Lac Bay Bonaire

Lac Bay (Lac Baai, Lac Lagoon, Lac Cai, Lac Cay) is a 3.1 square mile shallow lagoon on the southeastern side of Bonaire where the wind is constantly onshore. The azure-blue inner bay is bordered to the north by a unique mangrove forest and enclosed to the east by a coral dam. More than 3,000 years ago people already lived around Lac Bay. It was the indigenous people, the first inhabitants of Bonaire, who discovered that Lac Bay was teeming with nutritious reef fish, sea turtles, and sea snails.

Windsurfing at Lac Bay  BonaireAt Sorobon Beach, you can enjoy fantastic windsurfing.

Different Biotopes

Lac Bay is essentially composed of three distinct and unique biotopes: an open water area, a coral dam, and a mangrove forest. The open water area is crucial for the seagrass beds that grow on its floor. This seagrass is essential for sea turtles, queen conchs, and countless other species that inhabit the lagoon. The coral dam serves as a natural barrier between the occasionally turbulent Caribbean Sea and the serene lagoon. The mangrove area of Lac Bay is unique in the Caribbean region and plays a key role in the reproduction of nearly all marine species that inhabit the waters surrounding Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. Additionally, this area is of great importance to birds, providing a vital space for foraging and nesting.

Kayaking in the Mangrove Forest on BonaireKayaking in the mangrove forest is highly recommended. It allows you to see much of this unique natural area.

The beaches of Lac Bay: Sorobon, Kontiki & Lac Cai

Lac Bay boasts three fantastic beaches, each with its own unique character and identity. Sorobon Beach is a hotspot for young and trendy crowds, who showcase their skills on the open waters of Lac Bay with brightly colored neon surfboards. Extending from Sorobon Beach you'll find the beautiful sandy stretch of Kontiki Beach. On the other side of Lac Bay lies Lac Cai Beach. This is a favorite beach among the local Bonairian community, who bring this part of the island to life every Sunday with a vibrant and lively atmosphere. We personally love going to Lac Cai Beach as well. It’s wonderfully peaceful and from the viewpoint you have a breathtaking view over Lac Bay.

viewpoint Lac Cai Beach  BonaireFrom the viewpoint at Lac Cai, you have a stunning view.

French Names

Both Lac Bay and Sorobon have a distinctly French ring to them. It is possible that the name Lac Bay originates from the word Laguna (lagoon), while Sorobon may refer to La Sorbonne de Paris. However, French influence on Bonaire has always been limited. On the neighboring island of Curaçao, hundreds of French settlers once lived, leaving behind a much more significant cultural and historical imprint. Nevertheless, the names Lac Bay and Sorobon suggest that several influential French families once lived on this renowned diving island.

Protected Area

The entire area is part of the Bonaire National Marine Park and is therefore protected. Its management is overseen by the Bonaire National Parks Foundation (STINAPA Bonaire). Lac Bay is of such global significance that it is included in the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands. To safeguard Lac Bay and preserve it for future generations, the area has been divided into different zones. This ensures that large sections remain undisturbed resting places for wildlife while still allowing recreational activities for visitors.

Sea Turtle BonaireSea turtles feed on seagrass found in Lac Bay.

Sea Turtles

In 2013 Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) conducted a distribution study on hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Lac Bay. As part of this research, four sea turtles were equipped with dataloggers. These devices recorded depth every five seconds and logged GPS coordinates at the locations where the turtles surfaced to breathe. The study confirmed that hawksbill turtles frequently swim in and out of Lac Bay. Their diet includes sponges and mangrove roots, which are essential food sources within this unique ecosystem.


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