Part of the Bonaire National Marine Park, the azure bay of Lac Bay is fringed on the northern side by a unique mangrove forest. The coral dam on the eastern side closes off the bay from the Caribbean Sea. This has created a shallow lagoon, a nursery for coral fish and an attractive breeding ground for migratory and water birds. The seagrass growing in several areas of the bay attracts many turtles. The endangered green sea turtle eats as much as two kilos a day.
Nature lovers and hikers
If you still have room left in your suitcase, be sure to bring a pair of good hiking boots to Bonaire. The impressive nature and many hiking trails with great views are sure to prompt you to go on a (big) hiking tour. The island has over 300 kilometers of natural paths. Don't forget a bottle of water and sunscreen! The north part of Bonaire is the most green part of the island, although freely roaming goats keep eating the green shoots of trees and plants.
Pekelmeer, Gotomeer, and Washington Slagbaai
The Caribbean flamingo, called chogogo on Bonaire, is national bird of the island. Interestingly, the flamingos are not born with their famous pink feathers, they initially are gray-white. They get their pink color later through their food (saltwater shrimp and blue-green algae). Flamingos usually only lay one egg per year and it hatches after roughly thirty days.
Flamingos like to gather in groups and can be seen in a few locations on Bonaire. The flamingo reserve by the Pekelmeer is in the southwestern part of the island. This expansive salt pan is the most important breeding ground for the pink birds. You do need binoculars: in order to protect the birds, tourists can not enter the reserve. You can also spot the flamboyant bird species at the Gotomeer and in Washington Slagbaai National Park.
