KRALENDIJK, Bonaire — The instructions are simple: Wade into the water. Look at the bewildering variety of Bonaire’s exotic sea life. Flop back onto the beach. Repeat.

There isn’t a whole lot else one needs to do to enjoy the island, and that makes it a perfect escape. There is excellent wind- and kite-surfing on the windward side in Lac Bay. There are scenic views and a beautiful desert habitat in Washington Slagbaai National Park. But the true lure of Bonaire lies beneath the waves. The local license plates read “Divers Paradise” for a reason.