Bonaire has many natural attractions and landmarks for visitors, but the most prominent one has to be Bonaire Nationial Park.

Located in the northwest portion of the island, the park covers 13,500 acres or about one-fifth of Bonaire's land area. It is also home to a wide variety of animal life, including several endangered species of birds, turtles and iguanas. There is also a good deal of plant life, like cactus, mesquite and the divi-divi tree.

After a stop at the Visitor's Center — where you can rent a handy, four-wheel drive vehicle — you can choose between two driving trails: the shorter green route or the longer yellow route. Both trails offer beautiful views of beaches and exotic wildlife. Don't forget to bring both your hiking boots and your sunscreen, depending on where you wind up. Playa Funchi, for example, on the western coast provides an excellent swimming area since there are no water currents.

The park is split between two plantations: the Washington plantation — from which the park was originally formed in 1969 and now covers the northern part of the park — and the Slagbaai plantation, which covers the southern part and contains large quantities of limestone that allows foliage to grow. The park also includes 21 miles of mountain biking trails that feature rough terrtain and are not recommended for casual riders.

In short, Bonaire National Park offers a unique challenge and adventure for everyone.