Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee. Resort nearby
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Last updated on June 30, 2023
The south part of Lac Bay, in front of Sorobon Beach, is made of a shallow lagoon with translucent waters, partially enclosed by a coral reef. With its staghorn coral colonies and reef areas full of marine life, it is one of Bonaire’s best snorkeling spots. Nevertheless, the swimming distance between the shore and the coral areas can make snorkeling Lac Bay quite challenging.
This spot is located on the south end of the island of Bonaire, 14km from Kralendijk. From Kralendijk, head south on Kaminda Sorobon Road or Kaya IR. Randolph Statius van Eps, south of the airport.
Follow the Sorobon Beach Wellness & Windsurf Resort signs. A parking lot is available at the very end of the road.
The best option is to enter the water some 200m before Sorobon Beach Resort, when arriving from main road. On the shore, you will find a fishing hut, which is a good landmark. It is generally not possible to start snorkeling from the shore, as the water is too shallow (↕1-2ft/0.5m). If this is the case, you will have to walk for about 250 meters to reach the snorkeling area (see map below).
It is also possible to swim to the spot directly from Sorobon Beach Resort, but we do not recommend this option, as you will partially cross the windsurfing area.
The area to explore covers a strip of about 150m wide along the inner side of the barrier reef. The depth of the water is the same throughout the area (↕5ft/1.5m).
As you’ll move away from the snorkeling entry point pointed on the map, you’ll cross 250 meters or so of sandy seabed before reaching the first coral areas. In the sandy beds, you may spot small barracudas and tarpons chasing in schools of sardines, trunkfish, parrotfish and, with any luck, eagle ray.
The first coral area is made of different species of hard coral, sponges, and sea fans, but you will find many of them broken or dead. Despite this, a good variety of reef fish can be spotted in the area, such as different species of wrasse (bluehead, yellowhead, slippery dick), blue tang, butterflyfish and trumpetfish. Some immature green sea turtles are sometimes resting in the area.
Keep swimming for 100 meters and you will soon see the first staghorn coral patches. This aggregation of staghorn coral is approximately 300 meters long and 50 meters wide, running perpendicularly to the reef enclosing the lagoon.
The coral is healthy and seems to have recovered from last decade’s hurricanes. The branches of this coral are particularly vulnerable to errant fin kicks, so be careful when snorkeling around.
You will probably be surprised by the clearness of the water, highlighted by the white sand. The shallow waters make this an ideal spot for underwater photography.
Snorkeling Lac Bay requires good physical condition, as you will have to walk for 250m and swim for 350 meters to reach the best reef areas and back, which can be challenging. Pay attention to windsurfers, who are numerous in the bay.
Sorobon Beach, Wellness & Windsurf Resort, overlooking Lac Bay, is very close to the spot. It is open for non-guests for lunch.
These spots are only recommended to good swimmers, in good physical conditions, and with excellent snorkeling skills. These spots can experience currents, moderate waves, important depths, tight or narrow passages, or tricky water entrance, and can be located near hazardous areas (channels, boat traffic, strong currents…). The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas can be important - up to 500 meters. The “advanced” category includes drift snorkeling (transported by currents) and snorkeling off the coast. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell.You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
