Day 9: Bonaire

I feel refreshed after my lazy day and ready to hit the ground running . . . another day another changed shore excursion with no warning.  I had a gut feeling last night when my chosen excursion was not showing up on the app so I was the first one in line when they opened at 730am.  My gut was correct and quickly booked on a new excursion which of course was more expensive but what you going to do sit on the ship all day?  This tour group is way bigger than I like but at least they split us in two smaller groups so it is better . . . hey it's Bonaire or bust . . . just happy to be out and about exploring a new island!

Bonaire Information

• 26,000 people live on the island
• 24 miles North to South
• 3-5 miles East to West
• very flat

First Stop:  Salt Flats

The salt flats are owned by Cargill and produce 300,000-500,000 metric tons per year across 9,000 acres.

The salt flats appear pink due to the presence of specific organisms, mainly algae and bacteria, which produce pigments that absorb certain wavelengths of light, giving the water a pinkish hue.  Across the street from this salt flat is a beautiful beach that is solid coral . . . talk about hurting if walking barefoot!

 

Next Stop:  Slave Huts

 

As we drove we saw some adorable critters . . . 

About flamingos in Bonaire, the island's salt pans provide an abundant food source; the isolation and lack of predators create a safe haven for flamingos to breed and thrive.  We did not see very many up close but in the distance it was a sea of pink!  Here is a photo a fellow cruiser shared with me.

The donkeys just roam the island without a care in the world, but I am certain they were hoping for a snack!

Final Stop:  Sorobon Beach

This beach is know for wind surfing . . . there were so many out there but never saw anyone hit each other!

I just walked around and enjoyed the views.

It was back on the bus to the ship . . . I thought this cactus fence was pretty cool even if it was just a quick flash from the bus window.

I enjoyed this excursion, Bonaire Highlights and Sorobon Beach.  I was able to see what I wanted but of course would always like more time.  It was back to my drinking challenge which I have given up on trying new things and settled for my favorite, Desert Pear Margarita at the Schooner Bar.

I thought it was sort of fitting that the sky was so pinkish during the sail away sunset.