Snag a Map!
Pick up a Bonaire Island Map to find an endless list of sandy beaches and cool coves to explore. Watch for bright yellow stone markers painted with site names along the coastal roads, which make it easy to find great beaches for soaking up the sun, taking a relaxing swim or snorkeling and diving.
Beaches
Bonaire has over 22 beaches, each with its own unique characteristics. On Bonaire and its sister island Klein Bonaire, you’ll find both soft, white sand beaches and a few shores with darker sand due to the high content of crushed shells and coral.
The island’s beaches rely heavily on the health of its coral reefs, so do your part by taking your plastics and trash back with you, leaving the shells where they lie and wearing eco-friendly sunscreen. You can also volunteer during the island’s annual beach cleanups. Every little bit helps!
1000 Steps
The beach of 1000 Steps thanks its name to the limestone stairs you have to descent to get there. Though the name might sound a bit intimidating, the stairs only exists of about 67 steps. When getting yourself up after a sunny day on this peaceful beach though, it might feel like a thousand, which would explain the name. The site exists of white sand and bleached chunks of coral, and the cove is surrounded by limestone cliffs. It’s great for both diving and snorkeling as turtles are often found in the shallow, turquoise waters.
The beach of 1000 Steps thanks its name to the limestone stairs you have to descent to get there. Though the name might sound a bit intimidating, the stairs only exists of about 67 steps. When getting yourself up after a sunny day on this peaceful beach though, it might feel like a thousand, which would explain the name. The site exists of white sand and bleached chunks of coral, and the cove is surrounded by limestone cliffs. It’s great for both diving and snorkeling as turtles are often found in the shallow, turquoise waters.
Atlantis Beach
Atlantis Beach is home to the kite boarders and it is a lot of fun to observe the colorful kiters in action. Take a lesson or go for a long stroll and explore the seashore critters in the tidal pools along the rocky beach.
Atlantis Beach is home to the kite boarders and it is a lot of fun to observe the colorful kiters in action. Take a lesson or go for a long stroll and explore the seashore critters in the tidal pools along the rocky beach.
Bachelor's Beach
In Belnem district, south of the airport, is a very small beach. This sandy beach is at the base of a 10 foot cliff with stairs leading down to it. You can park right next to the stairs and be in the water in seconds. It can’t get much easier to enter, just watch your step on the last rock/step! It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
In Belnem district, south of the airport, is a very small beach. This sandy beach is at the base of a 10 foot cliff with stairs leading down to it. You can park right next to the stairs and be in the water in seconds. It can’t get much easier to enter, just watch your step on the last rock/step! It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
Boka Kokolishi
Boka Kokolishi is a black sand beach, so named after the tiny black snails whose crushed shell skeletons give the sand its dark hue. It is a beach where pulpitlike structures provide protection from the strong waves and make spectacular splashes.
Boka Kokolishi is a black sand beach, so named after the tiny black snails whose crushed shell skeletons give the sand its dark hue. It is a beach where pulpitlike structures provide protection from the strong waves and make spectacular splashes.
Boka Slagbaai
When visiting Washington Slagbaai National Park, a stop at Boca Slagbaai Beach can be the ideal complement to hiking in the picturesque hills. The offshore coral gardens at this beach are fun to explore while snorkeling, and the conditions are usually ripe for swimming. Since the sand at Boca Slagbaai Beach is rough in parts, protective footwear of some kind is recommended when walking on it. Some parts of the beach do boast softer, whiter sand that is more comfortable to walk on. Since recently there is a restaurant located in one of the buildings of Slagbaai where you can have a lunch. They sell various drinks, sandwiches and burgers. Please check in advance if it is open.
When visiting Washington Slagbaai National Park, a stop at Boca Slagbaai Beach can be the ideal complement to hiking in the picturesque hills. The offshore coral gardens at this beach are fun to explore while snorkeling, and the conditions are usually ripe for swimming. Since the sand at Boca Slagbaai Beach is rough in parts, protective footwear of some kind is recommended when walking on it. Some parts of the beach do boast softer, whiter sand that is more comfortable to walk on. Since recently there is a restaurant located in one of the buildings of Slagbaai where you can have a lunch. They sell various drinks, sandwiches and burgers. Please check in advance if it is open.
Cai
Cai is a beautiful beach area hidden in the eastern part of Bonaire’s mangroves. Though the ride here might be a bumpy one, the view that awaits you is breathtaking. The clear blue waters and the green mangrove background provide an idyllic image of the beautiful nature that Bonaire has to offer. Water entrance is easy and the beach hosts shallow waters perfect for playing kids before plunging into a swimming area. Though the local eatery often serves warm lunch on Sundays, this spot is also very popular for picnics with families and friends.
Cai is a beautiful beach area hidden in the eastern part of Bonaire’s mangroves. Though the ride here might be a bumpy one, the view that awaits you is breathtaking. The clear blue waters and the green mangrove background provide an idyllic image of the beautiful nature that Bonaire has to offer. Water entrance is easy and the beach hosts shallow waters perfect for playing kids before plunging into a swimming area. Though the local eatery often serves warm lunch on Sundays, this spot is also very popular for picnics with families and friends.
Chachacha
A three-minute stroll from Kralendijk’s center leads you to Chachacha beach, located near the island’s southern cruise dock. Named after a woman who once lived across the street, the small but sandy beach offers easy access to the water. The wooden pier makes this place great for playing kids, and families often come here to picnic. The beach is calm and safe for young children, who are often taught swimming classes here. It’s also perfect for snorkeling as well as diving, because of the comfortable entrance to the water, yet nearby coral reefs.
A three-minute stroll from Kralendijk’s center leads you to Chachacha beach, located near the island’s southern cruise dock. Named after a woman who once lived across the street, the small but sandy beach offers easy access to the water. The wooden pier makes this place great for playing kids, and families often come here to picnic. The beach is calm and safe for young children, who are often taught swimming classes here. It’s also perfect for snorkeling as well as diving, because of the comfortable entrance to the water, yet nearby coral reefs.
Eden Beach
Eden Beach is situated at the equally named Eden Beach Resort, and is host to Spice Beach Club; a bar/restaurant that will provide you with food, drinks, and entertainment. The white sandy beach is covered in palm trees as well as beach chairs, which are available for a small fee. The site ties together all aspects of beach life, with its waiting staff, background music, dive shop, a variety of water sports activities, and the water taxi to Klein Bonaire. Additionally, the sea is home to some rather tame fish and colorful corals, which makes snorkeling a true adventure.
Eden Beach is situated at the equally named Eden Beach Resort, and is host to Spice Beach Club; a bar/restaurant that will provide you with food, drinks, and entertainment. The white sandy beach is covered in palm trees as well as beach chairs, which are available for a small fee. The site ties together all aspects of beach life, with its waiting staff, background music, dive shop, a variety of water sports activities, and the water taxi to Klein Bonaire. Additionally, the sea is home to some rather tame fish and colorful corals, which makes snorkeling a true adventure.
Flamingo Beach
Located at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort is Bonaire’s Flamingo Beach, a white sandy area at just a 10 minute stroll away from Kralendijk center. The combination of beach and pier makes this spot ideal for sunbathing, and the closeby coral reefs welcome snorkelers and divers. The bar at the beginning of the pier will provide you with the food and drinks you need to enjoy a full day of sun at this tranquil piece of paradise.
Located at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort is Bonaire’s Flamingo Beach, a white sandy area at just a 10 minute stroll away from Kralendijk center. The combination of beach and pier makes this spot ideal for sunbathing, and the closeby coral reefs welcome snorkelers and divers. The bar at the beginning of the pier will provide you with the food and drinks you need to enjoy a full day of sun at this tranquil piece of paradise.
Harbour Village Beach
The beautiful, idyllic Harbour Village Beach is a private one, covered in white sand and waving palm trees. Though open mainly for hotel guests, day passes can often be purchased so anyone can enjoy this tranquil piece of Caribbean paradise. The beach offers plenty of opportunities for water sports activities, such as a five-star dive center, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding.
The beautiful, idyllic Harbour Village Beach is a private one, covered in white sand and waving palm trees. Though open mainly for hotel guests, day passes can often be purchased so anyone can enjoy this tranquil piece of Caribbean paradise. The beach offers plenty of opportunities for water sports activities, such as a five-star dive center, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding.
No Name Beach
Uninhabited Klein Bonaire lures visitors ashore for a day trip. The gorgeous white sand beach and gently lapping waves are a fantasy come true and there is so much to enjoy on the island. A long walk on the warm sand is so relaxing. Picnicking is allowed and BBQ grills are on the island, however you need to bring charcoal. There are two shelters for shade and plenty of wide open spaces for sun bathing and snoozing. Bring snorkel gear to enjoy the friendly fish and the colorful coral reef. You have to take a water taxi to visit Klein Bonaire.
Uninhabited Klein Bonaire lures visitors ashore for a day trip. The gorgeous white sand beach and gently lapping waves are a fantasy come true and there is so much to enjoy on the island. A long walk on the warm sand is so relaxing. Picnicking is allowed and BBQ grills are on the island, however you need to bring charcoal. There are two shelters for shade and plenty of wide open spaces for sun bathing and snoozing. Bring snorkel gear to enjoy the friendly fish and the colorful coral reef. You have to take a water taxi to visit Klein Bonaire.
Pink Beach
Pink Beach gets its color from the crushed shells of millions of microscopic bright pink sea creatures called foraminifera. Pink Beach is an excellent beach to visit if you want to do some snorkeling or scuba diving. Although the strip of sand is relatively narrow, it is a great spot for relaxing picnics and the views are idyllic.
Pink Beach gets its color from the crushed shells of millions of microscopic bright pink sea creatures called foraminifera. Pink Beach is an excellent beach to visit if you want to do some snorkeling or scuba diving. Although the strip of sand is relatively narrow, it is a great spot for relaxing picnics and the views are idyllic.
Playa Benge
Bonaire’s National Park is host to Playa Benge, a beautiful beach area situated between cliffs of ancient limestone rocks. This site is great for both diving and snorkeling, and the lizards are happy to welcome you into their habitat. The beach itself varies from sandy to rocky, depending on the time of year. Before entering, you are advised to evaluate water conditions.
Bonaire’s National Park is host to Playa Benge, a beautiful beach area situated between cliffs of ancient limestone rocks. This site is great for both diving and snorkeling, and the lizards are happy to welcome you into their habitat. The beach itself varies from sandy to rocky, depending on the time of year. Before entering, you are advised to evaluate water conditions.
Playa Chikitu
A visit to Washington-Slagbaai National Park is not complete without a stop at beautiful Playa Chikitu. An idyllic cove on the windward side of the island, dangerous rip tides and treacherous undertows exist and NO swimming is allowed. The beach is remarkable as it is the only site with true sand dunes on Bonaire and sea turtles regularly nest there.
A visit to Washington-Slagbaai National Park is not complete without a stop at beautiful Playa Chikitu. An idyllic cove on the windward side of the island, dangerous rip tides and treacherous undertows exist and NO swimming is allowed. The beach is remarkable as it is the only site with true sand dunes on Bonaire and sea turtles regularly nest there.
Playa Frans
Playa Frans offers small areas of sand amidst rockier terrain. This beach on the North Point of the island is somewhat hard to get to, but the effort is worth it. More often than not, Playa Frans is deserted, and the gentle sound of the surf and the calls of seabirds are all you’re bound to hear on a visit.
Playa Frans offers small areas of sand amidst rockier terrain. This beach on the North Point of the island is somewhat hard to get to, but the effort is worth it. More often than not, Playa Frans is deserted, and the gentle sound of the surf and the calls of seabirds are all you’re bound to hear on a visit.
Playa Funchi
Situated in Washington Slagbaai National Park, Playa Funchi is Bonaire’s most western beach. Though the beach itself might be a bit rocky, its beautiful blue sea makes a great snorkeling site. The nearby salt pan is often hosted by flamingos, and lizards and iguanas welcome you to the area.
Situated in Washington Slagbaai National Park, Playa Funchi is Bonaire’s most western beach. Though the beach itself might be a bit rocky, its beautiful blue sea makes a great snorkeling site. The nearby salt pan is often hosted by flamingos, and lizards and iguanas welcome you to the area.
Playa Lechi
Playa Lechi is a large, white sandy public beach, covered in palm trees to provide you with shade from the hot Caribbean sun. Situated next to Eden Beach Resort, the beach has a central location yet is very quiet and often only populated by locals and divers that are entering and exiting the water. The water entrance consists of a somewhat rocky area, but when you pass this, the underwater treasures are worth the hassle. The beach is perfect for swimming as well as snorkeling.
Playa Lechi is a large, white sandy public beach, covered in palm trees to provide you with shade from the hot Caribbean sun. Situated next to Eden Beach Resort, the beach has a central location yet is very quiet and often only populated by locals and divers that are entering and exiting the water. The water entrance consists of a somewhat rocky area, but when you pass this, the underwater treasures are worth the hassle. The beach is perfect for swimming as well as snorkeling.
Playa Palu di Mangel
Playa Palu di Mangel, meaning Beach of Almond Trees, is situated by the airport. This makes it a great place to see arriving planes fly over and land just a few meters away. Often called Donkey Beach by tourists, this rocky shoreline is popular amongst locals, who often bring their whole family for a weekend BBQ. To get into the water, you have to face some rubble, though the next-door beach of Te Amo provides easy access. Food trucks Kite City and Cactus Blue on the Beach are often present to provide burgers, drinks and more.
Playa Palu di Mangel, meaning Beach of Almond Trees, is situated by the airport. This makes it a great place to see arriving planes fly over and land just a few meters away. Often called Donkey Beach by tourists, this rocky shoreline is popular amongst locals, who often bring their whole family for a weekend BBQ. To get into the water, you have to face some rubble, though the next-door beach of Te Amo provides easy access. Food trucks Kite City and Cactus Blue on the Beach are often present to provide burgers, drinks and more.
Seven Body Beach
This beach, partly sand, partly coral stones, thanks its name to its size; if you lay seven people head to toe, you are close to the length of the beach. Though it’s not really big, it’s a perfect site for diving and snorkeling, as well as enjoying Bonaire’s wildlife. Enjoy the fish in the ocean or the pelicans flying over it. The corals are alive with colors and a great variety of fish, sponge and plant life. The beach hosts dive site “Cliff”.
This beach, partly sand, partly coral stones, thanks its name to its size; if you lay seven people head to toe, you are close to the length of the beach. Though it’s not really big, it’s a perfect site for diving and snorkeling, as well as enjoying Bonaire’s wildlife. Enjoy the fish in the ocean or the pelicans flying over it. The corals are alive with colors and a great variety of fish, sponge and plant life. The beach hosts dive site “Cliff”.
Sorobon Beach
Sorobon, located on the eastern side near Lac Bay, is one of Bonaire’s treasures. Many local fishing boats are at the Fishermen’s Pier and the beach has several lanais for picnics and shade. An offshore reef protects the bay on which this beautiful beach sits and it keeps the shallow waters calm. Sorobon Beach is enjoyed by sunbathers and water enthusiasts of all ages. It is perfect for a quick dip to cool off. The sandy entry, warm shallow waters and Bonaire’s steady trade winds and sunshine, present a stellar combination for some of the world’s best windsurfing. These heavenly conditions afford the hosting of both local and international competitions throughout the year.
Sorobon, located on the eastern side near Lac Bay, is one of Bonaire’s treasures. Many local fishing boats are at the Fishermen’s Pier and the beach has several lanais for picnics and shade. An offshore reef protects the bay on which this beautiful beach sits and it keeps the shallow waters calm. Sorobon Beach is enjoyed by sunbathers and water enthusiasts of all ages. It is perfect for a quick dip to cool off. The sandy entry, warm shallow waters and Bonaire’s steady trade winds and sunshine, present a stellar combination for some of the world’s best windsurfing. These heavenly conditions afford the hosting of both local and international competitions throughout the year.
Te Amo
Te Amo is a beautiful, white sandy public beach situated near Bonaire’s airport. Its location provides spectacular sights of arriving airplanes on this otherwise tranquil area. The sandy shoreline makes easy access to the water, which is filled with fish and corals and makes a great snorkeling site. Shade is provided by some of the trees on this piece of paradise, while the often present Kite City food truck takes care of some relaxing background music.
Te Amo is a beautiful, white sandy public beach situated near Bonaire’s airport. Its location provides spectacular sights of arriving airplanes on this otherwise tranquil area. The sandy shoreline makes easy access to the water, which is filled with fish and corals and makes a great snorkeling site. Shade is provided by some of the trees on this piece of paradise, while the often present Kite City food truck takes care of some relaxing background music.
Wayaka
Washington Slagbaai’s Wakayá area hosts three different beaches, consequently named Wayaká I, II and III. Though they are different, all are great for both diving and snorkeling. The small, but white and sandy beaches make easy entrance to the water. With colorful fish in the ocean and flamingos in the nearby salina, this is a great place to observe Bonaire’s diverse nature and wildlife.
Washington Slagbaai’s Wakayá area hosts three different beaches, consequently named Wayaká I, II and III. Though they are different, all are great for both diving and snorkeling. The small, but white and sandy beaches make easy entrance to the water. With colorful fish in the ocean and flamingos in the nearby salina, this is a great place to observe Bonaire’s diverse nature and wildlife.
