Klein Bonaire Curacao aerial photo by dronepicr Wikimedia

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Klein Bonaire


 

Klein has been a small uninhabited islet off the west coast of the Caribbean Island of Bonaire. It is part of the Dutch  special municipality of Bonaire . 

The Klein Bonaire islet is 6 square kilometers (1,483 acres) in size and is within the slender crescent that the main island forms. It is incredibly flat, rising barely more than two meters above the water.

The island’s sole buildings are few abandoned slave huts, which are little, one-room buildings from the time of slavery in the area. And a small open shelter on the beach facing Bonaire. Running water and sanitary facilities are absent from the island.

Klein Bonaire was sold to Angel Jeserun and remained in private hands until 1999. During the period on the natives trees were removed which resulted to scrub growth across the Island. The development of Klein Bonaire was attempted  a few times prior to its establishments as a marine preserve. But the last was unsuccessful attempt in 1995.

The following are Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Klein Bonaire

1.Klein Bonaire has been recognized as  an Important Bird area by Birdlife International

Because it supports populations of bird species that are threatened or have a restricted geographic distribution. Birds lke  bare-eyed pigeons, least terns, and Caribbean elaenias, BirdLife International has designated Klein Bonaire as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Additionally, Wilson’s and snowy plovers breed there.

2.The distance from the shore of Bonaire to the shore of Klein Bonaire is about 800
metres  at the nearest point
 

Klein Curacao [sea ,nature ,beach] photo by Dronepicr Wikimedia

The closest point has been  around 800 meters (0.50 miles) from the shore of Bonaire to the shore of Klein Bonaire. Private and commercial boats often cross this span, and a kayak can do it with some difficulty.

The immaculate coral reef encircling the islet is the main draw for tourists who are  interested in scuba diving and snorkeling. Near the open shelter, numbered yellow-painted rocks indicate low areas on the nearby reef that divers can cross. The stream flows from right to left while looking at the rocks from the water.

3. Klein Bonaire has been permanent home to flora and fauna, sea turtle and flamingos

Hawksbill and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles have a permanent home on Klein Bonaire . The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), as well as sporadic flamingos, live there during the breeding season. During a recent 2011 survey, Montastraea annularis was also the most prevalent coral species observed.

4.There are upwards of 90 dive sites that surround the island giving divers a huge
selection to choose from

: Klein Curacao Aerial photo by Dronepicr Wikimedia

The vast majority of the sites are distributed over two main geographic areas. Several clusters of locations are shielded from the open waters by the inside bend of the island, just north of the main city Kralendijk.

Divers can find Klein Bonaire, a tiny islet that is accessible only by boat and is home to numerous dive and snorkeling spots, a little further out. Divers do not need to travel far offshore to find vast quantities of coral because the island, which is the pinnacle of an underwater mountain itself, is surrounded by coral.

This means that conditions are perfect for some spectacular shallow dives, as well as several sheer wall dives.

5.It has been considered as a perfect snorkeling spot

Kleine Bonaire photo by Michal Strzelecki, Wojtek Strzelecki i Jerzy Strzelecki Wikimedia

No Name Beach may be found on Klein Bonaire, sometimes known as “Little Bonaire,” which is deserted and 15 minutes by boat from Bonaire. One of Bonaire’s popular snorkeling locations is the reef that runs parallel to the shore east to No Name Beach. Reef fish can be seen in considerable numbers and variety in the area, but the shallow, severely damaged portion of the reef can be disappointing.

6. Klein Bonaire has been regarded as the world’s epicenter for shore diving

The   world’s capital for shore diving has been  Klein Bonaire. Around the coastline are more than 50 shore diving locations, and many diving packages come with a pickup truck. So all you have to do is pack your bags and head out, choosing the sights that are best for you along the way.

7.The Foundation for the Preservation of Klein Bonaire (FPKB) was born through
Concerned locals rallying to save Klein Bonaire.

: Klein Curacao Aerial photo by Dronepicr Wikimedia 

The island was successfully acquired in 1999 for 9 million Netherlands Antillean guilders (US$5 million) thanks to the efforts of the FPKB and other interested parties, as well as financial support from the Department of the Interior and Kingdom Affairs of the Netherlands, the World Nature Fund of the Netherlands, and the FPKB. The Bonaire National Marine Park currently includes Klein Bonaire. Reintroducing the local vegetation is one of the long-term plans.

8. Klein Bonaire has been administered as a part of the Bonaire National Marine park

In 2001, Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island, was included to the underwater park as a legally protected nature reserve. It  is now part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. Long-term plans include reintroduction of the native vegetation.
 
There are numerous diving locations on Bonaire’s west coast that are close to the beach. Divers can go by boat to the dive areas near Klein Bonaire.
It  is now part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. Long-term plans include reintroduction of the native vegetation.

9. Enjoy Kayaking on Klein Bonaire

Kayaking photo by Brandon McDonald Unsplash

On Klein Bonaire, kayaking is a fantastic experience. A secure and enjoyable kayak ride is guaranteed by the calm Caribbean Sea on the west coast. You can go kayaking on your own by renting one. At the water sports facilities, you may rent both single and double kayaks.

10.Bonaire  has been home to a population of about 10,000, and is often referred to as Divers Paradise.

If you’re interested in visiting Bonaire, think about going in the fall or winter when it rains a little less. The hot Caribbean climate is a little bit more tolerable in the winter because temperatures are a little bit lower. The Flamingo International Airport, which serves this tiny island, is frequented by flights from Curacao, Aruba, Jamaica, as well as Houston and Dallas via San Juan.

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