I want to recommend a kayaking excursion through the mangrove forest in Bonaire, it is very beautiful AND you learn a lot! In Feb 08, we toured there with a guide - at one point we slipped out of the kayaks and into the water with snorkels - what an experience! We saw how the roots of the mangrove trees form a safe "nursery" area for many varieties of fish - the "path" for the kayaks are clear but on either side, you see so much life. Anyone with environmental interest would find this trip in the mangrove forest of great interest.

How would we go about booking this trip? We will be there in early feb, have never been kayaking but have always wanted to. How long of a day is it, as we have booked other things and dont want to book up all of our time.

Susan: Most accommodations on Bonaire will have information on kayaking in the mangrove forest.
They have tours of various lengths - so you can book as short or as long as you like. Kayaks are so easy to manoeuvre! We took a "double" kayak - my husband is a really strong canoeist - but after this experience, I realized that I could have managed just fine in a kayak of my own. They are completely safe and buoyant - you wear your swimsuit + a Tshirt for sun protection. Enjoy!

Thanks Patricia sounds like alot of fun. We will definitely be trying it!

You can also peruse the web page of the Mangrove Info Center, who is right there at the entrance to the mangroves. Visit www.mangrovecenter.com and you can make a booking directly from the web site. Book well in advance during cruise ship season, as it's a common activity for the ships.

sue, we've done the mangrove kayak/snorkel a number of times. try to book the morning tour (starts about 9AM) that way you'll miss most of the heat and will still be back in time to dive in the afternoon. from where you're staying i would plan on leaving a little before 830...it should be about a 20 minute drive to the mangrove info center.

Actually, the two hour kayak tour, which includes the snorkel stop, now departs at 8:30 AM, and I believe they request you are there 15 minutes before that. Here's all the different tours: http://www.mangrovecenter.com/english/excursions.htm