Thursday, June 11, 2009

Second Annual Bonaire Barracuda International Open Water Swim Competition is Sunday, June 14, 2009

Following up on a fantastic first event in 2008, the Barracuda Swim Club of Bonaire will host a second open water swim on Sunday, June 14, 2009.

The races will include a 500m swim for all age categories and 1.5km, 2.5km, and 5km swims, all for those 11 years and older.  The first race will begin at 7:30 AM, with the remaining races following during the morning.  The races and final awards ceremony will take place at Kas di Regatta on the oceanfront promenade. 

The Barracuda Swim Club members are purists, so no snorkels or fins allowed.  There is a large group of swimmers coming from Curacao, and team competitions have also been introduced (2 men and 2 women per team) this year as well, so it should make for an interesting competition.

Snacks and beverages will be available along with musical entertainment.  It’s a great way to spend a morning in the Bonaire sunshine, cheering on the home-team!  All are invited to come out and watch the races.  (Source:  Bonaire Barracuda Swim Club)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Enter to Win a Trip for Two to Bonaire During “Celebrate Our Planet Week” This Summer

Picture yourself diving or snorkeling with Dr. Sylvia Earle and learning about the most thriving fish population in the Caribbean, or sitting at the Deco Stop Bar at Captain Don’s Habitat waiting for the infamous green flash. If this sounds like a great vacation, then don’t miss this opportunity to win a trip for two to Bonaire by participating in the on-line contest to be a part of “Celebrate Our Planet Week.”

"Celebrate Our Planet Week,” part of Bonaire’s third annual Bonaire Dive Into Summer program, will take place August 15-22, and Bonaire will be hosting famed oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, who was named Time magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet” in 1998. During her stay Dr. Earle will lead a series of themed dives and activities and will participate in several on-island events designed to highlight Bonaire’s continued leadership in sustainable tourism.

Those wishing to enter the contest need only to log on to www.tourismbonaire.com, and fill out the form to enter to win a memorable vacation for two people that includes an 8-day/7-night hotel stay at Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire including room, transfers, daily buffet breakfast, welcome drink, 6 days unlimited shore diving, and complimentary airfare on Continental Airlines, the Airline Event Sponsor for “Celebrate Our Planet Week.” For more information on the contest’s rules and regulations log onto to www.tourismbonaire.com/celebratecontest.

Captain Don’s Habitat is an oceanfront dive resort and “Home of Diving Freedom” on Bonaire. Guests enjoy the laid back, relaxing atmosphere, oceanfront restaurant, bar and pool, wireless Internet, day spa, kayaks, and 24/7 unlimited diving freedom. The dive operation is a full-service, SDI/TDI Professional Development Center and PADI Training Facility.

Bonaire Dive Into Summer, a 4-month program (June 1 – September 30, 2009) features an array of activities for divers, adventurers, and sunseekers. The program for Bonaire Dive Into Summer offers visitors the flexibility to enjoy their planned vacation on-island, and as an added bonus, the option to take part in special dives, eco-oriented activities, and festivals, which practically guarantees fun and educational experience in Bonaire.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

“Dinner and a Movie” Now Available at Paradise Moon

Paradise Moon, one of Bonaire’s newest eateries, is launching an old-time favorite here on Bonaire.  “Dinner and a Movie” will now be held each Thursday night at 8:00 PM at the restaurant located on the north side of the Harbour Village Marina.

The free movie night provides for some classic college-type movies that are light and funny, such as Cheech and Chong Up in Smoke, Airplane, Caddy Shack, and The Jerk. 

The restaurant is open for dinner from Sunday through Friday and offers a tempting drink, dinner, and dessert menu.  (Source:  Paradise Moon)

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Kids Windsurfing Clinics to be Held in July, August, and October, 2009

Jibe City is pleased to offer their popular Summer Kids Clinics again during July, August, and October, 2009.  These clinics are for children ages 7 through 17, with beginner and intermediate instruction offered by Jibe City’s teaching staff in the shallow and protected waters of Bonaire’s Lac Bay.

The winds in Lac Bay are onshore and the water is a comfortable temperature, so many say Lac Bay is the best place in the world to learn to windsurf.  These clinics offer the perfect opportunity to have the kids learn to windsurf, while parents can enjoy the island themselves with either surfing, kiting, or diving.

The clinics include:

- Three morning windsurf lessons under supervision of professional instructors
- All windsurf equipment for three mornings
- Jibe City surf shirt
- STINAPA Nature fee tag
- Lunch at the Hang Out bar

Dates for the clinics are July 6-8, July 13-15 (freestyle only), July 20-22, July 27-29, August 3-5, and October 19-21.  Times are from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM each morning.  Cost is $200.00 per child.  Those interested in participating should email by clicking here.  Accommodation packages are also available.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Full Moon Walk in Washington Slagbaai National Park is June 6, 2009

As part of the overall festivities celebrating Bonaire’s National Parks’ anniversaries, STINAPA Bonaire, the foundation managing the parks, has announced there will be a full-moon walk in Washington Slagbaai National Park on Sunday evening, June 6, 2009.

This is a welcome opportunity to explore the park at night when it is normally closed and as the full moon rises.  Those interested should meet at the entrance to the park at 8:00 PM.  The walk will take about two hours; please be sure to bring a flashlight.  Participation is free, but those interested do need to pre-register by calling STINAPA at 717-8444. (Source:  STINAPA Bonaire)

Note Update June 5, 2009: The Insider apologies for any confusion, the walk is indeed June 6th, 2009, which is Saturday evening.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Bonaire Kicks off Summer with Third Annual Bonaire Dive Into Summer Program

Tourism Corporation Bonaire is pleased to announce the program highlights for Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2009. This four month program (June 1- September 30, 2009) features an array of activities for divers, adventurers and sun seekers. 

The program for Bonaire Dive Into Summer offers visitors the flexibility to enjoy their planned vacation on-island, and as an added bonus, the option to take part in special dives, eco-oriented activities, and festivals, which practically guarantees a fun and educational experience in Bonaire.

Additionally, visitors will be given the opportunity to participate in Bonaire’s Signature Event Week “Celebrate Our Planet Week,” which will take place August 15-22, and Bonaire will be host to famed oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, who was named Time magazine’s first “Hero for the planet” in 1998. During her stay, Dr. Earle will lead a series of themed dives and activities and will participate in several on-island events designed to highlight Bonaire’s continued leadership in sustainable tourism.

Bonaire Dive Into Summer will also feature specially priced packages for various happenings, specialty topics, and one-of-a-kind events. Here’s a look at some of the showcase activities taking place during Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2009:

-- The Fifth Bonaire Heineken Jazz Festival: where a variety of music styles will be heard around the island when internationally famous musicians mingle with the island’s local bands.

-- Eighth Digital Shoot Out: Visitors can improve their underwater photography skills at the 8th Annual Digital Shootout. They can learn the latest digital imaging techniques from some of the industry’s top professionals while diving in the legendary waters of Bonaire.  Daily seminars and hands-on help from the pros will teach people everything they need to know to take their photography to the next level. The host hotel for this event is the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino.

-- First IFCA Slalom World Championship: IFCA Windsurf Slalom World Championship Junior, Youth and Masters.  This is a full-week event with exciting races at Lac Bay/Sorobon. Daily activities range from happy hours, entertainment at the beach, BBQs, and more. Professional, international, and local windsurfers will compete during this week.

-- Fifth Annual Starboard Pro Kids Freestyle World Championship: Visitors can watch well known international windsurfers as they show their amazing freestyle skills at Lac Bay/Sorobon.  The event features some of windsurfing’s best freestyle talent, the best judges, and key personalities of the windsurfing world.

-- Free Diving Bonaire 2009:  Famous free-diver, Karol Meyer, has, among her conquests, 4 world records, 2 continental records, and 22 South American records in this sport. Next to numerous recognitions, she works together with NAUI and PADI and appears as a key speaker at various events. This year Karol will attempt a new record in Bonaire. Karol and her team will be in Bonaire from July 25th to August 30th. Her free time will be dedicated to training, making a film of Bonaire, carrying out a free-dive competition, and giving free diving clinics. The host hotel for this event is Buddy Dive Resort.

-- Underwater and land cleanups: Join in the fun and help clean up the world. There will be a variety of underwater and shoreline cleanups where everyone is welcome.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Monday, June 01, 2009

CIEE (Bonaire) Announces Next Public Lectures for June, 2009

CIEE will be presenting two additional public lectures in the first half of June, on Thursday, June 4 and also on Wednesday, June 10, 2009.

The first lecture will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 4, 2009, and is entitled “Coral Reef Conservation: Perspectives on a Possible Future.” This lecture will be presented by Dr. Mark Vermeij, of CARMABI (Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity) in Curacao.

The following lecture will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, and is entitled “Coral Reefs, Climate Change and Resilience” presented by Dr. Gabriel Grimsditch of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

Both lectures will be conducted at the CIEE Research Station Bonaire located at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot 26.  All are welcome, and entry is free. (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)