Potpourri

Miscellaneous News

Friday, December 30, 2011

Changes for 2012 in Washington Park Entry Fees

As always, Washington Slagbaai National Park will be closed on Sunday, January 1st, and will re-open for entry on Monday, January 2nd, when a new fee structure will be introduced.

For international visitors with a valid $25 SCUBA diving tag, entrance to the park is free of charge.  Please present the receipt of purchase together with a valid picture ID (or a copy of a valid picture ID) or a certification card at the entrance of the park.  For international visitors with a valid $10 Nature Fee tag, the entrance fee to the park is $15.  Please present the receipt of purchase together with a valid picture ID (or a copy of a valid picture ID) or a certification card at the entrance of the park.  Please do not forget to bring the proof of purchase of the tags together with a valid picture ID (or a copy of a valid picture ID) or a certification card at the entrance of the park.

For international visitors without the SCUBA diving tag or Nature fee tag, the entrance fee to the park is $25.
All children, 13 years and younger, enter the park free of charge.

For residents with valid sedula, the entry is $3.00 per person per day or $15.00 for the calendar year.

For more information please contact the manager of the park, Mr. Junny Janga, at telephone 786-5229 or email washingtonpark@stinapa.org.  (Source:  STINAPA)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Bonaire’s Lighthouses to Receive Facelifts

Lighthouses have always performed an important role in maritime communities, warning those at sea of close contact to land or shallow reefs.  Bonaire has five lighthouses, although not all are well known.  There is a new effort by Bonaire’s governments to renovate these historic landmarks.

The Rijkswaterstaat will immediately begin work to renovate Bonaire’s five lighthouses, which are located at Willemstoren, Spelonk, Wecuwa, Seru Bentana, and Klein Bonaire.  While this work has the goal of increased safety for those people who maintain the lighthouses, the monumental character of the buildings will also be protected. It’s estimated that the work will take about a year to complete.

Since October 10, 2010, the Rijkswaterstaat has been responsible for keeping the light burning in the lighthouses, figuratively speaking, as electro-technical maintenance is utilized. During the renovations of the lighthouses, the lights will remain operational, so vessels will not be hindered.  The public body of Bonaire actually owns the buildings and structures, and these are considered historic monuments.  During the renovations, the work will be done in such a way as to preserve that monument status and all historic and ancient elements that need replacement will be brought to Bonaire.  The island is still searching for a suitable location for the old lamp of the lighthouse at Seru Bentana.  (Source:  Rijksdienst and Public Body Bonaire)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Jentis Tours, Offering Sightseeing Options on Bonaire, Launches New Web Site

Jentis Tours has just launched a new web site, showcasing the various sightseeing tours they can offer those visiting Bonaire.  View the new web site at www.jentis-tours.com.

The slogan of Jentis Tours is “bringing tours to another level” and that is exactly what owner/operator Clay Davalaar offers with his sightseeing options.  What sets him apart is the personal attention he provides to his customers, even custom-tailoring a program for all or part of a visit to Bonaire.

Jentis Tours provides many of the usual sightseeing options, such as the northern route, the southern route, or a visit to Washington Slagbaai National Park, but Jentis also offers a variety of snorkeling tours, as well cave tours, and even a combination--cave snorkel tours!  For those who think they have “done” and “seen” everything on Bonaire, Jentis Tours can show visitors places they never knew existed.

The new web site also lists current specials that are applicable, currently including an automatic discount of 25% when booked on-line or via email.  Simply reference the code, JUJD11, and either email by clicking here, or use the on-line reservation form by clicking here.  (Source:  Jentis Tours Web Site)

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Bonaire to Host The Wounded Warriors for the Sixth Consecutive Year

For the sixth consecutive year, Bonaire is proud to welcome the Wounded Warriors to their “home away from home” as they use SCUBA diving for rehabilitation and recreation from August 6th through 13th, 2011.

During this week, severely wounded troops and their significant others will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their dive certifications. Representatives of the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association’s (DEMA) Be A Diver Program and the North American office of Tourism Corporation Bonaire will also be joining the group. All accommodations and diving will be provided courtesy of Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire. Each year the people of Bonaire warmly welcome this group and show them not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of the island, but also the friendliness and genuine hospitality of the Bonairean people.

This year’s contingent of seven Wounded Warriors has suffered life-changing physical injuries which they received in combat while stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They and their partners will be kept busy with a variety of activities beginning with the completion of their PADI and HSA dive certifications, which will take place on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday next week. Once certified, they will continue diving throughout the week, both from the dock of Captain Don’s Habitat and via boat dives to Klein Bonaire and other famous Bonaire dive sites. The group will also enjoy shopping, sightseeing, dining, a Texas-style steak dinner, and experiencing the island’s culinary fare at a signature event called “Taste of Bonaire.” The highlight of the week will take place when the Bonaire community gathers to meet these extraordinary troops and their companions at the reception held in their honor at the home of Lt. Governor Glenn Thode.  As in previous years, the Bonaire Insider once again will be following the activities of these very special visitors and will keep readers informed about the Wounded Warriors’ activities throughout their week on Bonaire.

Sponsors to date of the Sixth Bonaire-Be A Diver-Wounded Warrior Scuba Certification trip are: 9Line LLC, Adams Unlimited Public Relations & Marketing, AERIS, Bikers Bonaire, Bonaire KFC, BonaireTalk.com, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Guided Motorcycle Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, BonPhoto, Budget Rent A Car Bonaire, Captain Don’s Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine, Chat & Browse Bonaire, Casablanca Restaurant, Disabled Sports USA, DEMA/Be a Diver, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, H.S.A. International Training Center of New Jersey, Islands Magazine, Jack Chalk, Jewel Of Bonaire, NetTech, N.V., OCEANIC, PADI, Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, Pasa Bon Pizza, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Scuba Diving Magazine, Sunset Bar & Grill Restaurant, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, and the Wounded Warrior Project.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Monday, July 04, 2011

Caribbean Wind and Sun Vacations Hosts Summer Kids’ Eco-Camps

July and August is the perfect time for kids to enjoy all that Bonaire has to offer, and, therefore, Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is offering Eco-Camps for kids aged 6 through 12 during the summer.

The first camp will take place from July 18 through 22, 2011, and there will also be select dates in August as well.  Each day of the camp will feature a planned eco activity, lunch, and an early afternoon program. Children may join by the day or participate all week long.  Activities include tours at the Butterfly Farm, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, the Donkey Sanctuary, windsurfing, Caribbean crafts, snorkeling, beach-combing, and a family snorkel boat trip on the final day.  Children with disabilities can be accommodated with advance notice.  Prices start at $65.00 per day or $300.00 for a five-day program (some activities do have a surcharge depending upon admission fees; reservations subject to availability and prices are subject to change).  Discounts are available for multiple siblings or those purchasing vacation packages with Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations.  Nanny services are also available for younger children. 

For additional information or to make a reservation, email ann@bonairecaribbean.com.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Monday, June 20, 2011

Captain Don’s Habitat Announces the Arrive of a New Boat

The “Lucky Lobster” is a new addition to the fleet of vessels which Captain Don’s Habitat operates.This new boat is a 48 foot New England lobster-style vessel, and will be introduced into service on July 1st, 2011.

The Lucky Lobster is well equipped with two air-conditioned berth compartments, and a microwave and refrigerator. The boat will be available for many activities such as sunset cruises, romantic dinner cruises, party cruises, snorkel trips all over the island and to Klein Bonaire, fishing charters, lionfish hunting trips and more.

The Lucky Lobster will also be available as a reserve dive vessel. It has a large covered aft deck area and can accommodate up to 20 divers with cameras, as the boat is being outfitted with a custom camera table enabling divers to gear up easily with cameras.

Try out the new vessel for yourself by joining the party on the evening of July 4th for a waterside seat for the fireworks! (Source: Dive News Wire)

Friday, June 17, 2011

Flamingo Services Bonaire Launches New Web Site

Flamingo Services Bonaire, which offers complete wedding planning services, has recently launched a new web site.  View their new web site by clicking here.

Those who are planning to marry on Bonaire will find an excellent resource on this new web site, as Flamingo Services can offer assistance with the planning of the complete wedding package, including official paperwork, ceremonies, parties, cakes, flowers, wedding dress rentals, a variety of different accommodations, or complete packages which can be customized to the wedding party’s needs.  Lisette de Groot, owner and manager of Flamingo Services, is an experienced wedding coordinator. She’s worked within a variety of tourism sectors all over the world and is now dedicated to making every day an unforgettable day here on Bonaire!

Additionally, the company also can assist with accommodations, dive packages, or sightseeing, for the every-day visitor to Bonaire.  Having an on-island consultant to assist with vacation planning can be a great asset to those who have never been to Bonaire before.  The company also provides offer a variety of spa services, including massage or facials, and these services can be booked online by clicking here.  (Source:  Flamingo Services Bonaire)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Bonaire’s First Waste Water Treatment Plant Begins Operation

Last week a vacuum truck delivered the first shipment of waste water to Bonaire’s new waste water treatment plant. The treatment plant was built over the last few months on the grounds of LVV, which is the department of agriculture, breeding and fisheries and was constructed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment. Management will eventually be taken over by the government of Bonaire. The purification of waste water is crucial for the health of the residents of Bonaire and the protection of the coral reef. 

The waste water treatment plant is the first of two which will be built on Bonaire. This plant is processing waste water from cesspools and septic tanks, which is delivered by vacuum trucks. In the past, the waste water was deposited in the ditches and soil at LVV and was considered to be a polluting and unhygienic treatment option.

The new plant can process 478,000 liters of waste water per day and at full capacity, will remove 350 kilograms of biological pollution, 74 kilograms of nitrogen and 65 kilograms of phosphate, on a daily basis. The purification process occurs gradually and takes approximately three months when functioning properly.

The plant is currently operating a test run, monitored by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development and the Curacao engineering and architectural firm M.I.C. M.I.C. has supervised the construction of the plant and trained staff to run the facility.

A second waste water treatment facility is currently being built, also at LVV. This plant will process waste water delivered via a sewage system, and is expected to be operational in 2013.

Water arriving at the plant will be checked for undesirable substances which can affect the purification process, including oils, fats, chemicals and excessive salt water. Residents of Bonaire will be educated about what types of products should not be deposited into the sewage system. Rejected waste water will be discharged into ditches at LVV, with the goal to keep rejected water to minimum. By September, if the purification process is going as planned, there will be little discharge into the ditches. The clean water will be used for cultivation.

The intention of the plant is to remove waste water from the developed coastal area to the treatment plant. The seawater around Bonaire currently contains twice as many nutrients than a few decades ago. Nutrients originate from waste water and seep through the soil and groundwater and eventually into the sea, resulting in excess algae growth and harm to corals. Excessive nutrients in seawater are unhealthy for natural balance in the water and the resulting growth in bacteria can be harmful to humans. (Source: Rijksdienst Caribish Nederland)

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Bonaire Windsurf Place Introduces the GoPro Camera

Many visitors to Bonaire engage in active, outdoor activities that they would like to capture on video to remember their vacation experience, or share with others, either at home or even on YouTube. Bonaire Windsurf Place is now the local Bonaire agent for the GoPro HD video camera, offering the camera for both daily rental or sale to allow visitors to capture their vacation action experience on video. 

GoPro is a small waterproof HD action video camera that films in 1080p HD, which can be used in a variety of activities on Bonaire including snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, or any type of action. It is fast becoming one of the most used HD action sport cameras in the world. For those wanting to capture underwater activity, the camera is waterproof and can be used as deep as 60 meters, when in the correct housing. Divers should note that the camera does not come with lighting, so an outside lighting source will be necessary for optimal colors underwater.  For those engaging in above water activities, like windsurfing, cycling, and kiteboarding, the camera allows the user to video the experience, as a participant or a spectator. The camera is small, easy to use, yet produces high quality videos. It is both unique and versatile as it can be housed in varied ways, making it available for use in all types of activities.

The GoPro is available for rent by the day for $50 or for sale starting at a price of $260. For more information, contact Bonaire Windsurf Place. (Source: Bonaire Windsurf Place)

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Hotel Roomer to Host Hamburger Competition and Wooden Shoe Auction

For those looking for a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon, on May 29, 2011, Hotel Roomer will be hosting the 3rd annual Tilimaster Hamburger Competition followed by an auction of an amazing selection of decorated klompen (wooden shoes) by Club Roomer Bonaire. 

The fun starts at 11:00 AM when the grills will be fired up for the hamburger competition. Up to 10 amateur cooks will be contending for best burger on the island. The contestants will be judged by a panel including locals and celebrities and prizes will be awarded to the top three burgers. Contestants will also be selling their burgers so those in attendance have a chance to share in the tasting fun.

Following the hamburger competition will be the auction of the decorated wooden shoes. The shoes will be put on display and the bidding will begin. 50 pair of shoes were given away for decorating to Club Roomer members, Jong Bonaire, Stinapa, children of all ages and some local island artists. For those who would like to take a peak at the shoes ahead of time, they will be on display starting May 23rd in the window of Addo’s Books & Toys.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Club Roomer, a charitable organization, to be used to organize various charity events. All are invited to attend this day of food and fun. For more information click here. (Source: Club Roomer Bonaire)