Kayaking & Snorkeling In The Mangroves, Bonaire - A Unique Activity You'll Love!
Bonaire is one of the ABC islands- Aruba- Bonaire- Curaçao. This breathtaking Caribbean paradise is located about 50 km off the coast of Venezuela. It's smaller and the least commercial of the three, giving it unique relaxing vibes and possibly a more authentic feel as you explore it.
Bonaire is famous for its pink flamingos, white sandy beaches, gorgeous turquoise waters. It is also considered to have some of the best diving & snorkeling sites in the world!
Bonaire
Windows To The Sea Kayaking In Bonaire
The waters here feature unique marine life you can admire and even encounter such as sea turtles, trumpetfishes, sea cucumbers, barracudas, starfish, and so much more.
This is a Caribbean island where even the reptiles match the sensational turquoise colors that surround you.
Iguanas on the beach in Bonaire
IMPORTANT TO KNOW!
Did you know that Bonaire is a pioneer in the preservation of nature and the marine environment? Very strict rules apply here in the effort of preserving and protecting the nature and underwater world, especially as more and more people are visiting the island every year.
The waters around Bonaire have been protected for the past 3 decades, every tourist planning to snorkel or dive here must buy a token; 25$ for snorkeling and 45$ for divers, you will be asked to connect it on to your mask so it's visible. This money is used for cleaning operations and nature preservation around the island as well as control of the number of people entering the water.
Sea turtles in Bonaire
I’m in the process of writing an island guide for you, I decided to dedicate a special post for this unique activity we did as it truly stood out for us and was so much fun to do! So what am I talking about? I'm talking about Clear bottom kayaking discovering the Mangroves, combined with snorkeling in a snorkel tunnel at the heart of this area, where the red Mangrove tree grows.
I love that this activity is suitable for all ages so very much a family affair.
We chose to book with 'Windows to the Sea Kayaking' ~ it was an unforgettable experience indeed!
The tour is led by three young stagers who are fun, bubbly, and full of knowledge about the area. They will guide you to the spots where you have the highest chance of seeing the different species living here.
In summary: High energy, dynamic, sporty, educational, and exciting!
Image by ‘Windows to the sea’
The calm waters make kayaking a great way to enjoy the beauty of the island. Lac Bay is a lagoon where Mangrove trees grow, it's also a nursery for fish life. Mangroves are nature's way of building landmass making them critically important to the eco-system here as well as the protection of the island.
The Mangroves create a set of tunnels you can explore where you can see different things. As it's a protected area, it is only accessible to paddlers while part of organized tours, you are not allowed to wander around on your own.
Your guides will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at the end of the day.
On the way to your starting point, you can enjoy the island's landscape. You will probably encounter flamingos who live nearby. Once you have arrived on the water, a short introduction and information on the day and your surroundings will be given.
The group will be divided into pairs as each kayak sits two people. Every kayak has support seats making it very comfortable especially for your back, each has a clear bottom so as you paddle, you can enjoy the water underneath you. By the way, if you don't have your own snorkel gear, it will be provided.
Image by ‘Windows to the sea’
Two guides will lead the way through the Mangrove tunnels, showing you unique things found along the way, stopping occasionally for further explanations. There is always one guide kayaking at the back watching the group to make sure everyone is ok and on track.
The last part of the tour is exploring a beautiful snorkel tunnel that will blow you away!
Image by ‘Windows to the sea’
I have been diving and snorkeling in many exotic locations around the world. Cuba, Costa Rica, Eilat, Cabo Verde, and the Maldives just to name a few. And still, the snorkeling experience I've had in Bonaire was unique and unusual! You can see beautiful small as well as rather big fish and wildlife.
What I found most interesting was the sponge and coral formed on the roots of the Mangrove trees! These are so colorful and when the sun shines through, the colors are so saturated it's absolutely beautiful!
Snorkeling in the Mangroves in Bonaire. Image by ‘Windows to the sea’
Snorkeling in the Mangroves in Bonaire. Image by ‘Windows to the sea’
The typical corals around the island are not that rich in color, the combination formed here under the trees is just like an underwater rainbow!
Once back onshore, you will enjoy a short break on the beach and get an opportunity to take in the sensational 50 shades of blue that surrounds you. Enjoy drinks such as Rum-Punch and snacks.
A word about the guides, they were awesome! Very friendly, pleasant, and accommodating. The guides are looking out, so everyone has an enjoyable time, they were also full of knowledge. We have learned a great deal about the island from them.
Practical Information
When kayaking here please don't use your paddle as a break so you don't damage what lays beneath you.
Make sure you have mosquito spray with you! Especially if you visit during the summer. The mosquitos here are big in both size and numbers, make sure you spray yourself very well before getting into the kayak.
Don't forget to put on sunscreen! You will be kayaking for a good while without shade and you can easily be sunburned. Remember, you can not take it with you on the kayak as you are entering a protected nature park and it can damage corals and wildlife.
Don't forget your tokens!
For more information and booking
Have more questions? Drop me a line at fromadifferentangle@gmail.com
Stay tuned for the Bonaire Island Guide coming soon!
Before you go, don’t forget to follow me on social for more travel guides and golden tips ~ @mytrendytrail
Yours,
Diti