Bonaire

On the island's southeastern side, Lac is a large inland bay that provides a critical habitat for green turtles and queen conchs – and windsurfers. Indeed, this is one of the world’s premier destinations for riding the gusts, thanks to steady trade winds and warm, shallow waters.

The northern side of Lac Bay is sheltered by mangrove forests, where wetland birds breed and reef creatures mature (which explains why the mangrove is sometimes called a 'coral-reef nursery'). It's a gem for paddlers and snorkelers, who can spot young fish, sea stars and sponges in the crystal-clear waters. The Kaminda Lac – around the northern side of the bay – is a picturesque drive (and a popular cycling route), with views of flocks of flamingos and dense mangroves.

The southern end of Bonaire is flat and arid, with vistas that extend for many miles in all directions. The horizon is broken only by the massive mounds of sparkling-white salt. Yes, salt. This is the product of the Cargill solar salt works, and further south you'll see acres and acres of salt pans, where ocean water sits and eventually evaporates, leaving the salty residue. The landscape is oddly – startlingly – beautiful, especially as the water evaporates and with increasing salinity the pans turn 50 shades of pink. Speaking of pink, look out for flamingos flocking in the pans.

Aside from the salt works the South End is nearly deserted. But the coast is punctuated by rocky beaches, colonial-era landmarks, and lovely, windsurfer-dotted Lac Bay, making the perimeter a fascinating driving or cycling route.