Page 119 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
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sailed from Venezuela over 1000 years ago.
The first Europeans to arrive were the Spanish in
1499. They did not stay long as they decided not
to develop the island, but they took the Indians who
were on Bonaire as slaves, leaving the island unin-
habited. There were subsequent visits by the French,
Portuguese and the Spanish convicts who returned,
leaving their imprint and influence.
The Mystic Salt Pier Is A Unique Dive
This is a unique dive and should be experienced by everyone.
The Salt Pier requires multiple dives and is truly remarkable.
T he interaction of Man and Nature many times has disastrous consequences. But, some-
times Man does build something that results in the explosion of Nature and positive
results. The Salt Pier on Bonaire, is one such structure. Other man-made structures that have
become a haven for sea life is oil platforms. The Salt Pier is located on the south side of Bonaire,
Netherlands Antilles. Bonaire was originally inhabited by a branch of the Arawak Indians who
