Lesser-known Caribbean island where everything’s pink & beaches are the best in the world is only 3 hours from the US

MANY Caribbean islands have beautiful blue waves and white sand beaches — but one hidden gem has the clearest water you’ll ever see and the pinkest landscapes.

Located just three hours from the southern United States, Bonaire is a lesser-known island with waters so crystal clear you have to see it to believe it.

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Why Bonaire?

Bonaire, an island in the Lesser Antilles near Venezuela, is known for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.

Nicknamed “Divers Paradise,” the island offers a variety of water activities, including clear-bottom kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and more.

Not to mention that Bonaire offers a quieter getaway in contrast to the more crowded and popular islands that US tourists tend to flock to.

The island’s location also gives travelers the ability to easily visit nearby Aruba and Curacao — featuring the trio known as the ABC Islands.

What are the best vacation deals to Bonaire?

Bonaire is less than five hours from many East Coast states and is easily accessible from major airports in Miami, Atlanta, Houston and Newark.

For those flying from Miami, the average flight time is just three hours.

Depending on which city you’re flying from, round-trip tickets can be purchased for well under $1,000.

When it comes to accommodations, Bonaire has significantly fewer large hotel chains and resorts than nearby Aruba and Curacao.

Instead, the island has smaller resorts and private, furnished homes and apartments for travelers.

Some hotels overlooking the Caribbean Sea can be booked for as little as $120 per night.

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What Makes Bonaire World Class?

Thanks to its incredible coral reefs and shipwrecks, the island is known as one of the best diving spots in the Caribbean – and its beaches are considered the world’s shore diving capital.

The Professional Association of Scuba Instructors has called it “one of the best places in the world to get a new certification” due to its dive sites being protected from any currents.

During a recent vacation I had the opportunity to take part in a kayaking excursion on Bonaire.

The kayak’s glass bottom allowed for an unobstructed view of the wildlife and ecosystem below.

Swimming next to hundreds – maybe even thousands – of different fish and other creatures was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

What else is there to do on Bonaire?

In addition to its white sand beaches and coral reefs, Bonaire is also home to an abundance of wildlife, with Washington Slagbaai National Park popular with bird watchers.

Visitors will also find the Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary, as well as a flamingo sanctuary and a sea turtle sanctuary.

The island’s capital, Kralendijk, is home to the port for cruise ships and features lots of pastel-colored colonial architecture and murals.

It’s also worth a road trip to the southern end of the island to visit the salt flats, with their 50-foot-tall salt pyramids and incredible pink lakes.

The lakes get their amazing pink color from a microorganism called halophilic bacteria that thrive in highly saline brine.

Continuing the pink theme, Bonaire is one of only four places where the American flamingo breeds – the animal is so important to the island that the airport is named after it.

There are several places on the island where you can spot the magnificent birds, including Pekelmeer to the south and Gotomeer to the north.

And yes, in case you were wondering… the “Flamingo Airport” is pink.

What else do I need to know about Bonaire?

Bonaire has a large international airport.

The US Dollar is widely accepted as it is the official currency on the island.

A valid passport is required to enter the country.

Although Dutch is the main language, many residents also speak English.

The native language is called Papiamentu and is a mix of different dialects including Dutch, French, Spanish, English and more.

Temperatures in Bonaire typically stay in the upper 80s Fahrenheit but could hit the 90s and drop into the 70s.

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Normally, it is most expensive to travel to Bonaire between November and March.

The island is most popular in February and March during the Carnival celebrations.