Lac: Lagoon, Mangroves and Marine Conservation

At 700 hectares, Lac is the largest lagoon in the ABC Islands. It is part of the Bonaire National Marine Park and has been a Ramsar site of special importance as a wetland since 1980. The size indicates its extent; its inclusion in the marine park and its Ramsar designation add distinct forms of protection.

The mangrove area at Lac also has an ecological function: for generations, it has served as a nursery for various fish species that live in Bonaire’s waters. At the same time, the mangroves are used for recreation. The ecological function and recreational use are two distinct aspects of this mangrove area.

The Bonaire National Marine Park encompasses the waters around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire, from the high-water line to a depth of 60 metres (200 feet). This helps distinguish Lac’s specific connection to the lagoon from the marine park’s described water zone.

Nature Experiences and Guided Tours

Boka Slagbaai and the adjacent Saliña Slagbaai offer activities such as birdwatching, snorkelling and cliff jumping. The activities have different focuses: watching birds, snorkelling or jumping from cliffs. When visiting the park, observe the current rules and conditions.

There are different nature themes to choose from: Lac is associated with a lagoon, wetland and mangroves; at Boka Slagbaai and Saliña Slagbaai, the focus is on specific activities. This lets you compare landscape and mangrove connections with named activities.

Guided tours visit Washington Slagbaai National Park, Rincon and Kralendijk. Check with tour providers for current availability before planning. Local guides show visitors the island’s sights and explain its history, culture, birdlife and marine life. While the tours name specific destinations, the guides’ topics provide an insight into Bonaire.

Cultural Heritage and Festival on Bonaire

The Rincon Exhibition offers an overview of Rincon’s cultural heritage. Rincon is the oldest settlement on Bonaire, anchoring this cultural connection in a specific place. This provides a different way to explore the island than the nature themes around Lac or the activities in the park.

Dia di Rincon is an annual festival held on Bonaire. The exact dates may vary, so check them before planning your trip. These cultural experiences differ in form: the Rincon Exhibition offers an overview of Rincon’s heritage, while Dia di Rincon is a recurring festival on Bonaire.

Getting Around Bonaire and Travelling to Klein Bonaire

Much of Bonaire can be explored by car, taxi or bus. The recommended way to take a day trip from Bonaire to Klein Bonaire is by ferry. This distinction helps with planning: the listed modes of transport are for exploring the island, while the ferry is for a day trip to Klein Bonaire. Check the latest information on providers, schedules, areas served and fares in advance.

Discover more destinations: Bonaire, Kralendijk, Sint Eustatius, Saba.

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