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The Best Beaches in Bonaire

Bonaire does beaches differently. No loungers in rows, no jet skis, just reef that starts a few metres from your towel and has been protected since 1979 by one of the world’s oldest marine parks.

Most beaches here are coral rubble rather than soft sand. Bring water shoes and the whole island opens up.

Planning your beach day? Start or finish it at La Cantina on Kaya Grandi in Kralendijk. Fresh local fish, our own Bonaire Blond on tap, and a terrace in the middle of town.

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The 8 Best Beaches in Bonaire


1. Te Amo Beach

Wide coral sand, calm water and easy parking, five minutes south of Kralendijk. Planes come in low overhead on their way to the airport. Food trucks most days, but no loungers or shade, so pack your own.


2. Donkey Beach

Rockier than Te Amo and far better underwater. The reef drop off sits close to shore, so you reach live coral and parrotfish within a minute of getting in. A sensible first snorkel.


3. Sorobon and Lac Bay

Shallow, warm, turquoise water that stays waist deep for fifty metres. This is the island’s windsurfing capital, with schools and rental gear on the sand, and the safest beach in Bonaire for young children.


4. Lac Cai

The wild end of the bay, reached by a gravel track past mangroves and flamingos. Green turtles graze the seagrass here and are often spotted from standing depth. Bring cash, and an umbrella for shade.


5. Pink Beach

Crushed coral and shell give the southern sand its faint rosy tint, best seen in late afternoon light. Long, quiet and completely undeveloped, with reef close to shore. No facilities at all.


6. Klein Bonaire

An uninhabited nature reserve a kilometre offshore, with white sand and excellent snorkelling at No Name Beach. Water taxis leave from Karel’s Beach Bar in Kralendijk, roughly 25 dollars return. Book ahead when a cruise ship is in.


7. 1000 Steps

There are actually about 67. The staircase drops to a pebble beach and one of Bonaire’s best snorkel sites, with healthy coral and frequent turtles. Deep water and current make it better for confident swimmers.


8. Washington Slagbaai National Park

The northern third of the island holds its most dramatic coastline. Boka Slagbaai for sheltered snorkelling and flamingos, Boka Kokolishi for its natural tidal pool, Playa Chikitu for the surf and scenery. The park closes on Mondays.

Before you go

  1. Everyone entering the water needs a valid STINAPA nature tag, available online
  2. Water shoes are not optional
  3. Never touch or stand on coral, and keep your distance from turtles
  4. Reef safe sunscreen only, or wear a rash vest
  5. Go in the morning, the wind builds through the afternoon

Where to end the day

Snorkel early, drive south past the salt pans in the afternoon, then head back into town as the light goes gold.

La Cantina is on Kaya Grandi in the centre of Kralendijk, with fresh local fish, our own Bonaire Blond on tap and a terrace made for comparing notes on the day. Open 11.30 until midnight, closed Tuesdays. Book ahead in high season.

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Frequently asked questions about things to do in Bonaire

Donkey Beach for beginners, because the reef drop off sits close to shore and the water stays calm. Confident swimmers should head to 1000 Steps, where the coral is healthier but deeper and further out.

Yes. Everyone entering the water needs a valid STINAPA nature tag, which funds the marine park. Buy it online before you arrive and check the current rate, since divers and other water users pay different amounts.

Sorobon in Lac Bay. The water stays waist deep for around fifty metres, it is warm and sheltered by the reef, and there are toilets, changing facilities and beach bars on site.

By water taxi from the pier at Karel’s Beach Bar in central Kralendijk, roughly 25 dollars return. The island is uninhabited with no shops, toilets or shade, so bring everything you need.

A few, including Te Amo, Sorobon and No Name Beach on Klein Bonaire. Most of the coastline is coral rubble or limestone, which is why water shoes make such a difference here.

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