Page 109 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles

ounger strata are not tilted, we find rivers could erode their valleys to a lower calendar year. For children under 12 years
level than the present sea level. When the there is no charge. Residents of Bonaire
Y them at most places along the coast water rose, the lower part of the valleys be- have 2 options, they may either pay a $3 fee
came submerged. Still later the mouth was for a day pass, or pay the $15 fee for one
and a close look tells us that these creamy- blocked by walls of coral shingle put there calendar year. To be eligible for this local
white limestones originated as reefs. We by the surf. The well known Goto and Slag- price, a valid residency ID (Sedula) must be
find branching coral and (chalky white) baai owe their existence to such a process. presented upon entry.
coralline algae that prove this contention. YOU ARE WELCOME TO EXPLORE THE FAS-
As nearly all organisms found petrified in CINATING GEOLOGY INSIDE THE NATIONAL Y ou may enter the Washington Slagbaai
these reefs are still existing, their age can PARK. HOWEVER, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED National Park free of charge by show-
not be great. Radio-carbon gives an age of TO REMOVE ANY MATERIALS (FOSSILS, ing the written receipt of purchase of your
110.000 years. In those times the sea stood ROCKS, SAND, ETC). THE SAME APPLIES FOR dive tag and a picture ID. This can be your
about 15 meters higher than it does now. THE BONAIRE NATIONAL MARINE PARK. C-card, driver’s license, etc. Photo copies
The reef has been preserved as a terrace are accepted. Proof of purchase of the $10
that fringes the island’s coastlines. At some W ashington Slagbaai National Park Nature Fee by itself does not allow entry
places even two or three terraces are pre- (WSNP) opens daily (except Christ- into the park. However, purchase of the $10
sent, since the sea has known very different mas day and New Year’s day) at 8 am, and Nature Fee tag counts towards the $25 en-
levels, depending whether the polar ice closes at 5 pm. We recommend you arrive trance fee to Washington Slagbaai National
caps retained more of less rainpour. early as it will take at least 2 hours to drive Park (an amount of $15 per person will
around the Park. The latest you are allowed be charged upon presentation of proof of
M ost of the rivulets (temporary water entry into the Park is at 2:45 pm. However, purchase of the $10 Nature Fee).After pay-
streams) do not empty directly into this does not apply if you are on a bicycle ment of the Nature Fee for a calendar year
the sea. Some empty into island bays or or you plan to climb Brandaris. All cyclists the user receives a tag and also a receipt
saliñas, salt lakes, the bottoms of which and hikers to the Brandaris must enter the in their name. The receipt and the tag have
have sometimes partly dried up (e.g. Saliña Park no later than 12 noonThe admission matching numbers.
Matijs and Boca Bartol). These bays are fee to the park is $25 for adults for one
drowned valleys. When, in former times,
the sea level was lower than at present, the