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Bonaire Hotels European Plan
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Introduction to Bonaire
Bonaire is also a bird-watcher's haven,
where flamingos nearly outnumber the sparse human population. There
are about 200 different species of birds -- not only the flamingo,
but also the big-billed pelican, parrots, snipes, terns, parakeets,
herons, and hummingbirds. A pair of binoculars is an absolute
necessity.
Bonaireans zealously protect their precious
environment. Even though they eagerly seek tourism, they aren't interested in
creating another Aruba, with its high-rise hotel blocks. Spearfishing isn't
allowed in its waters, nor is the taking or destruction of any coral or other
living animal from the sea. Unlike some islands, Bonaire isn't just surrounded
by coral reefs -- it is the reef, sitting on the dry, sunny top of an underwater
mountain.
Boomerang-shaped Bonaire is close to the coast of
Latin America, just 81km (50 miles) north of Venezuela. Part of the Netherlands
Antilles (an autonomous part of the Netherlands), Bonaire has a population of
about 10,000 and an area of about 290 sq. km (113 sq. miles). The capital is
Kralendijk (Kroll-en-dike). It's most often reached from its neighbor island of
Cura?o, 48km (30 miles) to the west; like Cura?o, Bonaire is desertlike, with
a dry and brilliant atmosphere. Often it's visited by day-trippers, who rush
through in pursuit of the shy, elusive flamingo. Its northern sector is hilly,
tapering up to Mount Brandaris, all of 236m (774 ft.). However, the southern
half, flat as a pancake, is given over to bays, reefs, beaches, and a salt lake
that attracts the flamingos.
Additional Information about travel to Bonaire
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