by Debbie Stine

Created on: July 18, 2010   Last Updated: October 02, 2010

Bonaire is a quiet jewel of an island in the Caribbean. Even though many people have never heard of it, they find that after one trip, they are ready to plan the next time they'll be able to return.

If you'd like to relax and enjoy some quiet time, a Bonaire vacation may be the perfect choice for your next trip. On land, there is an abundant amount of activities that should ensure a relaxing vacation and a good time, and scuba divers are already well aware of the wonders that await them underneath the warm, inviting waters surrounding the island.

Some activities that can be tried while on the island are windsurfing, Slagbaai National Park, Seru Largu, south coast, sailing, kayaking, birdwatching, snorkeling,  nature tours, fishing, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking and participating in the regatta, among other things.

The weather in Bonaire is pretty consistent and is one of the great things about this small island. Even though it's hot, the trade winds provide a nice breeze which helps to keep you more comfortable than some islands. Of course for most of us, hot, sunny weather is one of the main reasons to visit a Caribbean island. Most days on Bonaire are sunny with cloudy conditions which can be deceiving when you're in the sun for any period of time. Be sure to use sunscreen and gradually expose yourself to the hot rays of the sun.

Bonaire has very little rainfall, usually less than 22 inches per year, and there is usually a nice gentle breeze. Since the winds blow continuously from one direction, one side of the island always has rough water conditions. This is called the windward side. The water on the other side of the island is usually calm and that is called the leeward side. Because of this, all of the diving and snorkeling operations are on the western side of the island in the calmer waters.

The trade winds are what allow the coral reefs to grow so well because of the area of calm, protected waters. When the waters are rougher, like on the windward side of the island, the corals are sometimes knocked over from the strength of the sea and they are no able to reach their full growth potential. Another thing that enables the coral reefs to grow so well in Bonaire is the fact that there's so little rainfall. This is because freshwater runoff contains sediment which can harm coral by smothering it.

All in all, a trip to Bonaire makes for a nice relaxing way to get away from the stresses of everyday life. It's pretty common for people familiar with the wonders of Bonaire to dream of the next time they can make a trip to the island.

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