Part of the ABC Island group, Bonaire is a diver’s paradise. Unlike most of the other Caribbean islands which are surrounded by coral reefs, Bonaire is actually a reef itself that sits atop of a submerged mountain. Shaped like a boomerang, this tiny nation is the second largest of the ABC Islands with a total land area of just 285 sq km.

Easily accessible from South America, Bonaire which is part of the Dutch or Netherlands Antilles sits roughly 81 km north of the coast of Venezuela, and is very close to the island of Curaçao. Untouched by modern development, Bonaire today maintains a very laidback and casual feel to it, as there is not much traffic or too many high rise resorts to be found out here. The pace of life on Bonaire is slow and unhurried, and with an easy going and friendly population, this tiny island offers something for everyone.

A tranquil destination and the perfect place to escape the more touristy crowds, this does not mean Bonaire is a sleepy place. The nightlife here is quite good. And with plenty of bars, clubs, shopping and a number of world class restaurants, there is much to do here after the sun sets. Not as ritzy as say Aruba, what Bonaire has to offer is something more special – an intimate meeting between man and nature in some of the most gorgeous settings on the planet. With most of Bonaire’s treasures lying beneath in its pristine turquoise blue waters, diving and snorkeling here is a true joy for one and all.

For the avid bird watcher, this island is an idyllic haven as well with over 200 species of birds found here. On Bonaire it is often said that the flamingoes here outnumber its spare population. So if you enjoy bird watching, grab your binoculars and your camera to catch a glimpse of not just flamingoes, but parrots, ans, hummingbirds, herons, snipes, parakeets and terns as welicll.

A zealous protector of its natural heritage, Bonaire was among the first Caribbean nations to get involved in ecotourism. Here spear-fishing is not allowed, and nor are divers allowed to disturb or destroy any coral or other living animals from the sea.