While travelers flock to Blue Zones for wellness retreats, there’s another “Blue” on the rise—and this one’s making waves. Blue Destinations are specific locations that use ocean resources sustainably to support the local economy, promote community well-being, and protect marine ecosystems. Leading this movement is Bonaire, the world's first Blue Destination. This Dutch Caribbean island isn’t just talking the talk—it’s walking the (sea)walk, ensuring its ocean wildlife thrives and its coral reefs remain among the last healthy strongholds in the Caribbean.

Bonaire’s underwater world is the stuff of scuba divers' dreams, but its commitment to marine conservation is what truly sets it apart. Take a dip at Harbour Village, a boutique beach resort where guests can get an up-close-and-personal look at coral restoration in action. Just a few steps from the resort’s private beach, an underwater nursery nurtures coral "saplings" on 10 specialized trees. The goal? To replant these corals on the nearby house reef, ensuring the underwater ecosystem remains as vibrant as it is vital.

For those who’d rather stay dry, Harbour Village’s live-streaming underwater camera offers a front-row seat to the action—yes, that’s right, you can watch marine life flourish in real time from the comfort of your home. It’s a captivating reminder that the beauty below the surface deserves just as much attention as what’s above.

Bonaire isn’t content with passive participation. In recent years, the island launched "The Bonaire Bond," a thoughtful pledge for visitors to travel consciously and leave the island better than they found it. More than just a marketing mantra, the Bond reinforces the importance of sustainable tourism—an essential part of preserving the island’s delicate ecosystem and supporting the livelihood of its local community.

To walk the talk, Bonaire’s commitment extends beyond pledges and postcards. As part of this initiative, the island adopted a coral tree on behalf of visitors who signed the Bond. This tree is managed by the Reef Renewal Bonaire foundation, a non-profit dedicated to restoring coral reefs. And for those who want a more hands-on experience, scuba divers can take it a step further by getting certified as Reef Renewal Divers. Once certified, they’re invited to volunteer, helping to clean, maintain, and even "replant" coral on the reef. Talk about a memorable way to leave your mark—one that’s actually good for the planet.

For U.S.-based travelers, Bonaire’s beauty is now closer than ever. As of last month, JetBlue’s new non-stop flight from New York’s JFK to Bonaire means that the island’s crystal-clear waters and coral wonderlands are just a few hours away. It’s a timely development for those seeking destinations with a deeper purpose—especially as travelers look for more sustainable options.

This new connection makes it easier than ever for visitors to explore a destination that’s "blue" in more ways than one. Whether you’re a diver, snorkeler, or eco-conscious traveler, Bonaire’s message is clear: Come for the adventure, stay for the cause.

Bonaire’s story isn’t just about conservation—it’s about transformation. By leading the charge as the world’s first Blue Destination, Bonaire is offering a model for what sustainable travel can and should be. It's about more than enjoying pristine beaches and mesmerizing reefs; it's about making travel meaningful.

As other destinations race to keep up with tourism’s impact, Bonaire’s head start gives it an undeniable edge. Here, every visitor becomes part of something larger. From signing The Bonaire Bond to planting coral in the sea, each experience feels purposeful. It’s travel with a legacy—one that ensures future generations can see the same natural wonders we’re so lucky to experience today.