My Holiday
11 september 2001I went to Bonaire for two weeks. Staying at the Captain Don's Habitat resort. I made several dives a day and even followed a video course. Maybe it was not the most spectaculardiving but the relaxed atmosphere, the beatiful caribean weather and beatiful surrounding made it to one of the most enjoyable holidays.Location
Bonaire belongs to the Caribbean group of islands, which spans from the northern point of South America up to Florida, USA. This large island group is often referred to as the "West Indies" or the "Antilles" lies in the Caribean sea which is a part of the Atlantic ocean. Bonaire has two islands: Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. Bonaire is a small coral island, only 20 miles (32 km) long and 3-7 miles (5-11 km) wide. Bonaire was part of the Netherlands Antilles until the country's dissolution on 10 October 2010, when the island became a special municipality within the country of the Netherlands.[Geography
Bonaire is located in an upwelling of the Atlantic Ocean. Cool, nutrient-rich ocean water rises from the deep to the surface near Bonaire. This water is rich with plankton and other nutrients, making the reefs near Bonaire some of the most spectacular in the world. This water also is cool. Cool water from the ocean's depths reduces rainfall, making Bonaire a dry, desert island.Language
English is widely spoken, though the island's official language is Dutch. Locals speak Papiamento, a mix of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, French, English and African languages.Climate
Bonaire is known for its warm climate, with temperatures hovering around 82°F (27,5°C). The water temperature averages 80°F (26,5°C). It's warmest in August and September, coolest in January and February. The average rainfall is 22 inches (56cm), and December to March are the rainiest months. Like all Dutch ABC islands, Bonaire lies outside the hurricane belt, which comes as a relief to many visitors planning to visit the Caribbean during the hurricane season.Diving conditions
Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean. Because the waters around Bonaire are designated as an official marine park, diving Bonaire is like diving the Caribbean the way it used to be - untouched and unspoiled. The island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rainfall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and livable year round. It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers. Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F (25.6-28.9°C), with visibility often averaging over 100 feet(30m), and frequently, up to 150 feet (55m).Time difference
-5 hrs GMT
