Bonaire is a Dutch island famous for her love of nature and eco tourism. Exiting our ship, we walked between the buildings.
Straight to a taxi stand where rates are posted for island tours and specific locations.
They advertised north tours focusing on nature or south tours focusing on businesses, homes and salt manufacturing.
We avoided the “official” taxi stand and walked toward some tents where locals were selling a wide variety of tours. Scuba diving, “Sorry, no.” Bicycle tours? “Ummm…no thanks.” Three hour north/south island tour? “This looks promising.”
The company is Sunrise tours and they offered a mini bus and promised AC. He already had another couple committed to the tour, so he used them as bait to lure others in. He had a “trip advisor recommended” sign in his area, and the other couple said they purposely looked him up because of reviews they read. It took about 20 minutes for our group to form, and then we walked a few feet to board the bus.
Our guide was Suzy. She was not as friendly and animated as the guy who sold us the tour, but she knew her info and gave a good tour. The owner stayed at the tent to organize a second tour.
Suzy explained that Bonaire is like a vast nature preserve. There are no high rises. The water is clean and clear. No sewage and no trash go into the ocean. They have nature police, and litter is fined heavily. Suzy said that it is expensive to live in Bonaire because everything is imported except for seafood and goat meat; however, health care and education are free. Divers flock here year round.
Our first stop was at the 1000 steps.
It is actually only 78 steps, but divers carrying their gear say it feels like 1000!
We got out of the bus, enjoyed the view, and saw divers, snorkelers and a sea turtle in the water.
Along the drive we saw cactus fences. What a great idea!
We approached a shallow salt water lake. Small brine shrimp flourish in these waters, so a flamingo sanctuary was developed.
People are not allowed out of vehicles. Every few feet lies a yellow rock painted with a warning not to enter the area.
Our restroom stop was at Cadushy Distillery, where bright green cactus liquor is distilled.
Cactus liquor? “No, thanks.” Cold water and restroom. “Yes, please.” I like their signs.
I find it interesting that a playground is provided on the distillery grounds.
We had a little time to walk around the small town where the distillery is located.
Next our guide drove past the “above ground salmon patty” What? Oh …..Above ground cemetery. Her accent is a little thick to my southern ears.
After our tour north, we headed south past the bright pink Flamingo Airport.
This small airport has daily flights from Holland and neighboring islands and weekend flights from the U.S. The airport is convenient to Millionaires’ Row – where homes cost $1 million plus. Across the street from the airport are car rentals, dive shops, supermarkets, and there is also a brand new Courtyard by Marriott nearby.
A Minnesota company owns the salt industry in Bonaire. 500,000 tons of salt are produced per year. A ship is here on-loading salt which will go to Trinidad to be processed into table salt. Otherwise, it will be transported north to become road salt.
These beautiful white salt mountains appear to arise out of a pink lake. The water turns pink as the water “evaporizes” -or so our driver says.
African slaves worked the salt flats from 1840 – 1863. These slave huts testify to their horrible life. Now, people working in salt have a good salary and benefits.
The coastline is rocky and much of the beach near the salt area is made up of coral stone.
After the tour we were given the option to be dropped off at a shopping area or taken directly to the ship. We chose to walk among the street vendors and look around at some of the shops.
I found my Christmas ornament: a pink flamingo and purchased a postcard to mail back home.
My overall impression: I know this sounds crazy, but other than dust and dirt, Bonaire is very clean. Litter is non-existent, and nature is preserved. If I were a diver, I’m sure I would love to return again and again..
If I ever return to Bonaire….
I might choose to go on a glass bottom boat eco cruise and visit the marine park. A scenic cruise along the coastline would provide an entirely different view of the island.