One of the most notable features to greet us as we approach Bonaire is the distinctive line of white salt pyramids at the southeastern end of the island. Each pyramid is roughly 50 feet (15 meters) high and contains approximately 10,000 metric tons of 99.6% pure salt. The Bonaire solar salt facility, one of the largest in the Caribbean, covers approximately 13% of the island and utilizes a series of 50-acre condenser ponds that draw in saltwater from the Caribbean or a nearby brine lake and move it through a succession of ponds where the salinity is successively increased as the sun and wind evaporate the water. When the salinity level reaches 25% to 30%, the solution is moved into crystallizer ponds where the salt begins to crystalize and precipitate out after reaching 37% salinity. We are forewarned and spot several of the pyramids as we approach the island.
We sign up for a kayak tour from the port across the bay to Te Amo Beach in the southern part of Bonaire Marine Park, a fabulous snorkeling place along the reef just off the beach. The park was established in 1979 to protect and manage the island's resources, starting at the high water mark and extending to 60 meters (200 feet) in depth, encompassing the narrow fringing reef around Bonaire which begins at the shoreline and extends to 300 meters (984 feet) offshore
We enter the water and find the reef only a short distance from the beach. The water around the reef is packed with schools of colorful smaller fish and larger (still colorful) fish that don't seem to be bothered by our snorkeling group on the top of the water.
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