Lac Bay (Bonaire)
- Freestyle, Slalom
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Lac Bay is a protected, crystal-clear windward lagoon area on Bonaire’s east side, built around shallow, sandy conditions that make the water feel stable and forgiving for wind-driven sailing. Trade winds are described as very consistent and steady, typically in the 15–25 knots range, with east to northeast directions prevailing. The lagoon is shielded by local coastal and marine park protections, which helps maintain flat-water conditions suitable for learning and for freestyle/slalom progression. For windsurfing, the spot is repeatedly framed as world-class: standing-depth/shallow water for long distances supports beginner sessions and skill development, while the steady wind and calm lagoon make it workable for experienced riders as well. Local guidance emphasizes staying within the designated windsurfing zones and watching for swimmers/divers in the marine park. Restraints on where you sail matter because the seabed includes seagrass patches and localized hazards. The major safety/usage constraint is activity restrictions: kitesurfing is prohibited in the Lac Bay area by STINAPA regulations to protect sensitive wetland/ecosystem values and to avoid conflicts with windsurfers. Mangrove areas are strictly off-limits. Foot protection is strongly recommended because sea urchins and sharp shell material can be present in/near the shallow zones, and riders should treat shallow water as a real navigation factor—especially if attempting foiling. Overall, expect a warm, no-wetsuit (rash guard/sun protection) type of environment with reliable trade winds concentrated through much of the year, especially from mid-December through August/peak season. On busy days (notably around winter/school holidays), the lagoon’s size still allows many riders to share the water, as long as everyone respects the windsurfing zone boundaries.
- Crystal-clear, protected lagoon water in a Bonaire National Marine Park context
- Steady easterly trade winds typically 15–25 knots
- Long stretches of waist-deep/standing-depth conditions for learning and freestyle/slalom
- Exceptionally clear, protected flat-water lagoon conditions for windsurfing.
- Consistent easterly trade winds with a typical 15–25 knots range.
- Large shallow area supports beginner learning and freestyle/slalom progression.
- Warm water with no wetsuit generally required.
- Kitesurfing is prohibited in the Lac Bay area (STINAPA regulations).
- Shallow water and localized hazards (coral heads, sea urchins/conch shells, seagrass) require careful navigation.
- Foiling is depth-limited and can be risky at low tide in many areas.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNE, NE, E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Easterly trade winds with steady on-lagoon flow.
- Reliability
- 90%+ days with F4+ winds (trade-wind reliability described as excellent/consistent).
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady winds.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Minor turbulence can occur very close to the mangrove line on the windward side.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Flat/very small waves in the sheltered lagoon.
- Chop Level
- Flat — Protected lagoon conditions described as calm/flat.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with a gradual slope and shallow water starting at shore; spacious sandy launch areas at Sorobon.
Through the year
Can be busy during peak winter months and school holidays.
October and November see slightly more rainfall; significant storms are rare as the island is south of the main hurricane belt.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A premier flat-water windsurfing lagoon: steady side-onshore trade winds and shallow, crystal-clear water make it ideal for learning and for freestyle/slalom progression; barrier reef protection supports consistent calm conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Foiling is increasingly popular, but riders must be mindful of shallow water depth; deeper lagoon sections offer better flat-water foiling conditions.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited foil-friendly depth; foil masts can hit the bottom in many parts of the lagoon at low tide.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lac Bay (Bonaire) in the full forecast view.
Lac Bay (Bonaire) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–18 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- E99°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2418 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.5 m5s period
- Temperature
- 28–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lac Bay (Bonaire) is forecast for daytime winds of 8–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.5–1.5 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- seagrass
- Shallow water
- Coral heads in specific zones
- Sea urchins
- Conch shells
- Restricted zones (mangroves)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue is described as limited; no dedicated coastguard base is described. In an emergency, call the local emergency number; nearest hospital referenced in regional context is in Kralendijk.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism described as none.
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing is prohibited in the Lac Bay area by STINAPA regulations (to protect protected wetland/ecosystem). Windsurfing is the permitted activity in the marine park zone; stay within the designated windsurfing zones and maintain distance from divers/swimmers/boats. No entry into mangrove forests.
- Kitesurfing prohibited in the main Lac Bay area; only windsurfing allowed in the Lac Bay marine park zone.
- Foiling: limited by shallow depth; deeper sections apply under strict rules (when allowed).
- Mangrove areas are strictly off-limits.
- Stay within the designated windsurfing zone to avoid the shallowest reef/obstruction areas.
- Watch for divers and swimmers in the Marine Park.
- Wear booties/foot protection to reduce puncture risk from sea urchins and sharp shells.
- Purchase/keep the required STINAPA nature access tag (e-tag) for water activities as instructed locally.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kralendijk
- Nearest Town
- Sorobon
- Nearest Airport
- Bonaire International Airport (BON)
- Parking
- At-the-spot parking available on the beach/sand area; ample parking described at windsurf centers and public beach areas.
- Public Transport
- Limited public transport; reaching the area typically relies on taxi or rental car from the main town/airport.
- Access
- Drive southeast from Bonaire Airport to Sorobon on the east coast; Lac Bay is visible along the road, with parking at the beach point.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Dutch, Papiamento, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Several resorts and boutique hotels are described directly on the bay at Sorobon and in nearby areas.
- Food & Drink
- Multiple beach bars and restaurants are described within/near the windsurf centers, with views over the lagoon.
- Equipment Rental:
- Extensive windsurfing rental options are described as available on-site.
- Gear Storage
- On-site storage is available at major windsurf centers for a daily or weekly fee.
- Gear Repair
- Basic board repairs can be handled by local shops associated with windsurf centers.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Visitors commonly pair windsurfing in Lac Bay with eco-focused activities and nearby marine/biodiversity experiences, taking advantage of the protected lagoon setting and surrounding ecosystems.
White-sand beach with shallow turquoise waters and a relaxed atmosphere; a major windsurfing hub.
A sandy stretch extending from Sorobon.
A local favorite beach area with a lively Sunday atmosphere.
Ramsar Convention wetland and Important Bird Area managed by STINAPA Bonaire.
Museum in Kralendijk covering Caribbean and Bonairean history.
Guided kayak tours through protected mangrove forests adjacent to the bay.
Snorkeling along the barrier reef and diving at Blue Hole referenced for marine life (stingrays, sharks, tarpon).
Beachside bar and restaurant at Sorobon Beach serving lunch to the swimsuit crowd.
Popular beach bar at Jibe City with a 'feet in the sand' vibe and lunch specials.
Beach bars along the water overlooking the lagoon.
Sanctuary for over 700 rescued donkeys offering drive-through tours.
Walkable flat sandy shallows where water remains shallow for children to swim and explore.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Lac Bay (Bonaire)?
The best overall months at Lac Bay (Bonaire) are December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Lac Bay (Bonaire)?
Lac Bay (Bonaire) works with NNE, NE, E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Lac Bay (Bonaire)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Lac Bay (Bonaire): Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Lac Bay (Bonaire) suitable for?
Lac Bay (Bonaire) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.