PJ4DX Team will be active from Bonaire Island, IOTA SA - 006, in CQ WW 160m SSB Contest, 22 - 24 February 2019.
Team - PJ4NX, PJ4KY, PJ4DX, PJ4/PD2RF.
Recent DX Spots PJ4DX
PJ4DX Log search They will operate in MO Category.
QSL via M0URX, OQRS, LOTW.
Bonaire
The location of the Caribbean island of Bonaire is 80 kilometers north of Venezuela. It is part of the Netherlands Antilles. The area of this paradise is 320 square kilometers. Tourists come here for the scenery of nature untouched by civilization and water activities: diving, windsurfing and snorkeling. Visitors stay in a small number of hotels, lovers of local cuisine will appreciate the menu of local restaurants and eateries. The population of the island is about 15.5 thousand people. The largest city and the center of economic development is Kralendijk.
A little history
There are records of the Kaketios Indian tribes as the discoverers of the island of Bonaire. Bonaire. These records date back to the 10th century BC. Europeans landed on this land only in 1499. And for a dozen years of dominance of colonizers most of the indigenous people were colonized or died of epidemics.
The next century the island was inhabited by settlers from South America, and numerous herds of cattle wandered back and forth. The first settlements of the island appeared on the site of the modern town of Rincon and in Antriol. In 1633 Bonaire was occupied by the Dutch. The land became officially subordinate to the crown only since 1791.
Important details
The official currency on Bonaire is the American dollar. The island has its own international airport. Foreigners are allowed to buy and sell local land without any restrictions. The flexibility of the taxation system makes the region attractive for investment.
Dutch, or Dutch, is considered the official language. But the Spanish and English are perfectly understood by the locals and those by them. 80% of the gross domestic product of the region is income from tourism. Statistically speaking, more than 0.5 million travelers from all over the world come to the island every year.
How to get to the island
To get to Bonaire, just buy a ticket to the local Flamingo Airport, which receives daily flights from South America, Europe and the USA. The coloring of the facade of the airport building is bright pink, like the plumage of a flamingo.
Customs subtleties
The absence of restrictions on imported and exported currency does not exclude the declaration of amounts exceeding the equivalent of 20 thousand ANG. Persons who have crossed the 21-year-old threshold may bring into the country no more than 10 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars. The limit for alcohol is 1 liter for strong drinks and 3 liters for beer. Perfumes and perfumes can be imported in any volume.
It is forbidden to bring to the island:
- explosives in any form;
- weapons;
- drugs;
- potent medicines.
Customs will require a special permit for art and antiques.
Tourist Paradise
The year-round warm waters and rich underwater flora are a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Yachting and windsurfing are also very popular due to the constancy of the winds, which rarely change their strength and direction. Many hotels have their own diving schools with their own equipment, taught by world renowned instructors.
Rains come to Bonaire at the end of October and go until early February. But bad weather catches up with the island only at night, which does not dampen the mood of vacationers and does not reduce the peak of tourist activity. The climate of the region is mild tropical, maritime.
Most of the beaches belong to municipalities, so they are free to visit. Exception - the territory of the resort called Harbour Village Resort, where citizens not residing in the hotel pass for money. And another thing - there is a nudist beach on the island, it is the only one and also paid - Sorobon.
Here are a few beaches in Bonaire that may be of interest to visitors to the Netherlands:
- Playas Chiquitu in the Washington-Slagbaai National Park. Swimming here should be done with caution: the currents are strong and the waves are high;
- Playas Funchi in the northwestern part of the island - attractive for divers;
- Boca Slagbaia with its rocky coastline and houses built near the water in the 19th century;
- Playas France in the national park - a small but quiet enough stretch of land for a beach vacation;
- Boca Cocolichi - a unique beach punctuated by shallow lagoons;
- Boca Bartol Beach, a place that seems to be made for snorkeling;
- Sausend Steps - the most difficult to access of all the above. But also the most beautiful;
- Pink Beach - a popular tourist vacation spot, well landscaped and distinguished by excellent infrastructure.
Island attractions
The capital of Bonaire is the main port of the country, from the sea just visible a few high-rises in pastel colors. In Kralendijk are located all government offices, large shopping centers, fashionable hotels and restaurants. Fort Orange with its Museo Boneriano Museum and stone lighthouse is a landmark of the capital.
The oldest settlement in Bonaire is Rincon. It was this settlement that was founded by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Modern Rincon is a small town with a single gas station and 1 pay phone.
Klein Bonaire is an uninhabited island called Little Bonaire. The location of this island is interesting - it is located inside the crescent formed by its larger counterpart. Interesting fact - on the small land still preserved the walls of the huts of local slaves. The island was bought out only in 1999. The World Wide Fund for Nature for 9 million guilders.
Sea fun
The water around Bonaire is so clear that divers can see perfectly at a depth of 30-50 meters. The temperature of the natural pool is between +25°C and +29°C. When diving, lovers of the underwater world can enjoy contemplation of steep walls lined with corals of various species. The diversity of fauna and flora living in these waters, shocks the imagination of even experienced scuba divers:
- more than 450 species of fish;
- 4 types of sea turtles;
- about 7 dozen algae.
An interesting detail: Bonaire Island is surrounded by a ridge of corals, forming a single reef. It has been under state protection since 1979, having the status of a National Marine Park. The size of this ecological object is from the water surface and down to a depth of 60 meters.
By land, you can go on safari or jeep tours to the eastern part of the island, closer to Washington Slagbaai National Park.
Sailing is also very popular on the island. The “right” wind blows here 12 months of the year. The main places for windsurfing are Kralendeika Bay, Sorobon Beach and Lac Bay. The latter is a shallow bay, protected by nature itself - high rocks. Around this place there are many stores selling professional equipment.
December-August windsurfer competitions are held on Bonaire Island. October is the time for sailing regatta.
Important detail: it is forbidden to anchor yachts, sailing boats and ships in the Kralendijk Bay Marine National Park.
