BONAIRE TIPS

Bonaire is rife with petty theft. Most of it involves items taken from vehicles parked for beach dives, but a rental car in front of Carib Inn was jacked up and two of its tires taken. Never leave anything in your car; leave your car unlocked and the windows rolled down.

Keep your room locked and your valuables in the hotel safe. Crime has spread to hotel premises, so exercise normal caution. We heard complaints of police failing to follow up when divers report thefts. Many people believe the government feels that forcing tourists to put up with crime is preferable to taking the risk of offending anyone by cracking down on it, but the national government has just announced an investigation into corruption.

Nonetheless, don’t be afraid to drive anywhere you want to go, to talk to locals, or to enjoy the island. Visit Pink Beach in the late afternoon. Stop under the conveyer belt which transports the salt to the pier and pick up a few diamond-like chunks as a souvenir. Sorobon Beach is the finest on the island. Both it and Boca Cai Beach are at Lac Bay. There is also a small beach at Nucove as well as a stunning view. On a clear day you may see Curaçao. Don’t miss the flying walking sticks (flamingos), goats, roaming donkeys, or endangered Bonaire parrots. Boca Cocolishi and Boca Slagbaal beaches are on the northeast coast. Go to the park entrance and ask for directions. Washington Slagbaal Park is a 13,500-acre wasteland; don’t bother to visit it if you have anything else to do. It includes what some people call a dirt “road,” but don’t attempt to drive on it if it has been raining.