K4BAI is currently active as PJ4/K4BAI, from Bonaire Island.
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Bonaire Island is a tropical paradise in the Caribbean
Bonaire (Dutch: Bonaire) is an island in the Caribbean Sea and belongs to the Lesser Antilles group of islands. Bonaire, together with the nearby small islets, is part of the so-called Caribbean Netherlands.
Bonaire Island is a real paradise for tourists. The name of the island literally means “good air”, which fully characterizes it. Pristine nature, endless clean beaches covered with golden sand, palm trees - this is only a small part of what you will see when visiting this tropical corner. Every year the island is visited by fans of diving, exotic fishing and windsurfing from all over the world. The resort is ideal for family vacations - the island has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, numerous hotels, complexes and resorts are at the disposal of visitors.
Historical background
The indigenous people of Bonaire are the Cacetios Indians, the first representatives of whom settled on the island in the 10th century BC. The island was discovered by Spanish navigators in 1499, and since then, within just two decades, the indigenous population has declined dramatically. Some of the Indians were removed to other islands, and the remainder died out due to then incurable diseases introduced by the settlers.
For nearly a hundred years, only convicted and exiled settlers from Latin America lived on the island. However, life in the colonial world was very unstable and as early as 1633 the Spanish conquerors were forced out by the Dutch and for the next 158 years the island was under Dutch occupation. It was not until 1791 that Bonaire officially became part of the Dutch Empire.
Golden Warbler, Bonaire Island. Author - Marcelo JO.
Geography and nature of the island of Bonaire
Bonaire has a tropical maritime climate with slight temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The rainy season is from November to February.
The island has an elongated shape, and with an area of 290 square kilometers, its width is only 8 km, while in length the territory stretches for 40 km.
The relief of the island is mixed: in the north there are a lot of hills, which to the south gently go down. The vegetation on Bonaire is quite minimalistic and more like a desert landscape, which creates a spectacular contrast with the turquoise waters that frame the island. The fairytale atmosphere is complemented by local settlements with authentic small houses and picturesque gardens. The fact that the island is the least populated of the islands in the southern group of the Netherlands Antilles adds to its charm.
The fauna of Bonaire is represented by a colorful variety of exotic birds, of which there are more than two hundred species, as well as numerous feral goats that live their lives away from people. More remarkable are the sea creatures - at least 450 species of fish alone have been recorded in the coastal waters. Going underwater with scuba diving, you can see with your own eyes all the variety of marine life and plants, and if you are lucky, even meet one of the four species of sea turtles living here.
The best dive sites are south of Kralendijk, along a desert coastline of abandoned plantations and salt mines. And in the double reef area near Angel City, the wreck of the Hilma Hooker can be seen.
Sunset, Bonaire Island. Author - LarrynJill.
What does a tourist need to know?
To travel to the island of Bonaire, Russians need a visa and health insurance. You can get a visa for 30 days at the consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. If you plan to stay on the island longer than a month, you can extend the visa at the local police station.
Customs rules of Bonaire are loyal: except for the traditional ban on the import of weapons, drugs and other illegal things, there are no significant restrictions.
Local hotels and tourist complexes take one of the leading places in the world rating by the level of service and organization of leisure activities for visitors. If you have never scuba dived, but always dreamed of doing it, most hotels have special training centers with experienced instructors.
Beaches are mostly free and are open for free visit to all comers. The only paid beach belongs to the Harbour Village Resort complex, but even here the fee is symbolic, and for the guests of the resort, of course, the beach is free. Those who like to sunbathe without clothes can visit the closed beach for nudists Sorobon - it is the only place on Bonaire, where you can safely walk naked.
Among the municipal beaches is Playas Chiquitu near the Washington Slagbaai National Park. For families, the smaller, quieter beaches of Playas France and Boca Cocolishi, with their shallow coastal areas and slow currents, are suitable.
