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Is the Caribbean calling? Are you dreaming of leaving the world behind and getting sand in your toes on unspoiled seashores?
Overlook following the herd to Jamaica or the Bahamas!
I’m recommending a go to to Bonaire as an alternative.
In line with new figures by CaribJournal, Bonaire has seen nice tourism progress this summer time, with 1.5% extra arrivals than final yr and a whopping 9.4% extra arrivals than pre-pandemic figures.
Nevertheless, whereas many different Caribbean islands are overwhelmed with American vacationers, simply 21% of tourists to the island are from the U.S.
This implies it is a good spot to take pleasure in unspoiled seashores with out the crowds. Right here’s why the Caribbean’s best-kept secret is a good place to discover this fall.
Uncovering Bonaire
Bonaire is an extremely small island, masking an space of solely round 11 sq. miles.
It’s the lesser recognized of the Dutch Caribbean ABC Island chain, nevertheless it’s one thing of a hidden gem.
From its gorgeous seashores to being residence to one of many best-preserved mangrove forests within the Caribbean, the geography of Bonaire is excellent.
It additionally boasts epic snorkeling and scuba diving, and its capital metropolis of, Kralendijk, is extremely photogenic.
It’s a picturesque port city with vibrant coloured colonial buildings, and effectively value exploring if you happen to’re on the islands.
That is the form of Caribbean getaway most of us can solely dream of!
Breathtaking Seashores
Close by Curacao will get all of the credit score for having the very best seashores, however the seashores in Bonaire deserve some recognition too.
The seashores listed below are rugged and unspoiled.
They’re pure, understated, however nonetheless breathtakingly stunning.
Bonaire boasts 20 completely different named seashores. Not all of those are sandy seashores, however the coral and rocky seashores on the island have their very own appeal too.
Lac Cai is on the north facet of Lac Bay and is a shocking white sand seashore that doesn’t appeal to the crowds of Lac Bay itself.
Chachacha Seashore has its personal petrified coral reef, is a good place for scuba diving, and has among the greatest sea views on the island.
For one thing somewhat completely different, go to Pink Seashore which is one of some pink seashores within the Caribbean.
Bonaire is a paradise for water sports activities and diving fans, so if you happen to’re an authorized diver (or if you wish to grow to be one) then there’s no higher place to be!
Bonaire Scuba has an ideal popularity and a at some point PADI Uncover Scuba Diving lesson will price $175 per individual.
Wildlife Explorations
Once you’re uninterested in stress-free on the seashore, this island is a good place to get near the native wildlife.
Bonaire is known for its pink flamingos.
Actually, the island is so pleased with their pink feathered buddies that its airport is called after them.
The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is one among 4 locations worldwide the place flamingos breed, and the shrimp that the flamingos feed on within the water right here flip it a mild, rosy shade of pink.
You may’t really go into the reserve because it’s a restricted space, however you’ll be able to watch the birds from afar. The Pink Seashore is the very best spot to do that.
Equally enjoyable is the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire, which is residence to greater than 800 donkeys.
Entry prices $9 per individual, and you should buy a bucket of grass pellets for $2.50 to feed the animals.
The sanctuary is open from 10am to 5pm and has a backyard residence to iguanas, tortoises, and flamingos. It is an ideal place to see these creatures up shut!
Getting To Bonaire
Though not as effectively referred to as different Caribbean locations, Bonaire is simply as simple to get to with common flights from the U.S.
American Airways flies to Bonaire from Miami, Delta Airways from Atlanta and JetBlue from New York JFK.
United Airways presents direct flights from Newark and Houston.
I did some research to work out how a lot direct flights would price for a winter getaway.
A direct American Airways flight from Miami to Bonaire from December 7 to December 14 would set you again $576. This flight has a 3 hour 20 minute flight time.
For a similar dates, a direct flight from New York JFK with JetBlue would price $428. This flight has a 4 hour 38 minute flight time.
It’s value noting that in addition to your flight and lodging prices, guests to Bonaire must pay a $75 entry tax per person and per go to.
You’ll have to pay your customer entry tax earlier than you arrive on the island, so though it’s not an enormous sum within the grand scheme of issues, don’t overlook to do it!
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.
