s/v Nine of Cups Bonaire

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Bonaire, the "B" of the ABCs, is a small boomerang-shaped island and touted to be one of the best diving locations in the world.  The island is home to more than 15,000 pink flamingos and, in fact, there are more flamingos here than people.       The official language here is Papiamentu...an interesting blend of Spanish, Dutch and African. The currency is Netherlands Antilles Florins or guilders at $1= 1.75NAfl.      Karel's Beach Bar to the left is a hub of activity. It is the main dinghy dock for cruisers. The moorings are located beyond Karels to the right.

Downtown Kralendijk (KRAW-len-dike), the largest city in Bonaire, is clean and well laid out. The paving blocked streets are lined with colorful shops and restaurants. Since tourism is one of the main industries of the island, there is no lack of t-shirt and souvenir items. The entire sea area surrounding the island is a national marine park. The fish and coral are abundant and the number of dive and snorkel sites is astounding.  We were able to dive and snorkel right from the boat.

The most distinguishing features of the southern part of Bonaire are the mountains of salt. Many of the islands we've visited once produced salt, however Bonaire is the only one that continues to do so. Cargill Salt is one of the world's largest salt producers and produces about 2,000 tons per hour for export for use in water softeners, chemical, industrial and ice control applications.

In the past, donkeys were used extensively for hauling carts of salt from the pans to the waiting ships. Now they run loose and are part of Bonaire's heritage. They are EVERYWHERE!       Drivers stop frequently to let donkeys cross the street in front of them. Many times the donkeys wait at the window in hopes of handouts. We learned to save apple cores and banana peels for just such occasions.