Bonaire’s old salt pans show how people used to make salt. They used the sun to evaporate seawater. Salt making began on Bonaire in the 17th century. Slaves used to work here under harsh conditions. Now the salt pans are popular with tourists.Bonaire’s ancient salt pans show how people used to make salt. They used the sun to evaporate seawater. Salt making began on Bonaire in the 17th century. Slaves used to work here under harsh conditions. Now the salt pans are popular with tourists.
Bonaire’s ancient salt pans.
Bonaire’s old salt pans are a fascinating reminder of the island’s colonial past and its crucial role in salt production. An industry that has been vital to food conservation worldwide for centuries. Constructed during the period from the 17th to the 19th century, these historic salt pans exploit the natural process of evaporation under intense sunlight to crystallize salt from seawater. The distinctive pink and white salt mountains against the backdrop of bright blue Caribbean skies offer a breathtaking visual spectacle. But also attests to the harsh working conditions under which slaves had to work to extract the precious salt. Today, the salt flats are a major tourist attraction and a habitat for several species of birds, including the striking flamingos, attracted by the rich presence of microorganisms in the salt water.
Casper Douma Photography
“Bon dia tur hende i bon bini na dushi Boneiru!”
My name is Casper Douma and I am a photographer. Since 2014 I’ve been living on this beautiful island, surrounded by a fringing reef. At first glance, you may see mostly cacti and drought, but Bonaire is a little gem if you get to know it better. I would like to take you on one of my photography tours to show you all the special places of Bonaire. In small groups of maximum 4 people I give you a unique look at the beauty of Bonaire. Became curious? Take a look at my website! I wish you a lot of fun on beautiful Bonaire.