NOAA Chooses Bonaire As Most Unspoiled Coral Reef Environment

The reef off the coast of Bonaire has always been a popular scuba and snorkeling spot. This month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designated Bonaire as having the most pristine coral reef environment.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) February 26, 2008 -- Always a top rated location by dive and snorkeling enthusiasts, Bonaire (http://www.harbourvillage.com/html04/travelinfo.html) has now received top honors from the NOAA with their designation as having the most pristine coral reef environment. Bonaire's coral reef will set the standard upon which all other coral reefs will be compared. In addition, an official study found that Bonaire houses more species of fish than any other Caribbean island.

"We've always known that the marine life surrounding Bonaire is something special," mentions Oscar Haack, General Manager at Harbour Village Beach Club. "To have a prestigious association like the NOAA saying that Bonaire arguably has the most pristine coral reef environment in the Caribbean is exciting for those of us that live and work here."

To collect even further data on this special area, the NOAA conducted an exploration in January 2008 to map Bonaire's reef using methods beyond the capabilities of conventional compressed air scuba diving including technical diving with mixed gasses and using three autonomous underwater vehicles to explore greater depths where little to no survey work was previously conducted.

"The researchers at NOAA have stated that the percentage of coral cover is the highest and the percentage of algae cover is the lowest compared with other Caribbean reefs," Haack further explains. "We are fortunate to have the Bonaire (http://www.harbourvillage.com/html04/diving.html) Marine Park Authority overseeing the administration and protection of our precious and unique underwater resource so that generations of people can continue to enjoy this underwater environment."

Anyone interested in booking a Bonaire (http://www.harbourvillage.com/html04/vacationpackages.html) dive vacation to experience this special pristine coral reef and the amazing variety of fish living in this environment is encouraged to contact the Harbour Village Beach Club to learn more about their dive into luxury packages.

About Harbour Village Beach Club (http://www.harbourvillage.com/)

Harbour Village Beach Club, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a luxurious residential resort community and club on the Caribbean island of Bonaire located just off the northeast coast of South America and named the Top Caribbean Dive Destination for six consecutive years (2003 to 2008) by Scuba Diving Magazine's readers. Harbour Village offers luxurious amenities in a private retreat setting and unsurpassed personalized service. A private beach as well as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, spa and tennis programs for families, couples and individual travelers are just a taste of the activities that guests can indulge in. Harbour Village provides more than the typical Caribbean vacation experience--it will give you a lifetime of memories.

Contact Information:

Jessica Gonzalez

jessica@harbourvillage.com

305-567-9509

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