation rental. A one-bedroom rental on the coast isn't terribly hard to find, and it will offer more privacy than your standard hotel room.

Bonaire vacations offer something for everyone, and those who don't come for the diving and snorkeling often come for the windsurfing. The windward side of Bonaire offers prime windsurfing conditions throughout the year, especially at beautiful Lac Bay. The waters of the lagoon at Lac Bay stay relatively calm, while the consistent trade winds are easy to catch with a sail. Windsurfing lessons and equipment rentals can be found at Lac Bay destinations such as Lac Bay Beach and Sorobon Beach.

Sailing is one of the other water-related pursuits that can be enjoyed on Bonaire vacations, and while the waters close to shore are protected by the Bonaire Marine Park, anglers can enjoy fun-filled fishing trips in the outer waters. Sailing and fishing charters can be booked by those who are interested. On the sailing side of things, the dinner and sunset cruises are especially popular. There are a few marinas on the leeward side of Bonaire should you be arriving on a private watercraft. Should you be without a boat, small ones can be rented at the luxurious Harbour Village Beach Club.

While it is possible to spend nearly all of your time on or in the water on Bonaire vacations, some onshore exploring can be extremely rewarding. Up north in the relatively rugged and dry hills, hiking enthusiasts will be in heaven, as will birding enthusiasts. Washington Slagbaai National Park is the place to go for some Bonaire hiking, and it's also one of the island's top birding destinations. Down south where the terrain is flatter, the famous pink flamingos of Bonaire tend to hang out around the salt flats. These colorful avian creatures can also be found up north at the stunningly picturesque Lake Goto.

Bonaire is a laid-back travel destination, and there are just enough activities to choose from when the urge to get up and get active sets in. The Bonaire vacation packages often include activities, and they can also include a rental car, your accommodations at a hotel or rental property, and even some or all of your meals. All inclusive packages exist for those who want to have everything covered.

As for travel costs, Bonaire is a relatively expensive travel destination, though there are some ways to go about saving some money. October to April is the peak travel season in this part of the world, and this is when the hotel rates are at their highest. As such, anyone interested in a cheap vacation to Bonaire can start by planning an off season visit. Their truly isn't a bad time to visit Bonaire, and while the island never gets crowded, word is getting out about all the tantalizing travel possibilities.