Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 06/2016 | Page 37

MUST-DO’S

While the underwater realm
is the key reason people
come here, there are many
other attractions. On first
view, Bonaire strikes one as
dry, flat and barren. But this
is very deceptive – from the
otherworldly, multi-pinkhued salt flats in the south
to the protected environs of
Washington-Slagbaai National
Park in the north, there is a
great deal to see. Huge flocks
of pink flamingos; large, bright
green iguanas; and many
tropical birds can be enjoyed.
There is also world-class
windsurfing on the eastern side
and some fascinating, if grim,
remnants of the island’s dismal
history of slavery.

WASHINGTON SLAGBAAI
NATIONAL PARK

06

This natural must-see is at
the northern end of Bonaire
comprising 20 percent of the
entire landmass of the island.
When the previous owner of

© Wikipedia Commons/ Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble

The entire area is
a national park
with white sand
beaches and all
the Caribbean reef
fish and creatures
on your doorstep

one of the two plantations
that used to be worked here
passed away in 1969, his
legacy was to the people, the
condition being that it must
remain undeveloped. In 1979,
the Slagbaai land plantation
was negotiated and added to
create the national park.
This protected zone serves
as a nesting ground for all four
species of sea turtles found
in the Caribbean and is also
home to several of the island’s
land-based dive sites. The best
way to explore is to hire a car
or truck, as is true for all the
land-based dive sites on the
island, apart from your resort’s
house reef. Car hire here
is plentiful and reasonably
priced. Roads are rough in
the park and the terrain is
mostly tropical desert filled
with cactuses and birds. A
small information centre,
museum and café are at the
entrance. From here, take
one of two drives: either a 2.5hour, 34-kilometre route, or a
1.5-hour, 24-kilometre route.
There are many picnic and
swimming stops along the way
and a small café at one of the
stunning remote beaches.

07 There is world-class

windsurfing on the
eastern side

07