Bonaire is a paradise for ecotourists and watersports enthusiasts. Located just 50 miles north of Venezuela, Bonaire is one of the world’s leaders in conservation and the protection of marine life. This unspoiled island is blessed with cooling tradewinds, abundant sunshine, and average year-round water temperatures of 80 degrees and 82 degrees on land.

Cruise ships dock in Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire. There are many restaurants, bars and shops in this area. Kaya Grandi, Kralendijk’s main shopping area, is just a short stroll away. Taxis and island tours are available and rental car agencies can arrange for pick-ups at the dock.

What To Do

* Diving and snorkeling. Diving and snorkeling are two of the most popular activities in Bonaire. Bonaire has miles of protected marine life and underwater formations, warm water temperatures and excellent diving conditions. In addition, the Bonaire National Marine Park has well over 80 top diving and snorkeling spots from which to choose. Each of these sites is marked with a yellow painted rock listing the site's name, and many are easily accessible from shore. All divers and snorkelers accessing the Park must purchase a Marine Park Tag.

* Spending the day at a resort. Many cruisers seek out island resorts that offer day passes for cruise ship passengers. If this option is appealing, check out the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino located within walking distance from the pier. The Divi Flamingo has a day beach pass for cruisers that provides access to the resort’s beach, pools and shower facilities. The resort is also home to Divi Dive Bonaire, a PADI gold palm dive center. Cruisers can rent snorkel gear here (based upon availability) and learn about a variety of diving and snorkeling opportunities available through the resort's dive center. Cruise passengers can also enjoy the Divi Flamingo’s restaurants and bars including Chibi Chibi, an excellent spot for a relaxing seaside lunch. The resort's Flamingo Casino is open during the day for cruise ship passengers. Pick up a flyer in town and bring it to the Casino for a free gift and free drinks.

* Windsurfing. Lac Bay, a shallow protected cove with clear water, is one of the world's best places for windsurfing. The bay's sandy entry, shallow depth and steady trade winds make it perfect for beginner and advanced windsurfers alike. Head to Jibe City or Bonaire Windsurf Place for lessons.

* Land sailing. Land sailing is one of today's fastest growing eco-sports and Landsailing Bonaire has the largest track in the world. Learning to sail a blokart takes less than 10 minutes and once you try it, you'll have a hard time tearing yourself away from the track. This shore excursion option sells out quickly, so make your reservations well in advance.

* Island tours. No visit to Bonaire would be complete without seeing the island's resident pink flamingos near Bonaire's salt pans or around Goto Lake in the northern section of Bonaire. About 10,000 to 15,000 flamingos make their home on the island. Animal lovers also enjoy visiting the island's Donkey Sanctuary, a refuge for more than 400 donkeys located about five minutes from downtown Kralendijk. Hiking and birding enthusiasts are particularly fond of Washington-Slagbaai National Park, a 14,000-acre nature sanctuary located at the northern end of the island. Other popular sightseeing spots include the historic town of Rincon and the slave huts, lighthouse and solar salt works located in island's southern section.

* Best beach break. Klein Bonaire is a pristine uninhabited island just off the coast of Bonaire. The island's white sand beach is spectacular and the snorkeling there is excellent. The two shaded pavilions on Klein Bonaire are small and there are no concessions available, so bring water and wear plenty of sunscreen. Other good Bonaire beaches include Pink Beach and Sorobon Beach at Lac Bay.

* Shopping. A small selection of shops and souvenir stores can be found along Kralendijk's Kaya Grandi. Shops are generally open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and often close for lunch between noon and 2 p.m. daily. Bonaire's local art studios, such as the JanArt Gallery and Kas di Arte, are also well worth a visit.

Other great activities include horseback riding, kayaking through protected mangrove areas, biking, caving, and fishing.

If You Go:

* For more information about the island of Bonaire, visit www.tourismbonaire.com.

* For more information about the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort, visit www.diviflamingo.com, call 011 (599) 717-8285, or send a fax to 011 (599) 717-8238. The resort’s day pass for cruise ship passengers is US $10 per person and includes access to the resort’s pools, beach and shower facilities, as well as beach chairs if they are available. Beach towels can be obtained with a $5 deposit.