Beaches on Bonaire: where to swim and snorkel

Bonaire is not an island of long, wide beaches. The beaches are small, often a mix of sand and coral rubble, and the reef starts a few meters out. That is exactly why people come, because you swim from the shore straight onto the reef. There are no lifeguards, and water shoes make most entries easier.

Klein Bonaire. No Name Beach on the uninhabited island opposite Kralendijk has soft white sand and clear water. The water taxi leaves from Kralendijk several times a day and takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on where you board. There is no water, no toilet and little shade, so bring what you need and take it back with you. Sea turtles nest here from May to December.

Sorobon at Lac Bay. The only beach on the east coast that is sheltered enough to swim. The lagoon is shallow with a sandy bottom, which makes it good for children. You will find beach bars, sunbeds and the windsurf schools, and the beach itself is free.

Te Amo. A public beach next to the airport, with trees for shade, a sand channel out to the reef and usually a food truck. You snorkel while the planes come in.

Bachelor's Beach and 1000 Steps. Two small beaches below the low cliffs of the west coast. Bachelor's Beach in Belnem is reached by stairs and has the reef about twenty meters out. 1000 Steps, north of Kralendijk, is in fact 67 limestone steps down to a small beach and one of the best-known dive sites on the island.

Washington Slagbaai. The national park in the north has beaches such as Boka Slagbaai, Playa Funchi and Wayaka, with good snorkeling and nothing for sale. The park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 14:30, and a high car helps.

Everyone who enters the sea pays the STINAPA nature fee. Use sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate, because both are banned on Bonaire.