Monday, July 28, 2008

Wiske, Bonaire’s First Tracked Turtle in 2008, Nears Nicaragua

It’s been well over a month since The Bonaire Insider informed its readers about Wiske, the first nesting female turtle of 2008 to be outfitted with a tracking device. 

Wiske, a loggerhead turtle, has been on a continuous swim westward since first leaving Bonaire’s waters and is currently 320 km off the coast of Nicaragua. She is traveling at a daily rate of slightly over 80 km and has covered 1330 km since beginning her swim at Klein Bonaire.

When viewing the tracking map above, it can be seen that there’s a long period of time in the middle of the Caribbean when the tracking device was not sending signals.  This time-frame corresponds to when Hurricane Dolly was churning on the surface directly above the turtle, and signals were interrupted. (Source:  SCTB)

Friday, July 25, 2008

New On-line Source for Caribbean Coral Identification is Available

For those who wish to identify the hard, stony corals they see when diving Bonaire, or anywhere in the Caribbean region, for that matter, a new on-line source is available.

Published in English or Spanish by the Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP), viewers may download any one page (+/- 1.5 MB each), or the collection of 12 pages in a zipped file (18.5 MB).  Once downloaded, the pages can be printed and laminated to carry underwater.  Click here to access the site, and then choose either English or Spanish.

The CEP’s goal is to promote regional cooperation for the protection and development of the marine environment of the Wider Caribbean Region.  It is one of the UNEP-administered Regional Seas Programmes.  The CEP is managed by and for the countries of the Wider Caribbean Region through the Caribbean Action Plan (1981) outlining regional environmental challenges.  (Sources:  MINA and CEP)

Thursday, July 24, 2008

The 4th Annual Starboard Pro Kids Worlds Begin July 27, 2008

This weekend begins the fourth annual Pro Kids World Freestyle Windsurfing Championships at Lac Bay, sponsored by Starboard. 

Many young windsurfing superstars from around the world are already on Bonaire, practicing in Lac Bay’s perfect conditions.  The event will host a wide variety of activities during the upcoming week, with something for everyone.  View the schedule (in PDF format) by clicking here. (Source:  Pro Kids Web Site)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Delta Airlines Announces Special Introductory Fare on New Route to Bonaire of $239.00 Each Way

As we reported earlier today, Delta Airlines, the world’s second largest airline, is beginning new service from New York’s JFK to Bonaire and is offering a special introductory airfare of $239.00 each way.  The new service begins December 20, 2008.

The new fare is based on a round-trip purchase, and is available for sale through August 6, 2008 for travel between January 10 and April 4, 2009.  Additional taxes/fees/restrictions will apply.  This special fare is available for purchase only on www.delta.com or from a travel professional.  (Source:  TCB New York)

Note Update July 24, 2008: We’ve just been informed that, although the new route and special fare are in the Delta computer, they are still dealing with one glitch.  This is only apparent to those trying to book directly on www.delta.com.

When searching for the fare, you’re given a choice of either “price” or “schedule.” The default is “price”, however, this may not show the special fare or route.

However, if you choose the “schedule” option, then it displays properly and you’ll get the lowest fare.

We’re told Delta is scurrying to fix this, but for those trying to make plans and getting frustrated, this is the fix. (Source:  TCB-NY)

Delta Airlines Adds New Non-Stop Flight from New York’s JFK to Bonaire Starting December 20, 2008

Finally some great news on the North American airlift issue.  While many airlines are canceling flights or routes, Delta Airlines will announce today that they are adding a new non-stop route to Bonaire, beginning December 20, 2008 from New York’s JFK to Bonaire.

The new flight will depart and return each week on Saturdays, using a Boeing 737-800 jet which holds 160 seats.  The originating flight from JFK to Bonaire will depart New York at 10:30 AM, arriving in Bonaire at 4:25 PM.  The return flight from Bonaire to New York’s JFK airport will depart Bonaire at 5:15 PM and arrive at JFK at 9:05 PM.

This flight will be in addition to the weekly roundtrip service from Atlanta which Delta began last February.

Although seat capacity and routing is not yet available on the Delta web site, the Bonaire Insider has been assured that it should be loaded by Thursday, July 24th.  At that time, those interested in booking this new flight to Bonaire (just in time for the holidays) can visit the Delta web site by clicking here. (Source:  Delta Corporate Communications)

The Ribs Factory Launches New Web Site

The Ribs Factory, with restaurants on both Bonaire and Curacao, has just launched a new web site, showcasing their menu of grilled meats and burgers, and other menu items, including fish and Mexican dishes. 

The new web site gives an overview of the Bonaire restaurant and also provides highlights of the menu, which is available for lunch or dinner.  The Ribs Factory is locally well known for their baby back ribs and large, tasty burgers.  To view the new web site, click here.  (Source:  The Ribs Factory Web Site)

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Bonaire “Vanity” E-mails and Web Addresses Now Available from NetTech, N.V.

NetTech, N.V. today announced that vanity e-mails and web addresses are now available for the Bonaire aficionado with the use of the NetTech-owned Bonaire.Me domain.

”.Me domains are all about the people using the domains, and nothing will show a Bonaire lover’s affection for the wonderful island of Bonaire and its warm people more than using a Bonaire.Me e-mail address”, said Jake Richter of NetTech N.V., also known as ”jake@Bonaire.Me."

The new offering from NetTech provides e-mail hosting and optional sub-level domain urls with different levels of web hosting available and is perfect for those who wish to show their affiliation with the island Bonaire, located in the Dutch Caribbean. Of course, residents of Bonaire, Georgia in the U.S.A. are welcome to show their support for their town as well.

The Bonaire.Me e-mail hosting includes full anti-spam and anti-virus filtering on incoming e-mails, as well as the ability to access and send e-mails from anywhere in the world using either traditional POP3/SMTP services or NetTech’s own WebMail service.  Or, mail sent to a Bonaire.Me account can be forwarded to any other existing e-mail account. Bonaire.Me mail accounts may not be used for sending spam, however, as NetTech has a very strict rule about their services being used in such a fashion.

Pricing is as follows:
• E-mail hosting services cost only $49.00 per year, or $89.00 for two years.
• E-mail hosting services that include a sub-domain with redirection are $99.00 per year, or $179.00 for two years.
• E-mail hosting services and web hosting that include a sub-domain are $249.00.00 per year, or $439.00 for two years.
• E-mail hosting services and web hosting that include a sub-domain with a unique IP address are $399.00 per year, or $699.00 for two years.

The last two options include full web hosting on NetTech’s servers and an assortment of other benefits.  All rates are subject to 5% Sales Tax and a $50.00 set-up fee.  However, as an introductory special, the set-up fee is waived on new accounts through October 31st, 2008.  Any entity interested in having a Bonaire.Me e-mail or web account, may contact NetTech, N.V. by e-mailing info@Bonaire.Me to learn more about options and pricing or visit http://bonaire.me/aboutme.html.  (Source:  NetTech, N.V.)

Monday, July 21, 2008

Today Begins Scuba Diving Magazine Week on Bonaire

Join the staff of Scuba Diving magazine for a week of diving adventures with Executive Editor Keith Phillips, presentations and interactive dives with renowned photographer Steve Simonson, equipment demonstrations by Scuba Pro, dive trivia quizzes, and decompression happy hours.

Beginning today, Monday, July 21st, join Keith between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM at Captain Don’s Habitat.  Steve will also be on hand to present “Scuba Trivia” for the first time.

Daily events:

1) Frank Fennell will be conducting a daily, one-hour intro to digital underwater photography session using point and shoot digital cameras, exclusively at Captain Don’s Habitat. Underwater photography equipment will be provided to participants. There is no cost to participate in the course or for the use of the photo gear. Pre-registration is not required, however there is a limited amount of photo gear available, so reservations can be made at the dive shop.

The one day course will cover the following:
• Intro to digital photography
• Camera orientation
• Handling camera systems in the water
• Photo buoyancy control
• Basic rules of underwater photography
• Technical aspects of underwater photography

For those who would like more information on underwater photography, Frank will conduct an additional daily photo seminar that will cover more advanced photo techniques. These daily presentations will be conducted in the Habitat classroom and are free to all participants. These presentations are classroom only and have no water work or assignment components. No photo gear is provided for these sessions, but attendees are welcome to borrow photo gear at no charge if available.

2) Harry Ward will be offering free SCUBAPRO gear servicing each day from 4:30–6:30pm. Guests may also check out a new computer, mask, BC, etc. to try free of charge. Checked out items are to be returned the following day at the same time.

Two mini-clinics will be given during the week, one entitled “SCUBAPRO New Products for 2008” and another entitled “Regulator Design for Dummies.”

July 25: Closing Ceremony – The closing ceremony will take place during the Taste of Bonaire event.  (Source:  Bonaire Dive into Summer Web Site)

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Waterlands Village is a New Bonaire Property Available August 1st, Offers Introductory Special

On August 1st, 2008, Waterlands Village will open its doors to Bonaire’s visitors offering 24 cottages for holiday stays.

This new resort is located on a private lagoon with an open channel directly to the sea.  The cottages make use of Indonesian architecture, and many are located right next to the lagoon.  Some have been built with thoughtful details such as a private, outdoor shower area.  The units are in a lush garden area, with a surrounding beach, tropical swimming pool and sun decks, and seven private docks.  Waterlands Village is located just south of Kralendijk, near to the airport.  The resort is fully equipped for divers with easy proximity to many of the islands’ dive and snorkel spots; it is convenient to Lac Bay and the kiteboarding beach.

Waterlands Village is offering an introductory special which provides a 50% discount on vehicle rentals when booking a seven-night stay anytime between August 1st and December 1, 2008. Taxes are included, insurance is optional at additional cost. 

Friday, July 18, 2008

Bonaire’s Captain Don’s Habitat is First to Participate in STINAPA’s Get-Back-To-Tap-Water Campaign

Earlier this year we reported on the new STINAPA campaign to get visitors to Bonaire to get back to drinking tap water, in an effort to reduce the amounts of plastic trash filling the island’s landfill.  This week, Captain Don’s Habitat announced a new initiative in support of this campaign, being the first property to provide refillable plastic drinking bottles to each of their guests.

Effective July 15th, whenever new guests check in at the resort, they will receive a free sport water bottle with an explanation and recommendation to utilize Bonaire’s clean, great-tasting, desalinated sea water from the tap instead of purchasing commercially bottled water.

In conjunction with this effort, both Habitat and Rum Runners will cease the sale of commercially bottled water.  The bottles sport both Rum Runners and Habitat’s logo, have a wide opening to facilitate the addition of ice, have an extended contour grip neck, and are BPA free.  They are molded from 60 -70% home recycled plastic.  Extra bottles will also be available for purchase in the Capt’s Locker and at Rum Runners Restaurant for those guests that would like to have extras or to take home as gifts to friends and will also be available for those wishing to participate in reducing plastic waste on Bonaire, but whom are not staying at Habitat.  (Source:  Captain Don’s Habitat)