Bonaire offers the snorkeler opportunities to see more species of fish, in greater numbers, more intimately, than any other Caribbean destination we know. Gold-specked French angelfish will actually approach you. Schools of blue tangs, sergeant majors, chromis, and French grunts are prolific. Trumpet fish, groupers, peacock flounders, butterfly fish, coneys, chubs, and more, all circulate without fear of human presence. There are more parrotfish on Bonaire than we've seen (or heard!) anywhere else. Although we're careful of brochure superlatives, Bonaire is truly a fish lovers paradise.

Although not as profuse, we may also encounter hawksbill turtles, sting rays, and harmless nurse sharks. The title of this program, Exploring Bonaire, is indicative of our attitude and approach to this adventure. We've arranged some exciting new elements that should allow us to take best advantage of Bonaire's natural, cultural, and culinary highlights.

We plan to rent several large vans for our entire visit so that, as a group, we may independently explore some of Bonaire's best shore snorkeling sites, many of which are off the beaten track. After our days activities, we will use these vans on several occasions, to "explore" some of the island's best restaurants. We have selected some of our personal favorites, and convinced their management to let us bring 15 or so "friends" as well.

We also plan to charter a private boat to be used exclusively by our group for exploration of the best snorkeling sites at Klein Bonaire (the small satellite island) and coastal sites not accessible by van. We hope to provide one or two opportunities to go night snorkeling when we may witness feeding octopus, lobsters, shrimp, and perhaps giant tarpons.

At night, the coral animals (polyps) extend their feeding tentacles, including Bonaire's beautiful and brilliant orange cup corals. We plan to include a snorkeling outing by van to Bonaire's mangroves. While many Caribbean mangrove environments can be mucky, on Bonaire tidal flow keeps these relatively clear and healthy. In the mangroves, we may intimately view juvenile reef fish, barracuda, anemones, sponges, and the curious upside down jellyfish.

Finally, in addition to excellent snorkeling, and fine dining, we have invited key individuals associated with Bonaire's marine environment to share their knowledge, expertise, and perspective with our group. Of course, we will still delight in giving several slide-illustrated interpretive presentations, but we're sure we will all benefit from the contributions of our guest speakers.

After 15 years of visiting Bonaire -- of learning its secrets, meeting its people and its fish -- it is our privilege to have the opportunity to invite you to experience the great joys this little island has to offer.