Bonaire

The world under the surface is like a blue-tinged dream. Nearby, parrot fish meander through white coral caverns. Ahead, sharp-eyed barracuda move through the water like silver daggers. A manta glides overhead in slow motion like an alien spacecraft. But the enchanting undersea world of Bonaire, like a dream, is an experience done on borrowed time. Breaking the surface is your awakening. Warm air, arid vistas, and the startling gleam of sun on water are your reward.

Bonaire is widely regarded as one of the best destinations in the Caribbean for shore diving, and with good reason. The dry climate and coral composition of the island mean that there's little soil runoff, allowing near perfect visibility in the coastal waters. The islanders have exploited this advantage, and you can find local businesses that cater to virtually every diving need. Even though tourism is the backbone of the economy here, authorities try to ensure that the booming hotel industry does not damage the environment upon which it is based. Thankfully, the fact that most visitors to Bonaire come for the natural beauty has prevented the kind of tourism that has turned neighboring islands like Aruba into commercialized tourist magnets.

Islanders are serious about conserving Bonaire's natural beauty. All the coastal waters of the island were turned into a national park in 1979, and in 1999 Bonaire purchased the 1,500-acre privately owned outlying island of Klein Bonaire to prevent unwanted development. Anyone diving around the island must purchase a one-year permit, and park rangers patrol the waters, handing out hefty fines to people who violate park rules. Spearfishing, removing coral, and even walking on coral are just some of the restricted activities. Rather than restricting legitimate divers, these rules have resulted in a pristine marine environment that makes for a supremely satisfying dive experience. Damage to the reefs caused by rare passing hurricanes is usually quickly repaired by the healthy ecosystem. Small wonder that even the license plates in Bonaire declare it a diver's paradise.

Bonaire also offers a variety of experiences above the surface to those willing to explore its 112 square mi (290 square km). The southern salt flats give an interesting glimpse into the island's economic history. Washington-Slagbaai National Park, in the north, has the island's highest peak (784 feet) and is a haven for some of the thousands of flamingos that make Bonaire their home. The near-perfect climate also makes Bonaire the ideal destination for soaking in some sun.

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