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)