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The
Discover Bonaire program, based at Bonaire Dive & Adventure,
offers visitors to Bonaire the opportunity and means to explore
the island's multifaceted natural treasures, both above and below
water.
Trained naturalists are available to take you on guided tours of the island's numerous ecosystems, utilizing kayaks, mountain bikes, dive boats, air-conditioned vans, and even on foot. From the deepest reefs to the summit of Brandaris, Bonaire's tallest peak, the Discover Bonaire team can take you where you want to go. For travelers who prefer to go it alone, our fleet of sea kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, and mountain bikes are also available for rent. Bonaire's unique location off the Venezuelan coast attracts migratory birds in transit between North and South America. Bird watchers can also observe various species only found in this part of the Caribbean, such as the yellow-shouldered parrot. Bonaire officially has over 200 species of birds that have been sighted here. Join one of our Nature Tours with resident expert Jerry Ligon. Discover Bonaire also offers the Island Explorer Package. This is a five-day program that is ideal for families, couples, or individuals who wish to participate in the diverse activities and learning experiences that are available on Bonaire. "The guided cave tour was one of the highlights of this visit to Bonaire. The rock formations were spectacular and swimming in one of the cave's fresh water was a unique experience. We recommend a little time off from diving for the other adventures." Laura Salwen and Joe Colern - February 2008 Come Discover Bonaire with us!
The Island Explorer Package is a 5-day program that is perfect for families, couples, or individuals who wish to experience not only the plant and animal life, but also the history and culture of the beautiful island of Bonaire. You may choose any 5 activities from the following Island Explorer Adventures, to complete your package: Mangrove Kayaking - With a naturalist as your guide, explore the inlets and secret passageways of Lac Bay's mangrove forest, a vital habitat for many species of fish and other marine life. While gliding through the calm waters of this unique ecosystem, observe "upside down" jelly fish, soaring frigate birds, and dive bombing pelicans. Nature Tour - Bonaire is famous for it's many species of birds. Take a natural history ramble along a hiking path with Jerry Ligon, biologist and ornithologist. See Bonaire's 200 plus species of birds, many which are never spotted by the causal observer. Mountain Biking - Get off the beaten path and enjoy some of Bonaire's most superb vistas. Your guide will tell you about the local history, flora and fauna along the way. An optional challenging tour thru Washington-Slagbaai National Park is also available. Sea Kayaking - Tour the coastline of Bonaire or cross the channel to explore nearby Klein Bonaire. Experience in sea kayaking is required. Guided day expeditions are also available. Cave Exploration - With our expert as your guide, take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore the many cave systems on Bonaire. These are ancient wonders, some with lakes and tunnels and beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. You can even snorkel in the crystal clear underground lakes. Island Tour - This is a wonderful way to learn about the history and culture of Bonaire. You will visit Rincon, the oldest village on the island; view the ancient Indian inscriptions, take in beautiful vistas of the entire island and the Caribbean Sea. Flamingo sightings are guaranteed. Also included is a visit and explanation of the current salt works, and it's 200-year history. Flamingo sightings are guaranteed. Price: see price list. For
additional information: Nature
tours Our Nature Tour, led by local naturalist Jerry Ligon, is a delightful excursion into the countryside of Bonaire where you will be introduced to the flora and fauna of the island. Bird-watchers can observe over two hundred species of birds, including the endangered yellow-shouldered parrot and the Caribbean flamingo. Learn about the interplay of local culture and natural history involved with such species as the aloe plant and the poisonous castor bean. Discover why Bonaire is a nature lover's paradise above as well as below the water. Nature Tours are available on Friday (and by request). Price: see price list. Birding Birding trips, led by our staff naturalist Jerry Ligon, can be arranged by calling the diveshop at 717-2229. Arrangements to be picked up and dropped off afterward can be made when you call. If you are staying within walking distance from Bonaire Dive and Adventure Dive shop, please meet at 7am. We will be starting at 7am and finish at 12-12:30. Price: $ 52,50. Binoculars can be rented from Chat 'n Browse, which is located next to Lover's Ice Cream. Click here to download/view the most recent Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Bonaire. Click here for pictures of some of our birds. Price: see price list. Kayaking Whether
it's kayaking in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea or
exploring the secluded passageways of the Lac Bay mangroves, Bonaire's
ecological diversity, above water and below, offers something special
to each and every kayak adventurer. To ensure that your kayak adventure
is a true voyage of personal discovery, we offer programs that range
from novice to the highly challenging. Sit-On-Top
Kayaks Participants over the age of 12 are welcome for all programs that do not involve diving, whereas children under 12 are welcome at the instructors discretion. The minimum age for all kayak dive programs is 15 years. Sea
Kayak Models (Sit-In): Dagger, Magellan Dagger, Apostle Valley,
Sherray Current Designs, Storm Necky Kayaks, Amaruk. Proof of certification
on Sit-In models is required for rental. Price: see price list. Sit-On-Top Kayak Programs 2-HOUR
INTRODUCTORY COURSE Explore
the mangroves of Lac Bay on the windward side of the island, as
your guide leads you through passages that weave through canopied
waterways that serve as a breeding ground for both marine and bird
life. Glide past herons, pelicans and egrets, and scan the waters
for infant barracuda and upside-down jellyfish. Or move your adventure
to the equally tranquil environments on the leeward side of the
island that offer unique vistas of the coastline and access to areas
often inaccessible by road. Trip routes will be tailored to match
the skill level of the participants, as well as the weather conditions.
GUIDED 1/2 DAY KAYAK/SNORKEL The ideal combination on an active morning or afternoon of kayaking, is the chance to refresh yourself in the water while getting better acquainted with the wide variety of reef fish on Bonaire. The kayak and snorkel trip includes practical instruction on kayaking and kayak snorkeling, as well as an introduction to fish identification. Trip routes will be tailored to match the skill level of the participants, as well as the weather conditions. *Includes: kayak, guide end transportation. Snorkel equipment not included.
CUSTOM PADDLING FIELD TRIPS If
you can't chose between hiking, mountain biking, birding, or paddling,
why not let us design a customized 1-day tour that combines your
favorite activities! Price: see price list.
Did
you know there are over 200 caves on Bonaire? Exploring those caves
is one of the most adventurous activities that we offer at Bonaire
Dive and Adventure. The caves are pristine ancient wonders, with
beautiful stalagmites and stalactites and some with lakes and tunnels.
You can even snorkel in the crystal clear underground lakes. Price: see price list. Mountain biking Rental: A
perfect way to see Bonaire on our 24-speed Trek mountain- or tourbike..
See miles of unspoiled beauty, 200 species of birds, plants and
birds, breathtaking vistas overlooking Caribbean. There are over
300 kilometers of unpaved roads, and many more paved roads to explore.
Trail maps are available
for those wanting to venture out on their own. Stop to snorkel,
eat in the charming town of Rincon or picnic on the windward side
of the island. A perfect way to spend a day - or more. Prices:
see price list. Join
an experienced guide on-or off road along the beautiful coastal
road to Rincon, Goto Lake and/or the inland dirt roads in the hills
around Rincon. For the more experienced mountain biker we offer
a tour on the adventurous dirt roads in the Washington Slagbaai
Park. Guided excursions include refreshments, escort vehicle, and
nature interpretation.
Guided snorkeling This program is designed to give the participant a more in-depth look at the marine life inhabiting the reefs of Bonaire. A computer presentation covering the more common reef creatures is followed by a guided snorkel trip with one of our underwater naturalists. Subsequent snorkeling trips have varying destinations, including sites on Klein Bonaire. Visit the reef at night and learn about nocturnal creatures. Snorkel in the mangroves for a dramatic change of ecosystems. We also offer guided snorkeling trips from kayaks. This is truly an activity the whole family can enjoy. Prices:
see price list |
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