On an island like Bonaire, you have to -at least once- try a BBQ on the beach. Swimming in the ocean, enjoying the eternal sun, finding some shade under the (palm) trees, watching the sunset and having a good time while patiently waiting for your special BBQ dish. Of course, patiently waiting for food does not exist, but with the surroundings on Bonaire, you will not even notice that you are waiting…
5 Best Beaches for a BBQ
Below you will find 5 beaches that are PERFECT for having a BBQ. Please keep in mind that with a BBQ you are often stuck with trash and that it is practically open fire. Therefore, it is important that you -at all times- respect nature, take into account that you do not do Bonaire’s precious flora and fauna any harm, and take you trash with you if there are no garbage bins. At all times, keep your BBQ way above the ground to protect possible sea turtle eggs that are in the sand. Also, please don’t allow charcoal or wood to touch the sands, as this can change the nesting sands forever for the baby turtles. For more information contact Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, contact info below.
Te Amo Beach
This beach is probably one of the favorites of the people on Bonaire. It is one of the closest beaches to Kralendijk with soft white sand and an easy water entrance. There is enough shadow and the trees make it a very attractive place to make a cozy spot for a BBQ. Before entering the beach, you will find at least three garbage bins. Needless to say, please use them! The best spot for your BBQ is somewhere on the right, under and between the biggest trees. Plant your towels or chairs in the sand, grab a drink, light the BBQ and enjoy the sunset and the view on the landing airplanes.
Photo by We Share Bonaire
No Name Beach
The ‘name’ probably comes from the fact that you are speechless from the moment you step foot on this beach. Stunning white and amazingly soft sand, calm and mesmerizing blue water, and on top of that, so remote! Why? You can find No Name Beach on Klein Bonaire. This little island, situated just off the coast of Bonaire, is uninhabited and you can tell that nature rules by the fact that there are thousands of great cactuses next to the beach. There is a cute shelter with a picnic table on No Name Beach and you will find three garbage bins. To get to Klein Bonaire you can take the water taxi or just rent a boat yourself. A must do for a cherry-on-the-pie BBQ on No Name Beach is watching the sunset. Nothing is blocking the last rays of the sun from reflecting on the calm waters and you will see beautiful colors appear in the sky…
Photo by Worldkid’s Blog
Donkey Beach
If you drive by Te Amo Beach and continue that road southwards, you will find Donkey Beach. Donkey Beach is a somewhat rougher beach than its neighbor Te Amo, but not any less pretty and magical. Be careful to find your spot for a BBQ here, because there are some areas on Donkey Beach where open fire is not allowed. These spots are protected because turtles often lay their eggs here. Again, the best time to go is just before (or well before) sunset. Trying to soak up a last ray that is sneaking through the bright green leaves of the trees is pretty much the only thing to worry about when you install your BBQ on this beach. But is it really? Does the name of this beach sound suspicious to you? When the night falls, very often donkeys will enter the beach to come and look for delicious treats. They know where to look, since the garbage bins are already attached to a frame to prevent them from being kicked or pushed to the ground by the donkeys. Therefore, be sure to clean your trash properly, because the donkeys will do everything to find themselves a treat. This beach is an all-time favorite of the people on Bonaire, and you will blend in perfectly if you install your BBQ on Donkey Beach on a Sunday afternoon!
Pink Beach
The sea view on Pink Beach is amazing, and snorkeling here is awesome too! However, Pink Beach is also very suitable for a BBQ. Just like the others, Pink Beach has garbage bins available for your trash, and the beach itself has soft sand combined with Bonaire’s famous white coral stones. The easy entrance to the water and the windy palm trees make this one a typical great Bonaire beach!
Lac Bay
If you’re going for shallow, clear blue waters and a comfortable spot for a relaxing afternoon, then you’re going for Lac Bay! The beach is surrounding Bonaire’s tiniest peninsula and right here you will find these shelters that can host a BBQ party perfectly safe and well. Also, there’s enough space for your car to park right next to your spot! The beach at Lac Bay is also ideal for young children, since the water is shallow and there’s almost no strong current. The warm and shallow water is ideal for one last swim for the day after a wonderful BBQ!
Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire
Sea turtles are critically endangered and they need all the help they can get.
Website: www.bonaireturtles.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bonaireturtles/