I'm looking forward to my first trip to Bonaire, but am going with a non-diving friend. What other activities, besides the obvious watersports, are there on the island? Anybody tried the horseback riding? Hiking/nature walks? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

There is a myriad of "other" sports. You can rent a mountain bike and rides the marked trails, trekking is also available. I suggest your visit http://www.discoverbonaire.com/ and pick an activity.

Well, Bonaire is THE best place to learn how to windsurf. Warm waist deep water and amazing intructors. Elvis at Bonaire Windsurf Place is open now and Ernst at Jibe City opens in Oct.

Also kayaking at Lac Bay is supposed to be heaven.

Annie
Cape Cod

Look at my profile and email me and I will give you the phone and fax number for Marion. She and her daughter Bijou run the horse back riding not far from the airport. You can fax her ahead of time and then call when you get there and set up a time to go horseback riding.

Barry Baker

Besides all these suggestions, there is also the obvious one: he/she can go snorkeling. After all, Bonaire has been more than once considered the number one spot for snorkeling in the Caribean, if not in the World!
In fact, anyone who goes to Bonaire and does not have some sort of contact with the underwater world will miss a fantastic opportunity

On our last day, unable to dive, we went over to Lac Bay and went on the guided tour of the mangroves. It was great-really interesting, and a different kind of water sport. I also spent some time on the beach catching up on some reading, which I find VERY relaxing and enjoyable.

Barry, glad to see you got a hair cut FINALLY!

Thanks to everybody for such a great response!

Made me chuckle, Cynde! Glad to "see" you, Aquaman!

arthur, i have been riding on bonaire, it was very fun and such a nice way to see the back country areas. they will take you on a short or long ride, depending on your wishes and ability. i am an experienced rider and had wonderful rides, and they also will show a beginner a good ride too. they provide both english or western style riding. if you go riding be sure to tell them that sherry says hello.

sherry baker-bubbles, sidekick to aquaman.

My wife doesn't dive.... but she does snorkel. We had a good time on a day-trip sailboat... the woodwind. http://www.bonairenet.com/woodwind/index.htm}

Bonaire Boating just opened a new Watersports & Adventure Center at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort. For guided snorkeling, mangrove kayaking, Mountain biking and nature tours.
Pick up the extended excursion and rental program at your resort/apartment or contact this new center. I hope you'll have a great time on our island because Bonaire is not for divers only !