Snorkel· Lac Bay· Other Caribbean
Lac Bay Seagrass & Mangrove Snorkel (Sorobon)
12° 5.7′ N · 68° 13.8′ W · approximate
Knee-to-chest-deep water over seagrass at Sorobon, where green turtles graze, upside-down jellyfish pulse on the sand and juvenile barracuda hang at the surface - and to the north, the mangrove nursery reached only with a licensed guide.
Practical
Mostly 0.5-1.5 m deep, max about 3 m; tidal range only 30-50 cm; minimal current behind the outer reef (bonaire.com). Best 6-9 am and 4-6 pm for turtles and calm water; heavy rain clouds it. Keep at least 3 m from turtles and never swim over them; do not walk on the seagrass. Mangrove areas: visitors only on a guided tour from the Mangrove Info Center (kayak and snorkel, about 2 hours) - kayaking inside the Lac zones on your own is for residents only (STINAPA). The barrier-reef snorkel is an 800 m wade/swim from Jibe City (only in light wind, windsurfer traffic) or from the southern fisherman's hut. Water shoes for fire worms. Not reachable by yacht - drive 20-30 minutes from Kralendijk. Nature fee required. Coordinate approx: bonaire.com snorkel-spot map pin, in the lagoon off Sorobon.
Best for
Turtles in the seagrass and a guided mangrove paddle