Flamingos, who doesn’t know who they are?! As a child, you were probably always taught that flamingos are pink. However, also many of you probably came across some grey/brown ones quite a few times… Well, here’s some good news for you! Bonaire is lucky to have beautiful pink flamingos because our island is rich in the one thing that is most important for them and their color: (particular) food! Flamingos get their color from beta-carotene in the crustaceans and plankton, which they can easily find on Bonaire. But where can we find them?
Gotomeer
The number one spot is of course Gotomeer (Goto Lake). Situated in the north of the island, forming a part of the border between our protected Washington Slagbaai National Park and the rest of Bonaire, Gotomeer is the place to be to spot the pink birds! There is a great lookout right on the spot where you first see Gotomeer when approaching via 1000 Steps (common route, from west to east). Drive onto the small parking lot and enjoy the silence, the view, the sound of tropical birds and the stunning lookout over tens of flamingos in total. Even though the view and this lookout are amazing, coming closer to these graceful pink birds is truly magical. Therefore, continue your way towards the lake and drive slowly on the road that is perfectly bordering the lake. If you stay in your car, you have better chances of the flamingos approaching the border of the lake, rather than walking away from you towards the center of the lake. Enjoy this mesmerizing, calming view…
Pink Beach
Talking about something magical… The saltpans near Pink Beach on the southern part of the island often shine with beautiful colors. The flats can be bright pink, stunning blue and crystal clear. The road between the blue Caribbean Sea and the pink salt flats is absolutely worth driving slowly. And guess what… These salt flats are amazing feeding areas for our pink friends! Stop near Pink Beach at this amazing lookout. Their colors fit perfectly in the picture of Bonaire’s sea-blue saltpans. Watch them walking gracefully through the waters and obtaining even more beta-carotene to maintain their beautiful color.
Mangroves of Lac Bay
Bonaire is lucky to have a fair amount of mangroves, special ones! Bonaire’s mangroves are filled with clear water and are full of colorful fish coming there to lay eggs. However, that is not the best part; the beautiful green mangroves on Bonaire also attract flamingos! A great variety of food can be found in these wetlands, and the pink flamingos know it! Spot them on your way to or from Lac Bay via one of the roads that is connecting the east with the west of Bonaire, Kaminda Sorobon. If you are lucky, you will find many flamingos in these wetlands. The green environment and the pink flamingos make a great contrast photo and the perfect example of pure nature on Bonaire.
Pink flamingos
Conclusion: Bonaire is fantastic for flamingo spotting, and now that you know the best places to do so, you will see many more of these lovely, elegant pink birds!