The
The next Bonaire EcoSwim will be held in late 2010 with information avaliable and posted here in December 2009.
To receive information on this event when announced please join our event mailing list CLICK HERE.
French Angelfish along the swim course -Photo c Patricia Senar 2008)
The Magic of
In 1979, the waters around
official marine park, helping
the world's most beautiful dive locations. Thanks to
pristine reefs and diverse marine life, which are unique to the
Caribbean, and the diligent stewardship of its marine resources, a
water lover’s paradise was created.
number one in the world for best shore diving and one of the top
four best dive destinations in the world. Readers of Rodale's Scuba
Diving magazine voted
in the world for the 12th consecutive year. In May 2005,
CNN/National Geographic ranked
dive destinations in the world. For non-divers, snorkeling is also
spectacular and windsurfing conditions on the windy side of the
island are ideal! But that isn't all there is to do on
can also enjoy other world class adventures and activities including
free-diving, mountain biking, sea kayaking, bird watching, horseback
riding, and stargazing.
cultural dining experiences. A team of chefs from several of
Bonaire's multitude of restaurants took high honors two years in a
row at international culinary competitions, bringing home many
medals and honors to the island. Two of the swimmers' favorite
restaurants are Capriccio's, an authentic Italian restaurant that
has the best wine cellar in the Caribbean, and
Argentinean Grill that was voted the number one dive-destination
restaurant in January 2005 by readers of Scuba Diving magazine.
The Readers Choice Survey in the January 2008 Scuba Diving Magazine
rates
Top Dive Destination
Top Marine Life
Top
Top Underwater Photography
Top Beginner Diving
Top Advanced Diving
Location:
The Dutch Caribbean Island of Bonaire, Netherlands
located 50 miles north of
miles east of
miles long by 3 - 7 miles wide. The highest
elevation is Brandaris Hill, which is 784 feet.
Climate:
southern
temperature is 82°F with 75% relative humidity while the average
water temperature is between 78 to 84°F.
Discounted air/lodging packages are available through Caradonna Dive Adventures at 800-328-2288
Cammie Akins at extension 100 or Cammie@Caradonna.com
Vicki Nelson at extension 125 or vicki@caradonna.com
Michele Talley extension 118 or Michele@caradonna.com
Lodging:
Captain Don's Habitat Resort -our headquarters hotel, event start
and finish.
Travel has air/lodging packages available.
Sand Dollar Condominium Resort- condos w/kitchens -near Captain
Don's. For Information and reservations, call toll free: 1-800-288-4773 or usreservations@sanddollarbonaire.com
TESTIMONIALS from participants:
"
challenge anyone to find another getaway where you can compete in an
amazingly organized EcoSwim, enjoy scuba diving and other water
sports in a gorgeous, pristine national marine park, sail on the
Samur with over the top hospitality, dine at award winning
restaurants and hang out with the best crowd of swimmers on the planet!"
-
This was my first Bonaire Eco Swim, and what a fantastic experience!
From meeting new and friendly people to swimming in truly tropical,
warm water with colorful fish and turtles, I can't imagine a better
time! It was very much worth the long haul there, and I'll be back
next year, for sure! A big thank you to the organizers and
volunteers who made it such a huge success. Everyone was friendly
and fun!! Hope to learn some Latin dance moves from the Venezuelans
next year! See you in 2008!
-
My husband (a non-swimmer) and I used the Bonaire EcoSwim as an
excuse for a vacation, and we were not disappointed. We had a
fabulous time exploring the pristine waters of
advantage of one of the top-ranked scuba destinations in the world.
It was my first open water race in salt water, and I was thrilled
with the visibility. I saw a couple of turtles, an eagle ray, a
barracuda, and countless other beautiful fish -- during the race!
Randy and his crew organize a wonderful event, and we can't wait to
go again next year.
-Kristi Lee -Sawtooth Masters Swim Team,
As long as you have a love for coral reef and tropical fish, I
highly recommend the Bonaire Ecoswim for beginner and experienced
open water swimmers, family and singles. My husband and I belong to
the Ohio Master Swim but we are “pool swimmers”. To complicate
things, we have two young children 6 and 9 years old. Our friends at
the
recommended that we go. It turned out to be a fabulous idea.
-Diana Pi MD
made in a very long time. From the moment I arrived on
the time I had to leave, I felt the wonderful hospitality of the
Island. The waters of
with gorgeous coral reefs right off the beach. The swim event itself
was the most relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable competition that I
have taken part in and the social events were fabulous. As Event
Director and someone with extensive knowledge of the
people, Randy Nutt has put together an incredible experience in a
beautiful setting which provides everything necessary for a great
active vacation. It was a privilege to attend the event and to swim
in these waters and I am eagerly looking forward to being back next year!
-Jeremy Ollerenshaw Roswell, GA
"Swimming the shores of
have ever done in my 40 years of swimming! This event is open water
swimming at its finest. Spectacular snorkeling, fabulous people and
great organization! Don't miss it in 2006!"
-
"Just wanted to say thanks again for a great swim!
whether you are swimming on top of the water, or diving below the
surface. And I met so many wonderful people - swimmers are always
the most fun! Still thinking about next year!"
-
"The
swim race that I have had the opportunity to compete in. The race
coordination, administration and support during the race was
excellent. In addition the 5k course was along the beautiful coral
encrusted shoreline that created a backdrop for amazing fish
sightings; I saw a spotted ray eel, sea turtle and a ship wreck
during the swim! The
clear that you really have to experience it for yourself to
appreciate it. No postcard could ever do this water and location
justice. I am looking forward to the challenge and new undersea
adventures waiting for me to discover during the next Bonaire Eco Swim!"
-Carol Carr,
"Athletes who have participated in Randy Nutt's Bonaire Eco-Swim now
agree with divers across the world that
paradise. While swimming in the waters of
take the time to turn your head for a breath, the reefs & fish below
are mesmerizing. I won't miss this event next year!"
-Ralph "Shamu"
"Randy and his gang put together yet another wonderful swim for all
of us who decide swimming a 10K (or a 5K or a mile) at a glorious,
tropical island is the way to go. It was an adventure that warms
your heart and strengthens your soul. I'll be back next year for sure."
-
"The Bonaire Open Water Swim is a wonderful opportunity to swim
one's choice in distances in a truly beautiful setting. Besides
this, the island offers a great chance to get away from the world as
we know it and really relax and enjoy the water, the people, the
fish and the assortment of restaurants. Highly recommended!!"
-
Bonaire Eco Swim 2008 Race re-cap:
(Click here for 2008 event photos)
By Patricia Sener
Kralendijk
12/6/08
Clear skies and a calm sea greeted sixty-six sleepy swimmers as they awoke
to prepare for the 8th Annual
Don’s for their race number markings, participants happily swilled java
and water and exchanged warm, slightly nervous greetings. People from all
over the world—
and many places in-between—gathered together in an air of anticipation and
bonhomie for the 10k, 5k, 3k and 1k races. The stellar water—famous for
its amazing clarity, and beauty—waited in its 82F splendor. The colors
ranged from a brilliant turquoise to rich cobalt, known locally as “the
deep blue”. Not without a touch of awe swimmers jumped in for the water
start, just as the clouds kindly rolled in just in time to shade the
fair-skinned swimmers. Boat support, generously provided the
Marine
dedicated kayak support team. The air was a comfortable 83F as the
countdown began. As swimmers started off towards their respective buoys,
the race was occasionally interrupted by excited shouts of “turtle!”
drawing swimmers off-course for a closer look. Sea turtles, giant blue
parrotfish, great barracuda, and moray eels were some of the many exotic
(at least to the non-locals) species that were encountered during the
event.
thankfully has very little in the way of nasty critters, making for an
idyllic swim. Jimmy Wellborn, winner of the 10k swim, was rewarded with a
frosty Polar as soon as his hand left the finish buoy. As swimmers left
the dock, they gathered at Rumrunners for icy refreshment and to await the
award ceremony. Afterwards, an impromptu dance party broke out, spurred on
by the Venezuelans. Cave tours, a huge school of dolphin, groups swims
(one to Klein Bonaire), eagle rays, a sunset snorkel aboard the very
special Siamese junk Samur, octopus, seahorses, the famous flamingos—these
were all part of the swimmers’ experience of
while watching for the green flash at sunset cemented many an old and new
friendship, as swimmers vowed to return to paradise next year. And maybe stay a bit longer next time….
Actress Alexandra Paul - Bonaire EcoSwim 10k Swimmer
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