Monday, April 14, 2008

Bonaire Dive Into Summer is Planned Again for 2008

Tourism Corporation Bonaire together with event sponsors Scuba Diving Magazine, Continental Airlines, Coral Reef Alliance, EarthEcho International, and STINAPA are pleased to announce the program highlights for Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2008.  Taking place June 1 through September 30, 2008, Bonaire Dive Into Summer will be filled with exciting activities and interesting seminars for divers, adventurers, families, 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 interactive dives and seminars, which practically guarantees a fun and educational vacation in Bonaire.  Additionally, visitors will be given the opportunity to participate in a summer-long ecology project which will reflect Bonaire’s position as a world leader in marine conservation and as a focal point destination for the International Year of the Reef.

As such, all of the summer activities in Bonaire will incorporate reef-friendly practices to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs and to further conserve and manage valuable coral reef and associated ecosystems.  Activities already in place by local residents include decorating window displays in town with a reef theme, showcasing reef-themed artwork created by children in town throughout the year, and presenting special reef workshops for dive trade professionals.

Here’s a look at some of the showcase activities taking place during Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2008:

International Year of the Reef Week: June 21-28 – Sand Dollar Condominiums will host this week focusing on Bonaire’s role as a world leader in marine conservation.  The week will feature dives and seminars with Jan and Alexandra Cousteau of EarthEcho International; REEF fish count dives and snorkels with Bonaire’s own naturalist Jerry Ligon; interactive workshops with Rick MacPherson from the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), and a parade and food festival in the center of town at Wilhelmina Park.

Scuba Diving Magazine Week: July 19-26 – 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.

Pro Kids World Freestyle Windsurfing Competition: July 27-August 3 – Be a spectator or participant at this exciting annual event by attending one of ten qualifying events in advance.  Event organizers are planning a week long windsurfing event that will be accompanied by island culture and fun.

Love Our Planet Week: September 20-27 – Captain Don’s Habitat is hosting this week for the second consecutive year, featuring dives and seminars with Philippe Cousteau from EarthEcho International, interactive seminars with experts from CORAL, photo workshops with Rick Sammon from ESPN Photo Safari, above and below water cleanups, and a festival in the center of town at Wilhelmina Park. 

Summer Long Photo Contest: June 1-September 30 - Compete for prizes with other Bonaire visitors by uploading your best photos taken in Bonaire between June 1 and September 30 to www.bonairediveintosummer.com, where a complete schedule of activities, information about the event, and hotel packages can be found.  (Source:  TCB-NY)