Bonaire’s history is deeply rooted in it’s diverse cultures. Originally inhabited by a branch of the Arawak Indians from Venezuela, the first Europeans came in 1499, but didn’t stay. Later, Bonaire’s ownership changed several times, becoming a colony of Spain and then the Dutch. By 1837 Bonaire was a thriving center of salt production, but it took slave labor to produce it. The small slave huts along the shore still stand as reminders of the past.

Salt production continues today, and the large salt hills near the salt ponds can be seen from miles away. The salt encourages the growth of a bacterium that turns the ponds a pink color, and the flamingos feed on the bacteria. Thus, flamingos are pink!

Bonaire Series:
Bonaire, Netherland Antilles
Snorkeling in Bonaire
Windsurfing in Bonaire
Bonaire’s History