Bonaire is a fantastic destination for kitesurfing and wingfoiling. The island enjoys windy conditions 300 days a year with the best months for these sports being January through August. During this period the average wind speed is 12 knots (28 km/h), with a maximum of 25 knots (46 km/h). The consistent wind on Bonaire always blows from the same direction: the northeast. At the island's most popular kitesurfing spot the wind is always offshore.
Kitesurfing is a spectacular sport to practice and fun to watch.
The kitesurfing locations on Bonaire are situated in the southwest. Visually it’s stunning. The southern part of the coral island is home to the famous salt pans, which emit a mesmerizing glow when illuminated by the Caribbean sun. The absolute top location for kitesurfers is Kite Beach (Atlantis). On most days dozens of kiters can be seen in action here, a spectacular sight. The water at Kite Beach remains calm all day long.
It’s actually exceptional that kitesurfing is allowed in this area. According to regulations, kitesurfers must stay at least 75 meters away from the coast—outside the boundaries of the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP). In fact, kitesurfing is only permitted in the deep blue waters of Bonaire. To make it possible for kitesurfers to launch and land from shore, a special exception has been made for Atlantis Kite Beach. A designated corridor has been established here to accommodate this. Read more.
At the entrance of Kite Beach you'll find two well-known kite schools, commonly referred to as the yellow and blue buses. Both are charming, classic American school buses where kitesurfers gather to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink after a session on the water. These schools offer kite and wingfoil lessons and are highly regarded within the kitesurfing community, helping enthusiasts take their skills to the next level. In addition to lessons you can rent, purchase, or have your gear repaired here. It’s recommended to reach out to both schools to inquire about their lesson offerings and availability so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
If you plan to go kitesurfing or wingfoiling you’ll need a Nature Fee. The Nature Fee is essentially an "entry ticket" to the Caribbean Sea that surrounds Bonaire. Every water sports enthusiast on Bonaire is required to purchase this fee. The revenue generated by the Nature Fee is used by the Bonairean government to maintain and fund the island’s natural parks.
Kitesurfing at Kite Beach on Bonaire.
Pink Beach is located slightly north of Kite Beach and you may occasionally spot kitesurfers here. However, kitesurfing is officially not allowed at this beach. The wind at Pink Beach tends to be stronger than at Kite Beach and coming ashore is more challenging due to sharp coral hidden just beneath the water's surface. For this reason Pink Beach is not suitable for beginners.
Kitesurfing at Lac Bay is unfortunately prohibited. Lac Bay is an enchanting lagoon in the southeastern part of Bonaire. The shallow ocean water in the inner bay is a stunning turquoise blue and spans an area of over 80 football fields. Windsurfers and wingfoilers are, however, allowed to surf at this idyllic spot.
Klein Bonaire is another location where kitesurfers can enjoy themselves. Kitesurfing takes place in the waters between Klein Bonaire and Bonaire. However, the wind around this small coral island is less predictable, making it a challenging spot for kitesurfing. Beginners are advised to avoid kiting at Klein Bonaire.
Kitesurfing at Klein Bonaire.
Kitesurfing is a spectacular water sport, both for participants and spectators onshore. Unlike windsurfing, kitesurfing does not use a sail but a kite. This kite flies 82 feet (25 meters) high in the air and enables kitesurfers to reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h) and perform jumps as far as 371 feet (113 meters) and as high as 115 feet (35 meters). The speed record is held by Frenchman Alex Caizergues, who broke the magical 62 mph (100 km/h) barrier on a kiteboard on October 12, 2010. To be precise: 54.10 knots or 62.08 mph (100.1932 km/h).
Wingfoiling involves using an inflatable wing, also known as a wingfoil or wing. This wing has a handle in the middle and is held with your hands, similar to holding a large kite. By moving and steering the wing you can catch the wind and generate propulsion. What makes wingfoiling truly unique is the use of a hydrofoil. A hydrofoil is a long, sleek underwater wing attached to the bottom of your board. As you gain speed the hydrofoil lifts the board out of the water, allowing you to hover above the surface. This creates a smooth, almost weightless sensation as you glide across the water.
If you’re interested in learning wingfoiling it’s recommended to take lessons at a certified kitesurfing or water sports school. An instructor can teach you the proper techniques and safety guidelines, ensuring you can enjoy this emerging water sport responsibly and with maximum fun.
Kitesurfing at Kite Beach Bonaire.
A downwinder is an exhilarating kitesurfing activity where you ride with the wind, enjoying a long journey across the water. It’s a fantastic way to experience the power of the wind and the freedom of kitesurfing. Downwinders are regularly organized on Bonaire. Kitesurfers gather at Kite Beach and ride with the wind along the island, heading toward Klein Bonaire. The event often concludes with a delicious barbecue enjoyed together.
Bonaire has several kitesurfing centers where you can take lessons from certified instructors (IKO Level 1, 2, and 3). These organizations also have fast boats available for lessons and to assist in case you enthusiastically drift too far from the coast. The kitesurfing schools on Bonaire are members of the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO).
It’s quite common for kitesurfers on Bonaire to encounter groups of dolphins. These marine mammals show little fear of humans and, like kitesurfers, are frequently seen going airborne.
In 2013 kitesurfing had its major breakthrough on Bonaire. The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) organized the South and Middle American Championships on the Dutch diving island for the first time. Since the competition offered a significant number of ranking points (100 points for the winners) for the world ranking, the entire global elite was present on Bonaire.
location | Required Kitesurfing Level | |
Kite Beach (Atlantis) | West (South) | From Beginners to Advanced |
Pink Beach | West (South) | Advanced |
Klein Bonaire | West (Mid) | Advanced |
Playa Grandi | East (North) | Advanced |
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