In the southeast of Bonaire lies Lac Cai, a small piece of human civilization amidst the overwhelming nature of Lac Bay. Relax on the beach, snorkel, and revel in the vibrant mangrove forest. This remote spot is not easy to reach but definitely worth a visit!
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Do you want to explore Lac Cai or other hidden gems of Bonaire? Check out our tours.
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Lac Cai, the Beach by the Azure Lagoon of Bonaire
Lac Cai is situated on the eastern side of Lac Bay, adjacent to the rugged East Coast of Bonaire. Here, the mangrove trees give way to a small sandy beach, a harbor, and a snèk where you can enjoy some drinks. Across the lagoon lies the lively Sorobon. Compared to Sorobon, Lac Cai is an oasis of tranquility. However, on Sundays, the local population flocks to Lac Cai, making it more lively.
Lac Cai is mainly famous for its piles of conch shells that lie on the beach. They serve as reminders of the time when these sea snails were extensively harvested from the lagoon, pushing them to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, Lac Cai falls under the protection of the Bonaire National Marine Park, and the species is now safeguarded. However, illegal fishing still persists.
Behind the buildings of Lac Cai, there’s a dense row of mangrove trees. In some places, boardwalks lead to the small pond located behind Lac Cai. These offer delightful frames within frames!
In the south of Lac Cai, right next to the rugged waters of Bonaire’s east coast, stands a lookout tower. From here, STINAPA rangers can oversee much of Lac Bay, but for visitors too, the climb is well worth it!
Snorkeling at Lac Cai
Just like in many other spots on Bonaire, you can enjoy fantastic snorkeling in the azure waters around Lac Cai. We love snorkeling here because the underwater world is very different from the reef. On the map below, we’ve marked a short yet diverse snorkeling route, covering sandy bottoms around the peninsula, along the mangrove forest, and over the seagrass.
The shallow lagoon is shielded from the sea by a coral reef. At Lac Cai, there’s Boka di Lac, an opening in the reef. Water flows in and out of the lagoon through this opening. Due to the sometimes strong currents, it’s better not to enter the water here. Moreover, Boka di Lac is the only connection to the open sea for boats. Therefore, enter the water near the beach and snorkel towards the peninsula on your right. Note: Swimming with fins is prohibited in the waters of Lac Cai.
Our seven snorkeling commandments: • We use reef-friendly sunscreen. • We enter the water at the yellow entry/exit rock. • In the water, we stay horizontal: minimizing standing, and never stepping on corals. • We don’t touch anything. Even a light touch can harm the coral. • We don’t take anything out of the water unless it’s plastic waste. • We don’t feed the fish. • We respect the reef, so we pay our STINAPA Nature Fee. |
Snorkeling Around the Peninsula
The shallow and sandy lagoon is home to unique creatures. Around the peninsula, you can encounter sea stars and anemones, and rays also enjoy the sandy bottom.
Another fascinating creature you can encounter here is the upside-down jellyfish. As the name suggests, these little jellies rest upside-down on the seabed, leading a delightful life! They never have to search for food because algae on their tentacles provide them with nutrients. Their only task is to ensure the algae get enough sunlight, hence their unique position.
The algae on the tentacles also have an easy life. Fishes avoid them to prevent getting stung by jellyfish, leaving the algae undisturbed. Humans need not fear these jellyfish. They have short tentacles that you typically won’t come into contact with. If you do get stung, it feels like a stinging nettle.
Snorkeling Along the Mangrove Forest
Once you have swum around the peninsula, you can snorkel a bit along the mangrove forest. The roots of the mangrove trees are submerged in the water, providing a safe haven for young fish to grow. Unfortunately, predatory fish know that these little ones will eventually come out from their hiding spots. Here, at the edge of the mangrove, they patiently await their chance. You’re likely to encounter a few of them!
You can also find an old fisherman’s tunnel here. It’s a natural tunnel under the trees that fishermen used to navigate deeper into the mangrove. Be mindful not to disturb the bottom too much while swimming in the tunnel. If the current is mild, it’s best to swim using only your arms. And as is the case everywhere in Bonaire, remember: Don’t touch anything underwater.
Snorkeling Over the Seagrass Beds
Further ahead, the water becomes shallower. You will come across a seagrass bed, covered with a layer of algae. Many little fish hide here as well. Don’t be startled if a young barracuda suddenly appears! The seagrass fields also attract numerous sea turtles. From this point, you can complete your snorkeling journey by swimming back towards the peninsula.
Sights along the way to Lac Cai
Lac Cai is located at the end of Kaminda Lac, an unpaved side road of Kaminda Sorobon. The turnoff is marked with a sign. This often very bumpy road is 5.5 kilometers long and is best navigated in a high-clearance vehicle. Rushing is not common on Bonaire, especially not on this road. Fortunately, there’s plenty to see along the way, such as flamingos, wild donkeys, an old salt lake, and, of course, the mangrove forest.
The Flamingo Crossing of Bonaire
One of the attractions is the Flamingo Crossing of Bonaire near the Mangrove Center. In the bird sanctuary behind the building, young and weakened flamingos are taken in to recuperate. After their release, they occasionally come back for a visit. They cross the road to see if there is any food at the sanctuary. The sight of these birds crossing the road is always a fantastic spectacle!
At the Mangrove Center, they organize fantastic kayak tours through the mangrove. You must not miss this tour during your vacation on Bonaire!
Saliña Puitu
Near Lac Cai, you will find Saliña Puitu, an old salt lake dating back to the plantation era. In the pond, you can still see the dikes that separated the five salt pans. During the dry season, the lake retains its characteristic pink color, typical of salt lakes. You can read more about this time period in The History of Bonaire.
Visiting Lac Cai with HopiBonaire
You can join us on a tour to Lac Cai, for example, by extending the Gems of the East tour with a visit to this beautiful spot. And Lac Cai is just one of the remote places we explore during our tours. You will discover the other hidden gems with HopiBonaire as well. Moreover, during your tour, you will be alone with your own group, which ensures an intimate and personalized experience at your own pace. We don’t rush and value the quality of your experience!
All tours can be tailored to your preferences, and there’s also an option to book a fully customized tour. If you’re excited and would like to join us on an adventure, check out the selection of our tours.
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