Lac Bay

Windsurfing location in sheltered waters

Lac Bay is Bonaire's largest sheltered bay and one of the world's best windsurfing locations. The shallow bay on the southeastern coast has everything windsurfers dream of: consistently blowing trade winds of 15-25 knots, calm water and a protected location. The beach itself is rocky, but that hardly detracts from the appeal of this special place.

The bay extends far inland and harbors one of the most important mangrove ecosystems in the Caribbean region. With approximately 100 hectares of mangroves, the area serves as a nursery for countless fish species. The seagrass beds in the bay are used by sea turtles, and the site is internationally recognized as a Ramsar area due to its wetland importance.

Water lovers come here not just for the wind. The sheltered location and shallow waters also make Lac Bay suitable for families with children, kayakers and nature lovers who want to explore the mangroves.

The beach

Rocky coastline with shallow waters

Lac Bay's beach consists mainly of pebbles and rock formations, with small sandy spots here and there. This is not a lounging beach where you can sunbathe for hours, but rather a functional beach for water sports enthusiasts. The real charm lies in the water and natural environment.

The water is remarkably shallow - you can walk far into the bay without the water coming above your waist. These shallow areas warm up quickly in the sun, making the water temperature often even more pleasant than the standard 79-82°F of the rest of the island.

Mangroves and bird life

Extensive mangroves grow around the edges of the bay, forming a unique ecosystem. These mangrove forests are home to magnificent frigatebirds that come here to sleep at night. Endangered bird species such as bare-eyed pigeons, yellow-shouldered Amazon parrots and Caribbean elaenias also live here.

The mangrove roots underwater form a natural aquarium where young fish grow up. Snorkelers and kayakers can spot colorful tropical fish here in a completely different environment than the coral reefs on the west coast.

Snorkeling and swimming

Snorkeling in Lac Bay is a completely different experience than at the coral reefs. Instead of coral, you see seagrass beds and mangrove tunnels here. The water is usually calm, which is ideal for beginning snorkelers and children.

The seagrass meadows attract green sea turtles that come here to graze. With some luck you'll spot one during your swim. Various species of young reef fish also live here that use the sheltered bay as a growing area.

Underwater visibility is less clear than at the coral reefs - the shallow, sheltered waters contain more suspended particles. But this is compensated by the unique underwater vegetation and rich life among the mangrove roots.

Swimming is possible anywhere in the bay, but watch out for windsurfers racing through the water at high speed. Stay in designated swimming zones and look carefully before entering the water.

Facilities and accessibility

Lac Bay has limited facilities. There is a small harbor for fishing boats and some local businesses rent windsurfing equipment. For food and drinks, you depend on the windsurfing schools and small snack bars mainly geared toward the windsurfing community.

Parking is free along the road. There are no toilets or showers at the beach itself, so plan your visit accordingly. Shade is scarce - the only shelter you'll find is at the windsurfing schools or under an occasional tree.

The road to Lac Bay is fully paved and well signposted from Kralendijk. It's about a 15-minute drive from the center. You can get there with any rental car, scooter or bicycle.

The area is accessible for wheelchair users up to the waterline, but the rocky beach makes it difficult to enter the water.

Nearby

For a completely different beach experience, you can go to Sorobon Beach, which lies on the other side of Lac Bay. There you'll find a real sandy beach with beach bar and lounge chairs.

Windsurfers looking for more challenge can go to Windsock Beach on the north coast, where the waves are higher and the wind often stronger.