What began as a remote windsurfing outpost over 15 years ago has quietly become one of the premier windsurfing destinations in the Caribbean. The primary sailing location, Lac Bay, on the undeveloped windward side of Bonaire, is like no other setting in the windsurfing world. The natural beauty and tranquility here is stunning. Crystalline waters in every shade of turquoise, blues and greens stretch over 8 square kilometers. Guarding the bay from the open ocean is an exposed reef where a white line of crashing waves marks the horizon. Inside the large bay are miles of shallow water with sandy bottoms, surrounded by emerald mangroves, brilliant white sand beaches and the clear blue sky. The views and sounds are uninterrupted -- no high-rise hotels to blemish ones vision; no jet skis or boat loads of tourists to shatter the rhythm of wind and waves. The bay and its environs are a protected nature area of the Bonaire people, never to be spoiled, as so often happens in paradise.

		Bonaire has been rated by Windsurfing Magazine as the #1 place to learn and improve your windsurfing skills! It’s true – combine the flat, shallow water, onshore wind and expert instruction with specialized gear for all abilities, and you have the world’s best location for learning. Don’t believe us? Take one look at the Bonaire Windsurf Kids (the local windsurf club) that have grown up learning and practicing on Lac Bay. These kids are making a name all over the world in competitions, with dominating performances in both amateur and professional events. BonairePros.com supports the Bonaire Windsurf Kids and learning to windsurf on Bonaire!

Bonaire’s ingredients of consistent onshore trade winds along with Lac Bay’s near perfect venue are what sets it apart from other windsurf destinations. There are different areas of the bay that are suitable for each level of experience. The reef protecting the bay creates calm, flat waters throughout much of the sailing area. Beginners can learn the sport in knee to waist deep water, making recovery from falls easy and restarting less tiresome. Those wanting to increase their skills and practice techniques such as jibes and water starts benefit too from the flat, shallow waters and steady winds. Further out, blue-green swells roll through a portion of the bay created by an opening in the reef. Here, over dark hues of deeper water and coral formations, more experienced windsurfers can enjoy the thrills of small waves with the wind a couple of knots stronger. And adventurous experts can sail to the edges of Lac Bay’s reef and opening where even stronger winds and mast high swells can provide worthy challenges.

For those not seeking the bliss of Bonaire windsurfing, Lac Bay can be a still be an exciting destination while on Bonaire. Snorkeling on the reef at Lac Bay is some of the best on the island. You can wade and swim out to the reef, or take a kayak available for rent at Sorobon Beach where the windsurf centers are located. Guided kayaking and snorkeling among mangrove forests through secret channels to hidden lakes are also available, where you will see marine life, birds and mangrove habitat from the unique perspective of the bay’s surface.