About Bonaire, Answer to where is Bonaire and more...

I had never heard of Bonaire until we got interested in diving.  So I'll assume for now that you probably hadn't heard of it either until I sent you my blog posts.  "It's just off the coast of Venezuela..." is my usual explanation, but here is a map to better clear up any confusion. 

Part of the Dutch Lesser Antilles, Boanaire is the smallest of the three ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao).  Only 111 square miles, Bonaire is approximately 24 miles long and ranges from 3 to 7 miles wide.  Formed by volcanic action in relatively recent geologic times, the high point on the island, Bandaris Hill is only 780 feet above sea level.  Rising and falling sea levels over time helped add to the island's surface area as fringing coral reefs adhered to the core volcano.  Ancient coral reefs are evident over much of the surface area of the island as exposed limestone/fossilized coral formations.  You are never more than steps away from the reef as it encircles the island and is the star attraction for the thousands of scuba divers that visit Bonaire every year.  

Susan checks out the entry to our own private dive site just outside our beachside condo at the Lighthouse Beach Resort.  In the background is the island's high point, Bandaris Hill.

 
Lighthouse Beach.  The reef starts about 100 yards offshore, where the water turns deep blue.

We had a torrential downpour Saturday night, so it seemed like a good idea to take Sunday off from diving to show Charles around the island.

Downpour left flats flooded.

The rain filled the many sloughs and flats around the island, causing some concern about mosquito breeding.  It had been very dry and mosquito numbers relatively low.  We learned that the breeding cycle of mosquitos varies from five to forty days depending on the species.  We're seriously hoping the water evaporates in the next few days!

Beach and hillside villas like this modest Pueblo Bonaire home offer choice ocean views north of the main town Kralindijk.

Well-known dive site, 1000 steps.  Though only 70 steps down, it feels like 1,000 coming back.

The other big employer on Bonaire after tourism and salt, Bonaire Petroleum.  Tankers carrying Venezuelan oil off-load at the BPCO terminal day and night.

 Rincon, the number two town on the island sits on the windward side of the island.  It is number one, however, in great grilled chicken, goat and iguana stew.  We like this little eatry, also known as the Rosa Cafe.

Charles samples the plato tipico.

Add a couple of cold beers and you have another satisfied customer. 

The windward "iron shore" offers few easy dive entry sites.  We hurried back to our side of the island anxious to resume our diving.