Our last three ports on this adventure are the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) Islands. These three islands are affiliated with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In terms of population Curaçao is the largest (160,000) followed by Aruba (105,000) and then Bonaire (20,000). Curaçao and Aruba are independent countries while Bonaire is considered an “independent municipality”.
We’re doing them a little out of order. Yesterday was Bonaire. Today, (Tuesday, January 16) we just docked in Curaçao. We’ll then have two full days in Aruba before two sea days as we head back to Miami.
Bonaire is a fairly large island with a small population. What could possibly beat that combination? It certainly had a friendly and laid back feel to it. Sometimes stepping off these ships you have to run a gauntlet of vendors selling tours and tacky souvenirs. Not so in Bonaire. There were a few stands set up that would have been easily avoided but there really wasn’t a reason. If you want to check something out, stop by and have a look. If not, have a good day!
http://www.tourismbonaire.com/
Not wanting to do a tour or buy something once again we headed to the beach. A nice gentleman directed us to Coco Beach which was an easy 20-25 minute walk along the waterfront. The water was clear and it was easy to see rocks and corals 15-20 feet deep. There were fish of all sizes, shapes and colors swimming everywhere making this a snorkeling and diving paradise.
Coco Beach was very nice. Great facilities and a small restaurant/bar overlooking the water. The only drawback to this beach was the challenge of getting in the water. There were two options. Over rocky coral or off a floating/moving dock. Not having water shoes we opted for the dock and soon found ourselves floating around for the next couple of hours in paradise.
It was a fun day on what was almost our very own Gilligan’s Island.
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| Sunrise coming into Bonaire |
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| Flip Flop Tree on the way to Coco Beach |
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| Affordable Signage |
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| Coco Beach |
