Bonaire Marine Park, Snorkel & Beach

Bonaire Marine Park is a magnificent and pioneering effort in the preservation of the Caribbean's invaluable underwater ecology. Today it ranks among the world's premier destinations for both divers and snorkelers.

This excursion will begin as you drive through Kralendijk, the main village of Bonaire. In Dutch, Kralendijk means "coral reef" or "coral dike". This diminutive cluster of red tile roofs hugging the island's western coast is Bonaire's lively capital. Its Dutch colonial houses, the Museo Boneriano, and Fort Oranje give a glimpse into the island's past, while the town's oceanfront promenade offers stunning sunset vistas and a fine prospect of Klein Bonaire (Little Bonaire). The main street is a browser's collection of dive shops, boutiques, arts and crafts galleries, restaurants and bars.

The tour will take you through the residential and resort areas. You will be able to enjoy the nature of Bonaire, as you are told about various trees and plants that were used for export in the past. Remnants of geological changes will be observed along the way. At the first stop, "1,000 steps", you will experience and enjoy your first snorkel opportunity in pristine waters as you view untouched and gorgeous marine life. "1,000 steps" is actually 67 staircase steps that separate the parking location from the beach. This is a dive site full of staghorn corals, as well as innumerable gorgonian corals of various types. In open water you will come face to face with different species of fish, and perhaps turtles, devil rays, dolphins, or whale sharks.

The excursion then heads south; on your way back to Kralendijk you will drive through the city center, and then on to the next snorkel stop at "Windsock" for another amazing underwater experience in beautiful waters. Located at the end of the runway off Flamingo Airport, it is named for the windsock that flies from a pole on the runway. This is another excellent snorkeling site where turtles and rays may be spotted.

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