Our flight comes in from Houston before it gets light.
We stayed both years at the Black Durgon Inn which is located near the middle of the
leeward (western) shore. It was under $100/night for a room with a double bed
with breakfast included. They have a commons area with refrigerators and a stove
for guest use - some cooked, others went out. I would call the place 'family
friendly'. Snorkeling was very good right from their dock. Some people were
getting their diving certification right there as well.
Washington-Slagbaai National Park at the north end of the island.
A long distance radio station on the north west side.
Flamingos were common all throughout the island.
The wild donkeys were quite friendly.
Cactus fences (this one being assembled at the entrance to the park) were quite common.
The 'lagun' on the windward side of the island opens to the sea.
Condo area just south of Black Durgon but north of main town of Kralendijk.
Cargill makes salt on the south end of the island.
The south end of the island; slave huts, windward waves (and plenty of flotsam), and
lunch with a view of the 'backside' of 'Lac'.
To snorkel you drive up to an entry point and walk in to great snorkeling
areas right next to shore. Divers use the same entry points. Here are some of
the pictures taken in 2007 while snorkeling sites 1000 steps, Andrea I and II, Tori's
Reef, Margate Bay and Red Beryl. See pages about
shore diving and
snorkeling sites.
In 2008 it was windy the whole time we were there. The palms in the Pink Beach picture sort of tell the story.
Since we have full-foot fins
we do not wear booties
and that kept us off the 'iron rock' of most beaches south of Kralendjik where
modest waves were coming ashore. The beaches north seemed to be benefiting from
a shadowing effect ftom Klein Bonaire.
Other than the single Pink Beach outing most of our snorkling was confined to the
to the north: downtown, Andreas I and II (two turtles), 1000 Steps, and at Black Durgeon.
'Lac' (lagoon noted for windsufing) and salt flats beyond.
Most pictures were taken with an Olympus Stylus 400 (original resolution of
2272x1704). An underwater housing was used with that camera. A few addtional
'dry' shots were made with a Pansonic Lumix FX9.
© Jim Zandlo, 2007, 2008