I'm a world traveler but never heard of Bonaire until I visited. Here are 16 surprising things I learned about the Caribbean island.

Latifah Al-HazzaFeb 5, 2023, 17:17 IST

The author traveled to the island of Bonaire for the first time.Latifah Al-Hazza

I recently traveled to the Caribbean island of Bonaire for the first time.
I knew absolutely nothing about it before traveling there, but learned so much in just a week.

I recently left my home in the States to travel to the tiny island of Bonaire.

The coastline of Bonaire.Latifah Al-Hazza

It's the smallest island I've ever been to in my travels.

The author was shocked by how small Bonaire is.Latifah Al-Hazza was shocked by how small the island is.

I found out that Bonaire is not its own country but is part of a European country.

The author needed her passport to travel to Bonaire.Latifah Al-Hazza

While I was surprised to learn Bonaire is part of Europe, I was more shocked to find that I never felt like I was in Europe while on this tropical island.

As a Dutch-owned island, Bonaire is European even if it didn't outwardly feel like it.Latifah Al-Hazza

I was shocked, and relieved, to learn that the island doesn't experience a hurricane season.

This Caribbean Island doesn’t experience hurricane season.Latifah Al-Hazza

I learned that the Bonairean native language is a mixture of many other languages.

Many people speak English on the island of Bonaire.Latifah Al-Hazza

I rented a car in Bonaire and couldn't believe that there are no traffic lights on the island. More commonly, I saw places to stop for various crossings.

The pizza parlor with traffic light signage (L), and a sign noting scuba divers (R).Latifah Al-Hazza

I was greatly impressed by the marine life in Bonaire. As soon as I started spotting fish, I was reminded why I wanted to get PADI certified here.

The author got PADI certified in Bonaire.Latifah Al-Hazza

I thought the underwater life was so incredible, yet I was still impressed to learn that Bonaire is home to the oldest marine reserve in the world.

The waters of Bonaire are protected.Latifah Al-Hazza

In addition to scuba diving, I was also inspired to try windsurfing, which I didn't previously know would be so popular here.

The author took windsurfing lessons in Bonaire.Latifah Al-Hazza

After I checked windsurfing off my list, I was surprised to find yet another new sport to try.

Landsailing is a fun sport to try while in Bonaire.Latifah Al-Hazza

While I expected that Bonaire would have impressive marine life, I was surprised to see it is home to many land animals as well.

Animals on Bonaire.Latifah Al-Hazza

Another thing I did not expect to see in Bonaire were so many non-swimmable pink ponds.

The island has salt pyramids.Latifah Al-Hazza

On an island so small, I didn't realize I'd have access to several great hiking trails.

The author at the top of Brandaris hiking trail.Latifah Al-Hazza

When I was ready for a drink to celebrate all of my new accomplishments, I was pleased to try a liqueur that is only found on this Caribbean Island.

Cactus liquor is made on the island.Latifah Al-Hazza

I was also shocked that the island had so many phenomenal restaurants.

One of many meals the author enjoyed on Bonaire.Latifah Al-Hazza

I had so much fun on the island, but learned while visiting that I was not allowed to take the beach home.

It is forbidden to take shells, sand, and coral from Bonaire.Latifah Al-Hazza

I might not have heard of Bonaire before this trip, but I'm glad I did, and I'll certainly be back.

Bonaire's passport stamp is a flamingo.Latifah Al-Hazza

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