Hard to believe we've been here almost a week. We walked through town, kayaked, and snorkeled the reefs. To preserve the coral, there is no anchoring anywhere in Bonaire, so all cruising boats must either pick up one of the 42 moorings off town or go to a marina. Boats do come and go, but many stay for months during hurricane season as the island is so far south. We were glad a mooring was available for us. There are still some -- seems there are about 30 cruising boats here on any day. It is an international group. Our neighbors are Dutch, German, and British. Down the anchorage there are some American, French, Canadian, and even a Brazilian boat.
Diving is big here, and many of the reef / wreck attractions are so deep, they are only for divers. Snorkelers looking to find cool stuff must make a little more effort. We’ve snorkeled three different locations so far -- one off the beach near the airport, and two off Klein Bonaire, a smaller island a half mile away. All three were great, though the fish and coral are definitely better at Klein. Not only are all the fish HUGE, but there are millions of them. And the coral formations are really varied. We’ve seen fish we haven’t seen anywhere else in the Caribbean like the white-spotted filefish (which is bright orange and brown) and the midnight parrotfish (had to be over two feet long). We’ve also seen turtles (several swimming around our boat too) and French angelfish as well as the usual suspects that you’ll see on most reefs, like pufferfish, chromis, wrasses, parrotfish, trumpetfish, damselfish, butterflyfish, bar jacks, schoolmaster snappers, Spanish hogfish and sergeants major. Its a bit overwhelming -- but after each outing, you can’t wait till the next one. Good thing we have the time!
Kralendijk, Bonaire: 12d09.186’N 68d16.744’W
Wow, great photos guys.You still there or have you moved on? Hot, hot, hot here in DC. Hope all is well.
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