Lac, part of the Bonaire National Marine Park, is the biggest lagoon of the Netherlands Antilles. From north to south, Lac is almost 2.5 miles long, and from east to west just under 2 miles. The water surface is approximately 3 square miles. Although Lac is located on the windward side of Bonaire, this is protected by a barrier reef across most of its entrance to the open sea, and lush mangroves just about everywhere else. It has two peninsulas: Cai and Sorobon.
The peninsula of Cai is known for its traditional fisherman who fish using the method of hand lines with hooks (this method is a concious choice to prevent over-fishing). Besides fishing, these days the fishermen who live at Cai also sell refreshments. Every Sunday afternoon local residents gather here for an informal social party. You'll find dancing, live music, and outdoor food stalls.
On the peninsula of Sorobon you can find schools to instruct you in the art of windsurfing. Here is a windsurfer's paradise, with steady winds and smooth, clear, and conveniently shallow waters. Bonaire has been recognized worldwide as one of the best places to windsurf. But the shy should beware - Bonaire's highly-regarded naturalist (clothing optional) resort is located at Sorobon Beach. The resort turns away sightseers, but day trippers can get an all over tan for a U.S $15 day entry fee.
Not only is Lac for windsurfers, but the lagoon is enjoyed by visitors with a variety of interests. Kayakers, birdwatchers and snorkelers (even some scuba divers) enjoy the beauty of Lac. Lac is home to three globally endangered species: the Green Turtle, the Queen Conch and the mangrove trees. The ecosystem of Lac is very fragile, so the lagoon has been divided up into zones to maintain a proper balance.
Zonation
White zone: Undisturbed natural and wildlife area – no commercial activities Blue zone: Windsurfing / kayaking
Yellow zone: Snorkelling / kayaking
Green zone: Guided kayaking activities
Orange zone: Guided snorkelling activities
Red zone: Swimming, snorkelling and general beach recreation
Kayaking through the mangrove forest at Lac is both fun and educational. The water is so clear that you can see young reef fish, sea stars, sponges and an occasional turtle right from your kayak. In order to preserve this precious resource, a certified guide is required for all mangrove kayaking activities. All kayakers need to follow the code of conduct.
SCUBA diving outside the coral dam between Lac and the open water on Bonaire’s East coast is challenging as well as adventurous. We encourage you to dive with an experienced guide.
Birdwatchers also enjoy a visit to Lac since it is particularly important as a nesting and roosting area for birds. The entire mangrove forest is a protected bird sanctuary. The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), the great blue and great white heron (Ardea herodias), the frigate bird (Fregata magnicicensis) and the royal tern (Sterna maxima) are the most common species in this area. Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) often feed in the open shallows, the more salty parts of this system. These birds can be seen best in the early morning or late afternoon along the roads leading to Cai and Sorobon. [1]
- Snorkel, windsurf or kayak only in designated areas
- Stay out of sea grass beds
- Kayak and snorkel only with a certified guide
- Do not litter
- Do not make open fires on the beach
- Never touch, pick or handle marine animals
- Do not participate in any of the following activities:
- Collecting conch
- Catching turtles
- Anchoring or spear fishing
- Kite surfing - Remember to bring your Nature Fee tag to show your BNMP entrance fees have been paid before exploring the many wonders of Lac
Lac, with its combination of mangrove forest, seagrass beds and the coral dam, which act as a border between the open ocean and Lac, is one of the most biodiverse wetlands in the Caribbean. Wen you visit Lac, the diversity of birds, fish, and other life will attract your attention immediately. Each area of Lac -- the mangrove forest, the open water area and the coral dam -- forms a different habitat where specific organisms live. These organisms use the specific circumstances of the habitat to their advantage; most are perfectly adapted to the habitats in which they live. [1]
[1] STINAPA Bonaire National Parks Foundation - www.bmp.org
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