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 six-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! Discover Bonaire / Island Explorer Package Nature tours Birding Kayaking Mountain biking Guided snorkeling Landsailing

Discover Bonaire / Island Explorer Package

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.

Land sailing - Bonaire's newest adventure experience involves the fast paced excitement and adrenalin rush of learning to race your own "land sailer", a safe, easy to learn sport utilizing a sturdy 3 wheeler with sail across wide open tracks.

Sunset Kayaking - Take a quiet, reflective, 2-hour trip along the water front of Kralendijk, and return while seeing the beautiful sunset from a new perspective!

Price: see price list.

For additional information:
E-mail: info@bonairediveandadventure.com
Phone & Fax: International: (011) 599-717-2227
On Bonaire - Phone/fax: 717-2227; Phone only: 717-2229

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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.

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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. Back to top

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. A wide variety of kayak routes are available.

Sit-On-Top Kayaks

For paddlers interested in a kayak offering exceptional stability, nothing beats a sit-on-top kayak. The open cockpit design allows even the inexperienced paddler to enter and exit from the shore, dock, or water with ease. Sit-on-top kayaks are very easy to use and very forgiving. There are no Eskimo rolls or wet exits - so paddle away! Enjoy the easy exploration of the coastline and secluded beaches of Bonaire's northern shores, or the inlets and secret passageways of the Lac Bay mangroves, where bird life and fish life vie for your attention! The sit on-top kayaks offer a program for every member of the family.

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.
Sit-on-top Models: Ocean Kayaks: Scrambler XT, Drifter, Aegean

Price: see price list.

Sit-On-Top Kayak Programs

2-HOUR INTRODUCTORY COURSE
This course will cover the basics on how to transport, enter and exit the kayak, and maneuver the boat with basic skills, and basic water safety.
*Includes: kayak and guide.

SUNSET KAYAK TRIP
There is no better place to watch the sun dip into the ocean, than from the water itself. After learning basic kayak strokes, enjoy a relaxing and gentle paddle along the coastline as the sun slowly disappears. Trips available on Wednesday nights only.
*Includes: kayak and guide.

KAYAK DIVING CERTIFICATION
Earning a Kayak Specialty Diving Certification was never more fun and easy! No long classroom sessions, and no exams! The course includes 2 dives following basic instruction on the fundamentals of kayak diving.
*Prerequisites: Open Water Diver Certification. Includes: kayak, tanks and instruction - Scuba equipment not included.

INDEPENDENT KAYAK DIVES
For divers who have a Kayak Diver Specialty Certification, our coastline is open! Our Kayak Dive Instructors will help you select the dive sites best suited for your independent exploration based on your experience level, entry access, and weather conditions.
*Includes: kayak only based on hourly rates. Tanks and scuba equipment not included.

GUIDED 1/2 DAY KAYAK TRIP

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. *Includes: kayak, guide and transportation.

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! *Includes: kayak, bike rental, guide and transportation. Price: see price list. Back to top

Mountain biking

A perfect way to see Bonaire above water. See the miles of unspoiled beauty which is Bonaire: over 200 species of birds, cactus forests, breathtaking vistas overlooking Caribbean flora and wildlife. There are over 300 kilometers of unpaved roads and many more paved roads to explore. Guided excursions are available; for those wanting to venture out on their own, trail maps can guide you. 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.

All bicycles are TREK Model 21 or 24 speed and maybe used both on and off road. Ideal for exploring the natural beauty of Bonaire that is "off the beaten track". All rentals include water bottles, lock, helmet, repair and first aid kits. Orientations to both trails and general routes are available. Bicycles are available in sizes 16", 18", 19.5", and 21" frames. Credit card deposit is required.

Excursions: Guided excursions include refreshments, escort vehicle, and nature interpretation.
Prices: see price list.

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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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Landsailing

Recently, a new exciting activity has sprouted on Bonaire. Bonaire is happy to have the always-present trade winds to use for windsurfing and kite surfing. Now, the world's biggest track for land sailing has been built on the windward side of the island. Bonaire's newest adventure experience involves the fast paced excitement and adrenalin rush of learning to race your own Blokart land sailor, a safe, easy to learn sport utilizing a sturdy 3-wheeler with sail across wide open tracks.

Bonaire Dive & Adventure is very proud to announce that this action packed land sailing has been added to their list of activities.

Price: see price list.

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