Page 38 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
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Scenic Drives - Even for a small island, there is plenty of scenery. every year. Fishermen are subject to an annual Nature Fee. Visi-
The route around the south end of the island is simply fabulous, but tors can find good fishing excursions from Harbor Village Marina.
the hilly ancient volcanic north end is where the scenery really gets Contact Multifish Charters at 786-1228.
interesting. The narrow road along the coast and then inland past Donkey Safari - Donkeys on Bonaire worked as beasts of burden
Gotomeer, and through the town of Rincon is wonderful. Although from 1700 until 1950, when they were released to roam freely on
it is a long, slow, windy and bumpy trip, the dirt roads through the island. In recent years many of them have been taken into the
Washington Slagbaai National Park are not to be missed. The Donkey Paradise Safari Park, where they are kept safe from car
scenic bays and mountain vistas are unique and sometimes breath- accidents and abuse. You can take a bus tour of the sanctuary, and
taking. Since there is little public transportation, you will want to meet, feed, and pet the donkeys. Drive 2.4 km up the dirt road just
rent a car, most likely a diver-friendly pickup truck that can handle south of the airport. Bring some bread and fruit along. Also, see
dirt roads. However, there are a number of tour companies that will www.donkeycam.com.
ferry you around in style while the driver gives you local informa- Butterfly Farm - Hundreds of colorful butterflies zig-zag amongst
tion all along the way. You will be amazed by the number of cacti flowering plants and over a pond in a peaceful, beautiful green-
thriving in Bonaire’s semi-arid climate. You will also be amazed by house. If you are lucky, one might momentarily light on your hand.
the number of lizards and iguanas you will see on all of Bonaire’s See www.butterflyfarmbonaire.org.
back roads, and all of the colorful birds that are found everywhere. Horseback Riding - One of the best ways to see Bonaire is atop
Birdwatching - Everybody loves to see a pair of Bonaire’s most a horse. After touring, equestrians love to take a dip upon their
colorful residents, the Lora, or Yellow-shouldered parrot, sitting steeds in Lac Bay. The steeds love to make a splash as well. Contact
atop a cactus. However, Bonaire is the destination of millions of the Riding Academy Club at Kunuku Warahama, tel. 560-7949 or
migratory birds who rest or stop by in the winter. Perhaps Bonaire’s 786-2094.
most famous birds are pink Caribbean flamingoes, which are often Kayaking - Sit-on kayaks are super popular in Bonaire waters.
seen near the southern tip of the island, at Gotomeer, and in lakes They are stable and easy to use for leisurely trips. The Mangrove
of Washington Slagbaai National Park. Ornithologists have spotted Info & Kayak Center, (780-5353) offers nature tours in the Lac Bay
over 190 species of birds, including residents or migratory, ranging Mangrove Forest. Trips to Klein Bonaire are also available from
from the graceful magnificent frigatebird (pictured to the left), to Kralendijk. Kayakers will need to pay a Nature Fee for using Bo-
the South American Yellow Oriole. The Tourist Office in Kralendijk naire National Marine Park. Bonaire’s kayak routes are labeled and
hands out good info on the best sites for birdwatching. indicated with a dashed line.
Sport Fishing - Bonaire is a great place for bone fishing, as well
as big game fishing for sailfish, marlin, tuna, tarpon, wahoo, and
dorado. Bonaire hosts local and international fishing tournaments
