Tourism Announcements

General announcements for the Bonaire tourism community

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Bonaire to Host Wounded Warriors for the Fifth Consecutive Year

For the fifth consecutive year, the entire island of 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 7th through 14th, 2010.

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 this group. All accommodations and diving will be provided courtesy of Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire. Each year the people of Bonaire open their arms to welcome this group and show them not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of the island, but also the warmth, friendliness and the 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 Saturday and Sunday. 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, dining, sightseeing, and even a Texas-style BBQ.  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. 

Sponsors to date of the 5th 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, Budget Rent A Car, Captain Don’s Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine, Chat & Browse Bonaire, DEMA/Be a Diver, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, H.S.A. International Training Center of New Jersey, Islands Magazine, Jack Chalk & Family, Jewel Of Bonaire, NetTech, N.V., OCEANIC, PADI, Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Sport Diver Magazine, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, and Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project.

As in past years, the Bonaire Insider will chronicle some of the activities of these amazing men and women.  Stay tuned for more details!  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Monday, March 22, 2010

InfoBonaire.com, the Bonaire Information Site, Expands Site with New Data

NetTech, N.V. is pleased to announce the expansion of the popular InfoBonaire web site, the Bonaire Information Site, with new destination information for Bonaire visitors to assist with planning their vacations.

InfoBonaire®, the Bonaire Information Site™, was launched in 1997, and over the last 13 years has become well known as the definitive source for information about Bonaire as a destination, offering information about accommodations, restaurants, rental vehicles, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more.  As new services become available on the island, InfoBonaire.com keeps the site fresh and timely with daily updates.

Accordingly, several new topics have been added to InfoBonaire’s wide scope of data.  Many visitors plan their vacations to Bonaire for diving, snorkeling, or windsurfing activities, but there’s a plethora of other activities to enjoy, too.  Visitors may now learn more about horseback-riding by visiting www.infobonaire.com/horsebackriding.html, or kiteboarding, by visiting www.infobonaire.com/kiteboarding.html.  Either of these activities offer exciting options for the traveler or family and friends.

Shopping is always a necessity while on vacation, whether it’s to purchase one’s own souvenirs or for those back home.  Visiting www.infobonaire.com/souvenirs.html offers a glimpse at special options for gift-giving, highlighting souvenirs which are made only with products from Bonaire or are about the island itself.  The Art and Handicrafts page, located at www.infobonaire.com/art_handicrafts.html, focuses upon where fine art and other local handicrafts can be found around the island, either for purchase or viewing, as artwork always provides a way to remember a favorite site or moment of a vacation.  And for those who want to be sure they’re in the height of fashion, even while on the beach, the Surf-wear Shopping page at www.infobonaire.com/surfwear.html offers a variety of options and tips.

As nearly all stay-over visitors utilize Bonaire’s airport, the new Airport page informs about the various services available at the island’s Flamingo Airport.  Visit www.infobonaire.com/airport.html for additional information.

Those not arriving by air usually enter for a day in port while on a cruise to the southern Caribbean, and the new Cruise Passenger Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page will answer many questions for those island visitors who must maximize their enjoyment of what Bonaire has to offer.  This page can be viewed by clicking www.infobonaire.com/cruise_FAQs.html.

Nearly all stay-over visitors rent a vehicle so they are mobile and can enjoy dining at different restaurants , visiting various dive or snorkel sites, or traveling through the island’s northern national park.  Although driving on Bonaire is very easy, the new Traffic page at www.infobonaire.com/traffic.html provides information about signage and right-of-way for those driving.

Since the invasive Pacific lionfish entered Bonaire’s waters, many visiting divers want to know what they can do to help with containment.  These divers can visit the new Lionfish page located at www.infobonaire.com/lionfish.html for more information and tips about this new species.

Viewers may easily access any of these new sections of InfoBonaire directly from menus on the home page and other key parts of the InfoBonaire web site.

“When we first launched InfoBonaire over a dozen years ago, our premise was simple—provide all possible information about Bonaire in a simple, friendly manner, and continually update the site to keep it current. Our efforts obviously have been rewarded because InfoBonaire has been, and remains, the top Bonaire web site in Google and many other key search engines,” said Jake Richter, founder and co-managing director of NetTech N.V.  He added, “This latest expansion continues our effort at keeping our content current, fresh, and most importantly, relevant, focusing on the real information visitors need.”

InfoBonaire is also the host of One-Stop Quotes™, which allows potential Bonaire visitors to easily check rates and availability for select accommodations and car rental companies with one simple online request, which is then transmitted automatically via an email to those local companies which the viewer selected.  Since its inception in 2006, One -Stop-Quotes has provided thousands of quotations and availability checks.  For additional information or to request a quote, visit www.infobonaire.com/one-stop-quotes.html.

NetTech N.V. is Bonaire’s largest and most well known Internet hosting and email company providing all levels of Internet marketing, design, specialized programming, and graphic services.  The company provides the popular web sites InfoBonaire (www.InfoBonaire.com), The Bonaire Insider™ (www.BonaireInsider.com), Bonaire Surveys™ (www.BonaireSurveys.com), and Paradise Rebates™ (www.ParadiseRebates.com). For additional information, visit www.nettech.an.

InfoBonaire is a registered trademark of NetTech N.V., and The Bonaire Information Site, Bonaire Insider, Bonaire Surveys, One-Stop Quotes, and Paradise Rebates are all trademarks of NetTech N.V.  (Source:  NetTech, N.V.)

Friday, January 08, 2010

The Readers of Scuba Diving Magazine Choose Bonaire, Again and Again!

Each year, the readers of Scuba Diving Magazine give their opinions about the best diving destinations around the world, and Bonaire has once again been awarded high honors with seven #1 ratings, including the #1 Top Overall Diving Destination in the Caribbean and Atlantic, for the eighth consecutive year.

Readers also chose Bonaire as the #1 destination for six additional Caribbean/Atlantic categories, including Top Marine Life, Top Macro Life, Top Snorkeling, Top Shore Diving, Top Underwater Photography, and Top Value, proving once again that Bonaire offers the most to Caribbean-bound divers.  Additionally, the island was honored with #2 spots in Top Visibility, Top Health of Marine Environment, and Top Overall Destination, and a #3 spot was won in Top Advanced Diving.

To generate the Readers’ Choice Awards, many subscribers of the print magazine, along with web users, rated their dive experiences on a scale of one to five. Results of the 2010 Awards are featured in the January/February 2010 issue of Scuba Diving Magazine. (Source:  Scuba Diving Magazine)

Monday, September 21, 2009

BonaireWebcams.com Sports a New Weather Station Providing Detailed Information

BonaireWebcams.com has just completed installing a new weather station here on Bonaire, which provides much greater detail about what is happening on Bonaire, weather-wise, that is. 

The weather station is state-of-the-art equipment, and it’s been located on a third-floor terrace in Belnem, just south of the Flamingo International Airport.

With the new weather station coming on-line, there are now new data points for the following categories, with updates each minute:  Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed (mph), Wind Direction, Wind Chill (yes - this is important, too, sometimes!), Barometer, Total Rain for the current year (this will reset on October 1st in anticipation of the upcoming “rainy” season), Current Solar Radiation, and UV Index (for those who sunburn easily).

Anyone can view the current weather by visiting BonaireWebcams.com, or by clicking here (current weather) or here (all components of the site, you’ll need to scroll downward).  (Source:  Bonaire Webcams)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Bonaire Briefs--Island News and a Look at What’s Happening

Bonaire offers something for everyone--divers, snorkelers, adventurers, families and even single sun-seekers.  Helping to make vacationing in Bonaire easy, relaxing and fun, here is some of the latest news from the island.

All Around the Island:

Bonaire Atelier Club is for artists who need set-up supplies and a place to paint.  A shaded, open-air garden atelier is available at the JanArt Gallery, located at Kaya Gloria 7.  Paint supplies are also available at the Club for a small fee for travelers who choose to leave their painting equipment at home. Easels, tables and accessories are free of charge.  Iguanas and birds sometimes model for free.  Local artist Janice Huckaby is on sight to assist in art coaching and tips upon request.  Participants may also take part in Jan’s Art Workshops designed just for the Bonaire traveler, which can be arranged for “on location” paintings, as well as at the outdoor atelier at her gallery.  These workshops range from two to three hours and a complete painting can be finished in one session.  This is a great alternate activity for people who want to add something different to their Bonaire experience.  The workshops focus upon Bonaire’s unique nature, both above and below sea level.  Phone +(599) 717-5246.

Bonaire East Coast Diving has recently increased the number of dive sites they visit on Bonaire’s east coast to a total of five.  Besides Funchie’s Reef and the White Hole, they’re also organizing trips to Black Rock, Spelonk, and Ramon’s Reef.  On each dive, it’s common to see numerous turtles, tarpon, eagle rays and stingrays, and also sharks and manta rays on occasion.  Professional crews and the custom-built Zodiac boat make the east coast accessible to all divers.  Phone +(599) 717-5211.

Bonaire Wedding Pros is a consortium of several Bonaire companies who have joined together to assist those getting married on Bonaire. The participating companies are Suze’s Wedding Planning, Philip’s Cooking, Fish Eye Photo, Barbel’s Hair and Make-up, who together will make any wedding day “a dream come true!”

Bonaire Wellness Connections launched the Bonaire Mountain Bike Holiday Package, a cycling adventure which offers the perfect opportunity to explore and see the wonders of Bonaire from a mountain bike. Participants can discover numerous single tracks which were, in the past, used by goats and donkeys.  Follow the professional guides to learn more about Bonaire’s flora, fauna, and natural history.  Additionally, BWC will hold its next mountain bike race of the 2009 season on November 1st. For the first time, this race will offer a challenging race with a lot of single-tracks and climbing, plus a technical downhill section.

Bonaire Windsurf Place announced the renovation of their website, which provides many great links that will be of interest to the Bonaire windsurfing visitor.  Enjoy the live web-cam with two lenses that changes the view every ten minutes: one 90-degree angle and one telephoto lens, which look out over Lac Bay towards the east.  Current wind, temperature and other data are also displayed.  For more information, visit www.bonairewindsurfplace.com.

Bowalie Sailing has recently expanded their sailing/snorkel charters with a boat rental option (motor boats) and a water taxi to Klein Bonaire.  All excursions and rentals leave from Plaza Resort Marina.  Phone +(599) 701-5500 or +(599) 701-3300.

Lee’s Bar announced the new Thursday “Easy Listening” night with a relaxed atmosphere and music, played at a level where conversations can be heard.  The sports/music bar features NFL and college football, soccer, Formula 1, baseball, and other sports (upon request) easily viewed on three large screens.  At Lee’s visitors can view the Rock ‘n’ Roll Wall of Fame, where nearly fifty artists of the 1950s are honored.  And for those who want their moment in the spotlight, enjoy karaoke in a variety of languages!  Phone +(599) 700-3188.

Littman’s Jewelers offers a twist on fine jewelry shopping on Bonaire.  When planning a visit to Bonaire now through September 30, 2009, be sure to pre-qualify for up to a 20% discount on select items by emailing Steve, Esther, or Adam to let them know when you are visiting.  Be sure to reference “Bonaire Briefs” in the subject line.  Then, when in the store, simply ask for one of them to receive the discount.  For more information, visit www.bonairelittmanstores.com.

The Mangrove Info Center reports that management and staff have just completed intensive training and advanced education on mangrove restoration and management policies, so as to, in turn, better educate those visiting Bonaire’s mangrove forests.  The workshop they attended focused upon such important topics such as mangrove recovery and restoration, and the information received will be incorporated into all mangrove excursions offered in Lac Bay by the center, either by kayak or solar boat.  For more information, visit www.mangrovecenter.com or phone +(599) 780-5353.

The Massage Hut at Sorobon Beach (Lac Bay) announced the addition of Just Haircuts by Desiree, one of Bonaire’s most popular stylists.  Haircuts are available Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Additionally, Desiree offers body scrubs and bath salts made from Bonaire salt, along with jewelry made from objects found on Bonaire, providing wonderful opportunities for unique gifts or souvenirs.  Of course, these new services are in addition to the massage and body scrubs currently offered by Ann Johnson, the Massage Hut’s certified massage therapist.  For more information, visit www.massagehutbonaire.com.

Ocean Adventures will be hosting Rebreather Weeks in November, 2009.  The event weeks will include airport transfers, welcome drink, one week at Casa Bonito Apartments (double occupancy including room tax), one week rental pickup truck (double cabin with air-conditioning, two persons per pickup), free Internet access, unlimited shore diving open circuit (air or nitrox) for six days, a rebreather test diving with DRAEGER FGT5400 to be used as SCR or mCCR (guided dives only), a rebreather test diving MCCR kiss style “Ladies version” with ultralight CFK tanks (guided dives only), oxygen and diluents (air) for those who are using their own rebreathers.  Phone +(599) 717-2278 or 1-305-890-1608.

Delectable Dining:

Cactus Blue Bar & Restaurant offers a signature dish of Yellow Fin Tuna, slightly blackened with Cajun seasoning, seared on both sides and served sashimi style with coconut rice, freshly sautéed market vegetables, wasabi mayonnaise, and pickled ginger.  Pair that with one of their innovative cocktails, such as the Pink Cactus, and you will find a potion full of Caribbean flavors.  Cactus Blue has live music on Monday and Wednesday evenings with the sounds of the Caribbean, starting at 7:00 PM.  For more information, visit www.cactusbluebonaire.com or phone +(599) 717-4564.

Hilltop Restaurant & Bar’s signature cocktail offers a smooth, minty concoction of tropical fruit liquors, fruit juice, with just a hint of coconut.  Sip it slowly to savor the subtle blend of flavors, while you wait for the arrival of local stoba (stew) of choice.  Choose from beef, chicken, or goat, as the Hilltop is specially known for stoba!  Each Sunday guests are treated to an expansive “all-you-can-eat” Caribbean BBQ, while those dining on Tuesdays can enjoy the sumptuous Creole buffet, highlighting a wide range of local dishes.  For more information, visit www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com or phone +(599) 717-7901.

Lion’s Den Beach Bar & Restaurant at Buddy Dive Resort offers daily drink specials to keep you cool. Stimulate your senses with their Flamingo Salsa, Minty Rum Mojito, Mango/Guava Margarita, The Green Flash, Passion Fruit Mojito, Lion Queen, or Tropical Smash.  Dine on the daily entrée specials, or enjoy a theme night such as their famous Lobster Night, Tex-Mex, Seafood Lovers, Shrimp Madness, U.S. Burgers in Paradise, Italian Pasta Combos, or Roast Beef Sundays.  Phone +(599) 700-0892.

Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant offers wonderfully breezy, harbor-side dining with Happy Hour daily from 5 – 6:30 PM with half price drinks!  If you stay for dinner, the fresh “Catch of the Day” is always available, as is a varied vegetarian menu.  You can start the evening with a Bikini Martini, a wonderful mix of coconut rum, vodka, and pineapple Juice—just the right touch to top off a day at the beach!  Then indulge yourself in their Yummy Fish Tacos--crispy fried fish filets served with a cool and creamy avocado dressing, all wrapped up in flour tortillas and served with Caribbean rice and roasted vegetables.  For more information, visit www.paradisebonaire.com, or phone +(599) 717-5025.

Sense / Eat, Drink, Dance is one of Bonaire’s newest eateries.  You can sit al fresco while you enjoy a Raspberry Mojito, one of their great signature cocktails. The Sense “shakerboys” are on-site to master all cocktails on your wish list.  You can then feast upon tenderloin with potatoes, pumpkin, and bok choy, served with a mustard-gravy, which is sure to please the palate.  An extra bonus for Sunday diners is the live music.  Phone +(599) 717-6666.

Sunset Bar & Grill, located at Den Laman Condominiums, celebrated their first anniversary on August 1st.  With daily liquid concoction specials such as Caipirinia, Sunset King, Dushi Bonaire, Lobster on the Rocks, Swimming Pool, or Yellow Fever, there’s no wonder the bar and restaurant is a favorite with many Bonaire visitors.  After one or more relaxing drinks, pick your favorite theme night and enjoy a fabulous meal: Seafood Sensations, Caribbean Night, Lobster Night, Seaside BBQ, Italian Night, or Steak Night.  Phone +(599) 700-0892.

Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant offers great waterfront dining for lunch or dinner.  Their new chef offers stunning presentations of a multitude of steaks, rack of lamb, chicken, pasta, or fish entrées.  Sandwiches and burgers are available for lunch, as well as the extensive dinner menu.  Live music will soothe the soul on Thursday and Sunday evenings, and their “all-you-can-eat” BBQ buffets on Saturday and Tuesday evenings are popular enough to recommend an advance reservation.  The restaurant offers fair trade coffee and a stunning wine list of the finest selections from the Rutini Vineyards of Argentina. For more information, visit www.patagoniarestaurant.com or phone +(599) 717-7725.

The Poolbar Bar & Restaurant, located at Buddy Dive Resort, offers a surprising special drink when they dare to mix Gin, Malibu, and Pasoa with passion-fruit juice, and then finish it off with draft beer! You can take the challenge and try their award-winning cocktail (Balashi Beer contest, 2007).  With a brand new kitchen equipped in April with all new Rosval equipment, you’re sure to enjoy any meal, but do be sure to take the time to enjoy the Buddy Club Sandwich—with a secret twist!  For more information, visit www.buddydive.com/index.php/restaurants or phone: +(599) 701-4548.

WattaBurger offers quick, economical, and great-tasting sandwiches and local stobas (stews).  They serve all the traditional Dutch snacks, and they use only the best 100% beef for their burgers.  Choose from over fifty French breads for your sandwich, and, while you’re waiting, cool down with a refreshing vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, or banana milk shake, made the old-fashioned way!  Phone +(599) 717-3547 or fax +(599) 717-3547.

Yachtclub Restaurant Bonaire is an intimate restaurant with only seven tables and is operated directly under the watchful eyes of the two owners, Kim and Rick. They will provide you with first class cuisine and exceptional, personal service. They offer European dishes with French and Italian flavors, and also spice them up with ingredients that capture true Caribbean flavor.  You are welcome to stop by, sit back, and experience the food, the wine, and personal service.  Phone +(599)-9-517-8228.

On the Hotel Scene:

Belmar Oceanfront Apartments announces the arrival of Mauricio Gomez, who has recently joined the dive shop team.  Originally from Costa Rica, he studied Tourism & Hotel Business Management, and after finalizing his studies he decided to pursue a career in the adventure travel and diving industry. Mau has been an instructor since 1999 and is currently a Master Scuba Diver Trainer, he has had the opportunity to teach and dive not only in Costa Rica, but also the Red Sea, The Cayman Islands, Turks & Caicos and now Bonaire. He has also guided hiking, mountain biking and canopy tours in several countries.  For more information, visit www.belmar-bonaire.com or phone 1-888-655-0605.

Blachi Koko Apartments introduces affordable Caribbean luxury with the new Koko House.  A new extension of the popular Blachi Koko Apartments, the Koko House is located approximately 200 yards north from the Apartments, ideally situated for easy walking into Kralendijk’s main shopping area.  The new property provides the same look and feel, giving the impression of staying in a colonial Antillean home.  Koko House can accommodate up to six persons, with a minimum six-night stay.  The house features two bedrooms with king size beds, complete with large safes, one bedroom with twin size beds (can be made into a king), ceiling fans and air conditioning in every bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, cable TV, wireless Internet, and more. For more information, visit www.blachikokobonaire.com or call cellular phone: +(599) 786-5466 or office phone: +(599) 717-2255.

Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn boasts of a completely new and much improved pier and walkway. Made of stainless steel framing, the pier is much more environmentally friendly.  Additionally, the popular resort has finished a complete makeover of its exterior with an all new color scheme and landscaping.  Interiors have not been forgotten—guests are enjoying all new items from linens to kitchenware.  For more information, visit www.caribinn.com or phone +(599) 717-8819.

Captain Don’s Habitat’s new dive center and new airlift on Insel Air are the latest causes for celebration at the Home of Diving Freedom on Bonaire. The newly built, state-of-the-art dive operation, rental, and retail center are receiving high praises from divers. This new, larger facility also boasts more spacious and modern conference area and classrooms, furnished with upgraded audio and visual equipment, and wireless Internet service. Conveniently located next to the restaurant and bar, it is just a few steps from the dock and shore diving areas. The dive operation is a SDI/TDI Professional Development Center and a PADI, NAUI and SSI training facility.  Phone 1-800-327-6709.

Caribbean Club Bonaire’s retail store has undergone a facelift, with the end result of the addition of more products.  Also, guests can now take advantage of their kayak diving tours and even partake in a PADI Kayak Diver Specialty Certification. Kayaking paired with diving have long been known around the Caribbean as an “eco diving” activity, but it’s been popular on Bonaire for many years.  Two new instructors, Jinny and Gaylene, have joined the team.  Jinny George is an Antillean instructor who will put a smile on your face from the time you start your class to the finish! Gaylene Gomez traveled half the globe after leaving Canada, but has settled on Bonaire.  For more information, visit www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com or phone 1-800-906-7708.

Den Laman Condominiums have begun stocking their condo kitchens with a number of small, but useful, amenities including salt and pepper shakers, paper towels, dish washing liquid, coffee filters, irons and ironing boards. A common area washer and dryer have also been installed.  Den Laman features 16 modern fully air conditioned studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.  For more information, visit www.denlaman.com or phone 1-800-382-1094.

Dive Flamingo Beach Resort’s Flamingo Balashi Beach Bar is bigger and better than ever, now that it sports an expanded bar and sitting area. The bar, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea, can now seat over thirty people and includes a drink rail.  The Flamingo Balashi Beach Bar is also Bonaire’s best Happy Hour spot with two-for-one specials from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM daily with live music.  Fridays at Balashi feature a free Flamingo Rum Smash from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  The Flamingo Balashi Beach Bar is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and also offers beach chair service for drinks, a light lunch, or snacks.  Additionally, renovations on twenty new studio rooms were just completed. The resort also plans a special coral spawning package for October 6-13, 2009.

Harbour Village Beach Club’s new Executive Chef & Restaurant Manager, Juan Pablo Islas, joins the culinary team at La Balandra and Kasa Coral Restaurants. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in 2001, Chef Islas honed his skills in kitchens all over the world from Le Cordon Bleu’s restaurant “Signatures” on board the RSSC Mariner to French Bistro JLX in Sag Harbour, NY to Ocean Bar and Grill in Budapest and the Sivory in Punta Cana.  Phone +(599) 717-7500 or 1-800-424-0004.

Hotel Roomer continues with property upgrades and have just completed an extensive renovation of the hotel’s pool and cabana area.  For more information, visit www.roomerbonaire.com, phone +(599) 717-7488, or fax +(599) 717-7412.

Outdoor Bonaire is in the final stages of completion for their new eco-bush-lodge, Rancho San Minguel, and should be operational by early 2010.  The lodge will provide a place to stay fifteen minutes from town, but which will seem to be of another world.  The lodge is actually a restored horse stable, mostly made out of wood and local stones, in an agricultural and natural location.  This will be an ideal place for those wishing for peace and tranquility.  Great walks can be made in the direct vicinity, as well as to the wild east coast. A variety of birds and other interesting wild life can be seen in the area.  Phone +(599) 791-6272.

Perla Boneriano is a brand new dive resort, consisting of seven luxurious Caribbean-style villas, divided into 12 apartments. All the villas are situated around a beautiful pool and lush garden and are within easy walking distance of the Caribbean Sea. Four of the villas are already finished and the other units will be available soon. All the villas of Perla Boneriano have several ecological features: solar hot water panels, LED-lights for the pool, solar-powered evening lights, and septic tanks for re-usable water for the garden. For those looking for a vacation without the crowds of large resorts, Perla Boneriano offers luxury, privacy, and quality.  Phone +(599) 717-6955.

RE/MAX Paradise Homes’ rental department highlights several upgrades and renovations to the properties which they manage.  Hamlet Villa 10 has been renovated and has been re-opened for vacation rentals.  It sports a modern kitchen, beautiful tiling on the floors, new windows and doors with extra security and complete new furniture. Next door is Hamlet Villa 9 which has also recently been renovated, plans to make ongoing upgrades as well. Together these two villas offer great accommodations for any group which prefers villa living while vacationing. Hamlet 10 accommodates up to 12 persons, while Hamlet 9 accommodates up to two persons. 

Sand Dollar Condominium Resort is in the final stages of testing the installation of new services, including digital TV and property-wide wireless Internet access. Full functionality is expected by early fall.  For more information, visit www.sanddollarbonaire.com or phone 1-800-288-4773.

Tropicana Apartments and BonaireFun Apartments have recently improved their amenities and now offer free WiFi, as well as hot water showers.  Phone +(599) 701-0404.

(Source:  TCB-North America)

Monday, July 27, 2009

Bonaire to Honor Dr. Sylvia Earle with Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Sylvia Earle, known as the ambassador to the world’s oceans, will add another accolade to her impressive array of honors when Bonaire’s first “Lifetime Achievement Award” is bestowed upon her. The award will be made during Celebrate Our Planet Week this summer, August 15-22, 2009, as a highlight week of the Bonaire Dive Into Summer festivities.

At a gala evening event at the Governor’s Residence on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, Dr. Earle will be honored and thanked for her lifetime of dedication to education and conservation of the world’s natural resources.  The island’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” is granted to “acknowledge exceptional efforts throughout one’s lifetime to preserve and protect nature, both above and below the water’s surface.”

Also while on Bonaire, 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.

From Dr. Earle’s early years, her parents fostered in her the respect of wild creatures and not to fear the unknown.  Throughout her teen and college years, Dr. Earle’s fascination with the natural world continued to grow, and it was in Florida where Dr. Earle first learned to scuba dive, as a tool to better assist her in the first-hand study of marine life. 

After earning her Master’s degree at Duke University, Dr. Earle joined a National Science Foundation expedition to the Indian Ocean for six weeks in 1964, which set the scene for the rest of her life.  Two years later, she received her Ph.D. from Duke University, and then Dr. Earle’s career led her to experience many “firsts”--a trip to one hundred feet below the waters of the Bahamas in a submersible, the leading of the first team of women aquanauts, and the making of an open-ocean JIM suit dive, setting a women’s depth record of 1250 feet (381m).  Dr. Earle also currently holds the women’s record for a solo dive in a deep submersible (3280 feet, 1000m).

From 1980 to 1984 she served on NACOA (the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere) and in the early 1990s, Dr. Earle served as Chief Scientist of NOAA (the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration). 

Today Dr. Earle is Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society. She has recently led the Google Ocean Advisory Council, which is a team of 30 marine scientists who provide content and scientific oversight for the “Ocean in Google Earth.” In her astonishing career, Dr. Earle has led over 400 expeditions, logging more than 7000 hours underwater, and she has received more than 100 national and international honors, including Time magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet” in 1998.  She is a Knight in the Netherlands’ Order of the Golden Ark.  Dr. Earl has authored more than 125 publications regarding marine science and technology.

Thanks go to Celebrate Our Planet Week’s host hotel, Captain Don’s Habitat, and to the host airline, Continental Airlines.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

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 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)

Friday, May 15, 2009

Bonaire Launches “Spring Into Summer” Promotions

The island of Bonaire recently launched a number of focus promotional campaigns intended to keep Bonaire in the forefront of potential visitors’ minds as they plan their summer vacations.

The promotional campaigns include an on-line effort in the form of participation in electronic newsletters published by Sport Diver, Scuba Diving, and Caribbean Travel and Life magazines, as well as an on-line contest and home page lead on Caribbean Travel and Life’s web site. The on-line campaign highlights special tour operator packages to Bonaire, the celebration of Bonaire’s commitment to conservation, the activities scheduled for the Bonaire Dive Into Summer program, and Summer Savings Packages being offered by Bonaire’s on-island operators. The on-line campaign runs through October.

Bonaire’s other promotional campaign involves television marketing in three markets - Long Island’s east end (which includes the Hamptons), northern/central New Jersey, and New York’s Rockland County.

The Long Island television campaign will be run in conjunction with Hampton Dive Center, and television spots promoting Bonaire will be seen through the end of the year on ESPN, Sports News, Yankees Entertainment and Sports, National Geographic Channel, Versus, News 12 Long Island, and The Travel Channel, for a total of 2,711 commercials.

The television advertising effort in New Jersey is being run in cooperation with Blue Water Divers from mid-May until mid-August, with the television spots seen on the Discovery Channel, CNBC, National Geographic Channel, CNN Headline News, ESPN News, Travel Channel, FX, Planet Green, Hallmark Movie Channel, Chiller, Sleuth, Style Network, MLB Network, and TBS for a total of 3,094 commercials.

The television spots are in an eight week run in Rockland County as well, on ESPN, CNN, TBS, Discovery Channel, Speed Network, Versus, News 12 Hudson Valley, and ESPN News for a total of 768 commercials.

The commercials being used are 30 seconds long, featuring 23 seconds of the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association’s “Be A Diver” commercial combined seven seconds featuring Bonaire’s logo and the message “Sponsored by the Caribbean Island of Bonaire, A Diver’s Paradise”. (Source: Tourism Corporation Bonaire)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Bonaire Joins Social Networks Facebook and Twitter

The North American office of the Tourism Corporation Bonaire has incorporated social media tools with the launch of its new interactive fan pages on top social network web sites, Facebook and Twitter.  Bonaire’s Facebook and Twitter pages were created to support Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2009, which is a part of the Celebration of Bonaire’s Commitment to Conservation Program. 

The pages feature links to Bonaire Dive Into Summer and Celebrating Bonaire’s Commitment to Conservation calendars of events, links to the TCB web site, various island images, and more. The sites will encourage Facebook and Twitter users to follow the island’s updates on Twitter and invite them to add Bonaire to their fan page on Facebook, which will then provide access to the features and information available on their page.

Bonaire already has over 230 followers on Twitter and over 300 fans on Facebook. The island will continue to update followers and fans with news on the activities surrounding Bonaire Dive Into Summer, Celebration of the Parks, and relevant news on the island, etc. The pages are targeting the audiences of scuba divers, travel partners, journalists, sustainable tourism businesses, and other Caribbean partners.

While Facebook started out as a service for university students, at this moment almost one third of its global audience is aged 35-49 years of age and almost one quarter is over 50 years old.  Facebook boasts more than 175 million active users as of February 2008, with more than 45 million active users in the US alone and more than 3.5 million active users becoming fans of pages each day.

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users’ updates known as “tweets.” Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length which are displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other users who have subscribed to them. Twitter is the third most used social network and has 55 million visits per month.

Visit Bonaire’s Facebook page by clicking here, or the Twitter page by clicking here. (Source:  TCB-NY)