Bonaire in the Caribbean offers world class flat water, slalom and freestyle windsurf conditions. With crystal clear, waist deep turquoise bays and white, sandy beaches this is one of the most picturesque and unspoilt, natural Caribbean islands.
Sailing Spot and Conditions
Windsurfing takes place on the eastern coast in an almost enclosed bay. This is where world famous freestylers Tonky and Taty Frans and Kiri Thode call home. The wide, mirror flat water is good for all levels and an ideal place to learn. Shallow waist deep water stretches right out to the fringing reef with super shallow area close to the shore. Even the youngest windsurfers can learn in safety. Onshore to cross onshore winds averages a steady 17 knots pretty. The best time to go is from December to September with wind rarely dropping below 80% of days F4+with May to August with around 90% days offering between 15 and 25 knots mosts days, average air temperatures around 27C and water temperatures around 24C. We were blown away - quite literally - with the outstanding conditions.
Kitesurfing is based on the south west coast. Here the offshore conditions allow uncrowded kiting with shallow flat water area for approximately 200m. Further out there are bump and jump and sometimes small waves at certain times of year. The IKO centre offers personal instruction from the sandy beach launch and accompanied lessons by boat. There is a growing kitesurfing community here and although not many facilities at the site a sociable atmosphere with many locals coming down at the weekend. A rescue service is available for a fee for those wishing to kite independently.
Culture and Activities
All the waters around Bonaire form part of the Bonaire National Marine Park offering outstanding scuba diving. A tour or drive round the island see the salt flats, and explore to the undeveloped, rocky coast line is a must do with many snorkelling spots. Watch out for the wild flamingoes plus donkeys, goats and lizards that run and wander across the roads. The Washington National Park is home to numerous indigenous plants, birds and animals. With the hilly landscapes this is also good for mountainbiking. Highly recommended are the eco-kayaking Mangrove tours, guided biking tours and hatching turtles in season at Klein Bonaire. The capital, Kralendijk is a charming main town. You can wonder round easily in an hour or two, passing the time of day with the locals and meandering amongst the pretty painted buildings and shops. A weekly market offers local arts and crafts. Restaurants and bars offer a wide choice of South American and local cuisine to fine dining french and italian - tex mex, pizza and fresh fish dishes. Local jazz and live music nights are the sum of the nightlife - it's low key and charming.
Sailing Conditions:
Weather Information:
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Suitability:
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Bonaire, Caribbean
The 3*+ Sorobon Beach Resort in Bonaire is a stylish, rustic boutique hotel with restaurant and bar situated directly on Lac Bay, the main windsurfing bay in Bonaire. 30 individual cottage style accommodation directly overlooking the beach plus restaurantPrice from £1590 Including flights
Bonaire, Caribbean
For your windsurfing or kitesurfing holiday to Bonaire, these one or two bedroom self catering apartments are around 1.5km from from the windsurf centres and sister property, Sorobon Beach resort directly on Lac bay. There is a complimentary shuttle to tBonaire, Caribbean
4* Eden Beach offers a luxury hotel set on a magnificent sandy beach with a first class, beach restaurant, beach club, pool and close to the main town of Kralendijk. If you are looking for a beachy vibe, modern hotel facilities, fine dining and to be closPrice from £1600 Including flights
06 July 2022