If you’ve been wondering whether Bonaire (1) has good beaches, you’ve come to the right place.
With over 20 beaches, the short answer is YES. Most of them are sandy and great for a relaxed stay under the sun.
With so many to choose from, this also invites the question of which ones to pick for your next vacation to the tiny Caribbean island.
In this article, you’ll find the 17 best Bonaire beaches.
From soft and ultra-white sand to coarser and darker, let’s explore the best beaches in Bonaire!
Pink Beach, Bonaire – Vivid Colors and Rich Wildlife
As the name suggests, the sand on Pink Beach has a pink color. It gets it from the crushed shells of millions of foraminifera. These are microscopic, bright-pink sea critters.
Pink Beach is excellent for both scuba diving and snorkeling, which are some of the best things to do in Bonaire. The sand strip is a bit narrow, but you can still find a spot for a picnic.
The beach is on the southwest side of the island, just 15 minutes by car from the capital city – Kralendijk.
Pink Beach is a fantastic diving spot because the reef is just around 330 ft. (100 m) away from the shore. The reef is approximately 92 ft. (28 m) deep and rich in various fish and corals.
The pink-hued beach is a gorgeous place to watch the sunset melt on the horizon. Also, it’s great for fishing. Catches are guaranteed.
Eden Beach – Chill Vibes and Excellent Dive Shop
Eden Beach Resort sits in the middle of the shimmering Eden Beach. You won’t find yourself bored here as there’s a restaurant, a bar, and the cool Spice Beach Club. As a guest DJ at several clubs, Chip really loved the ambience at this one.
Palm trees and beach chairs cover the white, sandy Eden Beach. Bear in mind that if you want to use the chairs, you’ll have to pay a small fee.
At the beach, you have everything you need for a relaxed or fun-filled day under the sun. From excellent waiting staff and well-equipped dive shop to a range of water sports activities, you’ll love every minute at Eden Beach.
You can also catch the water taxi to Klein Bonaire from Eden Beach. It’s close enough to the cruise port for passengers to visit it during their stay in Bonaire, too.
Snorkeling is a true underworld adventure with picturesque fish and colorful yet sharp corals (don’t forget your water shoes!). One thing that we found missing is actual changing rooms. Slipping in your bathing suit in the bathroom isn’t the most fun.
Note: We don’t recommend swimming in the sea for little children as there are sharp drop-offs and strong currents.
1,000 Steps Beach – White Sand and Turtles Galore
The name of the 1,000 Steps Beach is fairly misleading.
You only need to descend around 70 limestone stairs. But after basking in the sun the whole day, climbing them up might feel like 1,000 steps. This could explain the name.
Either way, this gorgeous Bonaire beach consists of white sand, stones, and bleached coral chunks. 1000 Steps is ideal for both diving and snorkeling. And you’re very likely to spot turtles either in the shallow turquoise waters or even wandering on the sand.
Parking can be a bit challenging. But since there are many points to enter into the water, snorkelers are pretty spread out.
Since there are corals, stones, and underwater rocks, we highly suggest to bring water shoes with you to avoid injuries.
Flamingo Beach – Rocky Yet Exciting
Flamingo Beach (2) offers an excellent combination of a white sandy beach and a pier. Divers and snorkelers can find the nearby coral reefs perfect for any sort of underwater exploration.
The local dive center is among the best in the world, with many veteran guides to help you master your diving skills. The water is warm and calm, and the visibility is excellent.
Make sure to bring water shoes as there are a lot of corals and rocks. This makes entering the water barefoot a bit challenging.
If you’re not a diver, don’t worry. The manmade beach offers many other activities. When you grow tired of lazing in the sun, head to the pier’s bar for food and drinks.
To reach Flamingo Beach, Bonaire, you need to take just a 10-minute stroll from the center of Kralendijk (3).
Lac Cai Beach – Stunning Mangroves
Bonaire’s mangroves in the eastern part of the island hide the beautiful Lac Cai Beach. The ride to the coast might be a bit bumpy, but the views that await you are jaw-dropping.
The crystal-clear blue water and the green mangroves make up a background that’s very typical of most Bonaire beaches.
Entering the water is easy. Traveling to Bonaire with kids? Lac Cai Beach offers shallow waters perfect for children.
The area is great both for picnics with friends and family and for eating out as there’s a cute little restaurant on the beach.
Lac Cai is one of the few Bonaire beaches that has no corals or rocky parts. So, you won’t need to bring your water shoes if you decide to lay down here. The beach is also great for windsurfing.
Te Amo Beach – Perfect for Plane Spotting
If you’re staying close to Bonaire’s airport, you shouldn’t miss Te Amo Beach. Its unique location offers stunning sights of landing planes. The beach is also close to the cruise port, so day passengers can visit it, too.
The fine, sandy shoreline, and the abundance of fish and corals make Te Amo a great snorkeling spot. The nearby reef further accentuates the beach’s appeal.
Unlike many other Bonaire beaches, here, you’ll find tree shades. Kite City food truck keeps visitors satiated and relaxed with its great burgers and soothing background music.
Te Amo is perfect for swimming around. Just beware that the sea temperature drops rapidly if you venture somewhere deeper.
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Playa Palu di Mangel – BBQ Fun and Gorgeous Views
Another cool place for both sea fun and plane spotting is Playa Palu di Mangel. The Beach of Almond Trees, as the name translates, is close to the airport. Airplanes that take off and land are not a rare sight here.
Although the shoreline is a bit rocky, Playa Palu di Mangel is famous among locals. They often come with their entire families for a weekend barbecue at this gorgeous Bonaire beach.
Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your own snacks. A few food trucks selling lip-smacking burgers and refreshing drinks will keep you full and happy.
The Beach of Almond Trees is excellent for snorkeling. Fish and corals in various shapes and colors await you a few inches underwater. Similar to Te Amo Beach, you can find trees that provide much-needed shade from the generous Bonaire sunrays.
Bring your water shoes to avoid injuries in the water. We also recommend that you stay until sunset. You won’t be disappointed by the views.
Bachelor's Beach – Small yet Unforgettable
South of the airport, you’ll find the tiny Bachelor’s Beach. Despite its size, this strip of sand is among the best Bonaire beaches.
Why? Because it sits at the base of a 10-foot (3-meter) cliff, which has steps leading down to it.
Park your car next to the stairs, and jump in the water in a matter of seconds. Bachelor’s Beach is perfect for diving, swimming, and snorkeling. Dive in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and explore the inhabitants of the reef.
The parking site also benefits from a food truck that offers mouthwatering burgers and hotdogs. As with most other beaches on Bonaire, the sunset here is no less than spectacular.
Crystal-clear water, white sand, plenty of shadows under the palm trees, and just a 7-minute drive from the capital. What more could you ask for?
Boka Kokolishi Beach – Corals, Winds, and Rugged Nature
Fancy visiting a black sand beach? Then you should head to Boka Kokolishi. The dark hue of the sand comes from the crushed shells of small black snails.
You’ll find Boka Kokolishi at the northern tip of the island close to Washington-Slagbaai National Park.
Boka Kokolishi stands in a heavenly bay that has rough edges. The waters of this beach hide numerous spots with fossilized coral. However, the powerful winds and strong waves make Boka dangerous for both swimming and snorkeling.
If we were you, we’d grab a bottle of water, a few sandwiches, and our best cameras. Then, we’d just chill and enjoy the gorgeous rugged nature and the jaw-dropping cliffs.
Playa Lechi – White Sands and Sunken Treasures
If you’re not a fan of the scorching sun, Playa Lechi is a fantastic choice. Among the best Bonaire beaches, Lechi offers shimmering white sands and countless palm trees.
Close to Eden Beach Resort, the beach is often quiet. Most of the people who visit it are chilling locals and divers marveling at the underwater life.
To enter the water, you’ll have to pass through a small rocky area, but the sunken treasures are worth the hassle. Just don’t forget your water shoes.
Playa Lechi is great for snorkeling, diving, fishing, and swimming. Not a fan of water fun? Visit this dazzling Bonaire beach in the evening to admire a stunning sunset.
Boka Slagbaai – Ideal for Swimming and Snorkeling
If you’re visiting the Washington Slagbaai National Park (4), don’t miss stopping at Boca Slagbaai Beach.
The area is perfect for swimming, and you’ll love exploring the offshore coral gardens. If you’re lucky, you might see flamingos as well, right across the beach.
We recommend bringing some kind of protective footwear as the sand at Boca Slagbaai is rough. Some parts of the beach offer softer white sand, though.
Recently, a restaurant opened its doors at Boka Slagbaai. It offers visitors drinks, burgers, and sandwiches.
If you like bringing your own food, we have some good news. This beach is perfect for picnics, too.
For these reasons, many locals and tourists regard Boca Slagbaai as the best beach in Washington park.
Note: Jumping from the cliff into the water is dangerous as there are rocks on the bottom.
Playa Chikitu – Real Sand Dunes and Rip Tides
When you grow tired of Boka Slagbaai, we recommend you move to the next gorgeous Bonaire beach – Playa Chikitu.
The beach is worth visiting because it’s the only place with real sand dunes on the island. Plus, sea turtles often nest on Playa Chikitu.
However, we need to warn you of a few things. The rip tides are dangerous and the undertows can be quite treacherous. So, it’s better to avoid swimming in the Caribbean Sea at Playa Chikitu. The good news is that you can sunbathe all you want.
And here’s another piece of good news. Playa Chikitu is perfect for sea photos.
Why? Because the ocean splashes its waves with might against the rocks in the area.
Just be careful when waiting for the perfect Instagram photo. You don’t want to do any risks for a few likes, right?
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Playa Funchi – Ideal for Spotting Wildlife
Another amazing Bonaire beach that you can visit in the Washington Slagbaai National Park is Playa Funchi. It’s also Bonaire’s westernmost beach.
Although Playa Funchi is a tad rocky, its gorgeous blue sea makes it a fantastic snorkeling spot. The nearby salt pan is often full of flamingos, iguanas, and lizards. This further accentuates the beach’s beauty.
The calm waters of Playa Funchi teem with corals and parrotfish. The diving sites are some 400 ft. (120 m) away from the beach.
You can even find a bit of tree shade on the small beach. Bring your water shoes as the sand takes turns with rocks quite often.
Seven Body Beach – Colors, Pelicans, and Various Fish
This partly sandy, partly coral-stone beach owes its name to its size. If seven people lie down head to toe, they’ll cover the whole length of Seven Body Beach.
The area might be small, but it’s ideal for diving, snorkeling, and marveling at Bonaire’s wildlife. Admire the various fish in the water or the pelicans that fly over the sea trying to find their next catch.
The corals are beaming with various colors, and you’ll love the cool assortment of fish and plants underwater. Just to give you an idea, you can expect to see gorgonians, lobsters, octopus, tarpon, and green moray eels.
Apart from your snorkeling gear, bring your smile, good mood, and water shoes, and go crazy!
Wayaka Beaches – Divers and Snorkelers Stop Here
The Wayaká area in Washington Slagbaai National Park is home to three different beaches. Their names are Wayaká 1, 2, 3, and each of them is great for both diving and snorkeling.
The beaches are small but white and sandy. This allows for easy entrance in the water. The sea teems with vibrant fish, and you can spot gorgeous flamingos in the nearby salina. This makes the Wayaka beaches some of the best places to marvel at Bonaire’s diverse nature and wildlife.
The area is among the most beautiful snorkeling spots we’ve ever been to. The flora and fauna are so rich, it’s like swimming in an aquarium.
If we had to pick just one, we’d say Wayaka 2 is probably the best of all three. Park your car at the parking lot. Put on your mask, snorkel, and fins. Descend the few stairs down, and you’ll be directly in the water.
Just be careful, as currents can become quite challenging from time to time.
Atlantis Beach – Kiteboarder’s Paradise
Like kiteboarding? Head to Atlantis Beach. Sign up for a kiteboarding lesson, observe the colorful kiters, or just explore the seashore creatures in the tidal pools along the beach.
Atlantis Beach might be a bit rocky for sunbathing, but it’s perfect for diving and snorkeling. If you decide to learn to kiteboard, the crew at the school will surprise you with their easy-to-follow instructions and great gear.
The beach is a hub for both beginners and advanced kiters. You’ll find a great sandy spot to park your kite fully protected from the strong wind gusts.
More than 90% of the time, the water at Atlantis Beach is calm and flat, so we bet you’ll enjoy whichever water activity you choose.
Tip: The wind is steadier and more consistent between December and July.
No Name Beach on Klein Bonaire – Reef Escapades at Their Finest
You can explore No Name Beach on the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire easily. A 15-minute boat ride from the main island will get you there. The water taxi costs around $15 per person for a round-trip ticket.
If you love snorkeling, “Little Bonaire” as the name translates from Dutch offers the best conditions to explore the Caribbean Sea’s underworld.
Just put your snorkeling gear on and head to the reef that runs parallel to the shore east of No Name Beach. If you’re lucky, you might swim with turtles, too.
No fan of snorkeling? No problem. Klein Bonaire’s white sands are perfect for lazing all day while observing the gently lapping waves.
You can also do a picnic. BBQ grills are at your disposal at No Name Beach, but you’ll need to bring charcoal with you won’t find any on the uninhabited island.
Since there’s a lot of coral in the water, we recommend wearing water shoes. And to ensure you don’t forget anything, we prepared the ultimate Bonaire Packing List for you.
Made by travelers, for travelers, check out the Barefoot Caribou Products below!
Which Bonaire Beach Will You Visit First?
That wraps up our guide to the 17 best beaches on Bonaire.
You should also check out this article on my Top Travel Tips to Bonaire.
From great spots for diving and snorkeling through beaches teeming with turtles and flamingos to perfect kiteboarding and surfing places, there’s one thing for sure. You’ll have fun in this piece of Caribbean paradise!
Don’t forget your water shoes, snorkeling gear, and sunscreen, and you’ll definitely have a blast.
Now, we’d love to know.
What would be the first Bonaire beach you’ll go to?
Share with us in the comments below.
