Page 42 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles

BONAIRE NATIONAL MARINE PARK NATURE FEE: The sea Bonaire and claimed the island for Spain. The Spaniards then took
around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire is protected and managed by the Caiquetios from Bonaire to Hispaniola and forced them to work
STINAPA. Bonaire Marine National Park surrounds the islands of as slaves. This left Bonaire virtually depopulated. In 1526 Juan de
Bonaire and Klein Bonaire from the high water mark to the depth of Ampues brought back some Caiquetios and some Venezuelan Indians
60 meters (200 feet). Users of the Marine Park, including snorkel- to work as laborers, raising cows, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and don-
ers, kayakers, and scuba divers must pay an entrance fee called “The keys on Bonaire. Also, convicts from the Spanish colonies in South
Nature Fee”. This fee provides funds to manage the park environ- America were brought to the island to work. In 1633 the island came
ment and guarantee Bonaire’s lasting success in nature protection under Dutch control. However, slavery wasn’t abolished until 1862.
and conservation. Your payment of $25 as a SCUBA diver, or $10 During World War II Bonaire was an internment camp for captured
as a nonSCUBA diver, covers admission for one calendar year to the Germans and Dutch Nazis. Wooden shacks confined 461 inmates
Bonaire National Marine Park as well as to the Washington Slagbaai between 1940 and 1947. After the war Bonaireans sought greater
National Park. SCUBA divers display the traditional round tag (see autonomy, which was granted by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands in
below) while non SCUBA divers will receive a diamond shaped tag. 1954, although the island remains a Dutch protectorate. Independ-
As a Nature Fee tag holder you may also enter the Washington Slag- ence brought a greater emphasis on tourism. The Nazi internment
baai National Park by simply showing the written receipt of purchase camps were converted into the Hotel Zeebad. A second hotel, the
of your tag and a picture ID. This tag suffices as a diver’s C-card. Bonaire Beach Hotel, was opened up in 1962 at Playa de Lechi. The
Photocopies are also accepted. A one-day pass is also available; for Flamingo Airport, originally constructed in 1955, was expanded in
SCUBA diving for $10. Non-SCUBA divers younger than 12 years 1972. In 1979 both Bonaire National Marine Park and Washington
and residents of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are exempt from Slagbaai National Park were established, ensuring the future survival
this fee. Note: Your Marine Park tag is non-transferable. of Bonaire’s wonderful natural attractions. Today Bonaire is a world
Where to get your STINAPA BONAIRE TAG: You can purchase your class dive destination and a world class cruiseship port.
tag at any water sports operation, from the Bonaire National Marine Side Two of Franko’s Map of Bonaire has a description of Bonaire’s
Park rangers, at the entrance of the Washington Slagbaai National town of Rincon:
Park, at the activity desk of your hotel or accommodation, or at the RINCÓN HISTORY: The town of Rincón was settled by the Spanish
STINAPA BONAIRE headquarters at Barcadera in Kralendijk. in the 16th century, chosen because of its protected location in a val-
Side Two of Franko’s Map of Bonaire has the following information ley. The Dutch took over in the 17th century, using Rincón to house
on Bonaire’s history: African slaves. Slave quarters, rising no higher than a man’s waist and
BONAIRE HISTORY: Bonaire was first inhabited by the Caiquetios, built entirely of stone, still stand in the area around Rincón. Today
who sailed across from what is now Venezuela about 1,000 years the town welcomes tourists to enjoy good food and merry drinks at
ago. In 1499, Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci co-discovered several fine bars and restaurants.