Bonaire, N.A. Bonaire is part of the Netherlands Antilles, a self-governing part of the Netherlands. It is the second largest of the five Netherlands Antilles islands, which include Aruba and Curacao. Situated just 50 miles north of Venezuela, in the south end of the Caribbean Sea, flamingos often make the daily flight to the island, to eat small shrimps from it's brakish ponds. Bonaire's surface area consists of 112 square miles (24 miles long and 3-7 miles wide), with Washington-Slagbaai National Park featuring prominently. Bonaire's capital is Kralendijk (pronounced "CRAWL-in-dike"), centrally located on the western shore. The island's population is about 11,000. Yearly average temperature is 27.8C; Water temperature 27C; Rainfall 22 inches; Humidity of 76%, and sunny all year around. Bonaire is also located in an upwelling. Cool, nutrient-rich ocean waters rise from the deep around Bonaire. This water is rich with plankton and other nutrients, making the reefs around Bonaire some of the most spectacular in the world. This cool water also tends to reduce rainfall, making Bonaire a dry, desert island. There are over 80 marked dive sites around Bonaire (and many more un-marked) -- most of them accessible from shore. The waters around Bonaire are protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park, which actively promotes conservation of the reefs. The bay dive sites have very little current, making them perfect for beginner divers.