The stunning exotic island yet to become popular with Brits – with flamingo sanctuary and amazing weather all year
THE Caribbean is home to some of the world’s most famous holiday destinations.
However, the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas and Barbados can often be packed out with tourists, especially during the summer.
But there are other islands that holidaymakers can head to where the beaches are just as sandy and the weather just as hot, without the busy crowds.
One of those is Bonaire, a lesser-known Caribbean spot that boasts as many reasons to visit as the more renowned islands nearby.
The Dutch municipality lies off the coast of Venezuela, close to Curacao and Aruba.
It’s known for its bright pink airport, which was painted in homage to the island’s most famous resident – a giant flock of flamingos that live in the Pekelmeer Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is one of only four areas in the world where flamingos breed and they can be seen wading in bright pink salt pools, full of rosy brine shrimp that give the birds and the water their colour.
More than 10,000 of the birds live in the sanctuary and, although tourists aren’t allowed in, they can easily be spotted from the side of the road, or nearby Pink Beach.
The birds are far from the only animals that can be seen from the beaches, with the seas around Bonaire protected by the oldest marine reserve in the world.
Scuba divers and snorkelers can immerse themselves in a world inhabited by more than 340 species of fish.
In fact, the island has consistently been named the best place in the Caribbean to dive, according to Drift Travel, who laid out its credentials.
They said: “Bonaire was designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as having the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean.
“For 19 consecutive years the island was honoured as the top shore diving destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic in Scuba Diving magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards.”
The water isn’t the only good thing about the beaches on Bonaire either, with more than 20 tropical shorelines to explore on the island.
Some are covered in soft white sand, while others have shells and shingle.
There’ll be plenty of opportunities to explore them all, with the weather on the island notoriously good year-round.
While other Caribbean destinations are susceptible to hurricanes, Bonaire sits outside of that corridor, making it a reliable holiday spot, with average temperatures constantly staying between 27C-32C.
Arguably the best beach is No Name Beach, which can be found on Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island a short water taxi ride away from the capital Kralendijk.
Beautiful Bonaire describes it as “the island of your dreams” while some tourists have labelled it “one of the most beautiful beaches ever”.
One wrote on TripAdvisor: “This is paradise. Drift past coral full of thousands reef fish of every description. Have seen Green Turtles, Moray Eels, Sea Snakes, and it’s just a beautiful spot.”
Another added: “Beach was clean, with the whitest sand and the bluest sea – what else could you want?
“One of the most beautiful beaches ever.”
There’s nowhere to stay on Klein Bonaire, which means visitors will have to return to Kralendijk after their day at the beach.
However, that’s no bad thing, with plenty to do in the capital.
Museums, restaurants and shops are all housed in classic colourfully built buildings, while beach bars and pubs provide perfect places for refreshments after a long day in the sun.
US News said of the capital: “It’s a quaint hub of commercial and cultural activity comprising only a few blocks in size.
“While touring through the streets, you’ll notice well-preserved Caribbean architecture, waterfront eateries and a small, yet bustling market when cruise ships are docked at the pier.
“Shop for authentic souvenirs along Kaya Grandi, the area’s main street, or pop into the Bonaire Museum to see large collections of shells and learn about the island’s history.”
Meanwhile, this tropical island is British and home to stunning scenery and incredible wildlife.
And this secret tropical island in Ireland has crystal clear and beautiful sunsets.