What To Do
Sailboard with Elvis. Elvis Martinus and other world-class sailboarders offer expert instruction. Prices vary. Try Bonaire Windsurf Place, www.bonairewindsurfplace.com, or Jibe City, www.jibecity.com.
Snorkel or dive the reef. Tours, dive and snorkel packages, and equipment are available at dive shops throughout the island. Check out www.InfoBonaire.com/diveoperators.html.
Mountain bike past flamingos. Cycle Bonaire offers great bikes and trail maps. For more details, see www.infobonaire.com/cycling.html or www.geographia.com/bonaire/boncyc01.htm.
Kayak the twisted mangroves. Bonaire Boating runs a mangrove info and kayak center on the road to Lac Bay. Check out www.abc-yachting.com/English/ecotours.html. Find other kayak outfitters at www.infobonaire.com/kayaking.html.
Help protect the reef. Every second Saturday of the month, Green Submarine organizes and sponsors the Bonaire Monthly Underwater Clean-Up Dive. Vacationers are invited to join in and help pick up trash. For details, contact dive@greensubmarine.com.
Where To Stay
Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire. Captain Don’s has worked with the Philippe Cousteau Foundation and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution to install a septic system that prevents waste products from overfertilizing the reef. www.habitatbonaire.com.
Sand Dollar Condominium Resort. Hiking, birding, kayaking, and nature activities abound at this family-friendly oceanfront resort. On site is Bonaire Dive and Adventure, where guests can rent equipment, receive diving instruction, and sign up for numerous nature tours. www.sanddollarbonaire.com.
—J.W.