phelana
Contributor
Greets Divers,
Some of you are Bonaire divers and are well aware of the splendid dive conditions, the diverse shore sites available and the island's reputation for having one of the Caribbean's best ecosystem. Well at the risk of making a big political statement I want to share some information that may impact your future vacation.
Our island has taken the lead in being a environmentally concious island. STINAPA and the Bonaire government have paved the way for others to follow their model. Hats off. Where can one dive in other Caribbean harbours? Not many...it's simply pristene. Our reefs are healthy despite damage from Lenny and our beaches are clean.
Bonaire seeks to expand and grow as all destinations and has chosen to explore the mass cruise ship route. I was reviewing the cruise ship calendar and notice on a few days we will have over 4500-5500 additional tourists on island. This may mean revenue for the islands tourism but to me it stresss the island's infrastructure. As you may know when we have 3500 passengers on a day the island is greatly impacted. On these days Donkey Beach for example may have up to 50 or more newbies snorkeling the reefs. On at least one occassion I saw tourists standing on the reefs taking a chill break? How will the dive shops manage the masses and who will be able to take the time to educate all on our precious environment.
Here are the dates:
Dec 26
Jan. 1
Jan. 23
Feb. 6
Feb. 13
Feb. 20
March 5
March 12
Does anyone have experience with how mass cruise ship tourism has impacted Cayman, another dive spot? I am looking to become better educated so I can understand the possible merits to this marketing scheme as well as concerns.
If this is not the appropriate forum kindly accept my apologies.
Ann Phelan
www.bonairecaribbean.com
Some of you are Bonaire divers and are well aware of the splendid dive conditions, the diverse shore sites available and the island's reputation for having one of the Caribbean's best ecosystem. Well at the risk of making a big political statement I want to share some information that may impact your future vacation.
Our island has taken the lead in being a environmentally concious island. STINAPA and the Bonaire government have paved the way for others to follow their model. Hats off. Where can one dive in other Caribbean harbours? Not many...it's simply pristene. Our reefs are healthy despite damage from Lenny and our beaches are clean.
Bonaire seeks to expand and grow as all destinations and has chosen to explore the mass cruise ship route. I was reviewing the cruise ship calendar and notice on a few days we will have over 4500-5500 additional tourists on island. This may mean revenue for the islands tourism but to me it stresss the island's infrastructure. As you may know when we have 3500 passengers on a day the island is greatly impacted. On these days Donkey Beach for example may have up to 50 or more newbies snorkeling the reefs. On at least one occassion I saw tourists standing on the reefs taking a chill break? How will the dive shops manage the masses and who will be able to take the time to educate all on our precious environment.
Here are the dates:
Dec 26
Jan. 1
Jan. 23
Feb. 6
Feb. 13
Feb. 20
March 5
March 12
Does anyone have experience with how mass cruise ship tourism has impacted Cayman, another dive spot? I am looking to become better educated so I can understand the possible merits to this marketing scheme as well as concerns.
If this is not the appropriate forum kindly accept my apologies.
Ann Phelan
www.bonairecaribbean.com