Windsurfing on Bonaire - Surfing Paradise at Lac Bay
Bonaire is one of the best windsurfing destinations in the world. With constant warm trade winds, shallow turquoise water and sunshine all year round, Lac Bay offers perfect conditions for beginners and advanced surfers alike.
Bonaire: a surfers' paradise in the Caribbean
Bonaire is a true paradise for windsurfers and has produced several world champions. They train in the same azure water where you make your way between the rays and turtles. The combination of constant trade winds from the northeast, warm shallow water and a sheltered reef makes Lac Bay one of the top 5 windsurfing spots in the world.
In the lagoon of Sorobon, conditions are ideal all year round. The water is shallow everywhere, the wind is constant and the temperature ranges between 27°C and 33°C. Whether you’re stepping onto a board for the first time or you’ve been surfing for years, you’ll find the perfect conditions here. You can rent equipment on the spot at Jibe City or Bonaire Windsurf Place.
From Casa Trankilo in Kralendijk, it’s a ten-minute drive to Sorobon. After a day on the water, share your stories with fellow surfers by the pool, or head to the boulevard for a drink at sunset.
Bonaire at a glance
The key facts about the island at a glance
Language
Dutch, Papiamento, English and Spanish
Climate
Tropical, 27-33°C year-round
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Travel time
~9 hours direct from Amsterdam
Lac Bay: why this is the best place in the world to surf
Lac Bay lies on the southeast coast of Bonaire and is protected by a natural coral reef. As a result, wave action in the lagoon is minimal, while the trade wind blows unobstructed across the water. The result: flat, shallow water with constant wind. Ideal conditions you won’t find this consistently anywhere else.
For beginners, the lagoon of Sorobon is the perfect training ground. You can stand everywhere in the water and the wind always pushes you back to shore. Advanced surfers look for a challenge at Lac Cai, where the water is rougher and the waves higher. Right behind the reef are the conditions for freestyle and wave sailing.
Along the shore of Lac Bay you’ll find surf schools, rental stations and cosy beach bars such as Kontiki Beach Club and Jibe City. After your session, order a fresh fish dish or a cold cocktail with your feet in the sand. If you’d like to kayak through the mangroves, you can do that from the same location too.
What can you do on Bonaire?
From snorkelling and diving to windsurfing and exploring nature, Bonaire offers activities for every traveller
Diving
Kitesurfing
Nature & more
About Bonaire
Restaurants and bars
Windsurfing
Everything about windsurfing on Bonaire
From lessons for beginners to the best wind months for advanced surfers
Lessons for beginners
Never surfed before? No problem. At Jibe City and Bonaire Windsurf Place you can take lessons from an hour. The shallow, warm water of the lagoon makes Lac Bay one of the safest places in the world to learn windsurfing. You can stand everywhere and the wind always brings you back to shore.
Advanced: Lac Cai and the reef
Experienced surfers find their challenge at Lac Cai, where the water is rougher and the waves higher. Right behind the reef are the conditions for freestyle and wave sailing. Bonaire has produced several professional windsurfers who train here daily, including multiple world champion Taty Frans.
Best wind months
The trade wind blows all year round, but the strongest and most consistent wind falls between December and August. During these months you’ll get 15 to 25 knots on almost every day. September to November is slightly less windy, but still surfable on most days.
Renting or bringing equipment
At Jibe City and Bonaire Windsurf Place you can rent complete equipment by the hour, day or week. They have boards and sails for every level. If you’re staying for a longer period, it pays off to bring your own equipment. Most airlines accept surf luggage as sports equipment for an additional fee.
Kitesurfing on Bonaire too
Besides windsurfing, Bonaire is also a popular destination for kitesurfing. Atlantis Beach, also known as Kite Beach, lies on the northwest coast and offers constant wind and open water. Please note: kitesurfing is not allowed at Lac Bay to prevent collisions with windsurfers.
After surfing
After a day on the water, Kontiki Beach Club is the perfect spot for lunch or a drink with your feet in the sand. Back at Casa Trankilo, cool off by the pool, or walk ten minutes to the restaurants on the Kralendijk boulevard for dinner at sunset.
Frequently asked questions about Bonaire
Is Bonaire suitable for beginner windsurfers?
Yes, Lac Bay near Sorobon is one of the best places in the world to learn windsurfing. The lagoon is shallow, flat and safe, with a sandy bottom where you can stand anywhere. At surf centres like Jibe City you get lessons and equipment for every level.
When is the best season to windsurf on Bonaire?
You can windsurf year-round, but the trade wind blows strongest between December and August. The months from May to July often bring ideal conditions, with a steady wind of 15 to 25 knots.
Can I rent windsurfing gear on Bonaire?
Yes, there are several windsurf centres at Lac Bay where you can rent complete sets: boards, sails and wetsuits for every level. You can rent by the hour, day or week, and most centres also offer storage and lessons.
Where can advanced windsurfers go on Bonaire?
Experienced surfers head for the wind and water outside the lagoon, towards Lac Cai and the reef. There you will find more space, stronger wind and the occasional swell. The flat inner side of Lac Bay stays ideal for freestyle and speed.
How far is Lac Bay from Casa Trankilo?
From Casa Trankilo in Kralendijk it is about a fifteen to twenty minute drive to Lac Bay. It is a short, easy trip to the east coast, so you can go surfing several times a day.
