Bonaire: Mangrove Kayak & Snorkel with Glass Bottom

Paddle through mangrove tunnels, then drop into coral reefs: all in one morning

You paddle a glass-bottom kayak through Bonaire's mangrove reserve with a required nature guide, spotting four tree species and marine habitats. After the paddling section, you snorkel a reef site with all gear supplied. The tour includes water, a dry bag, and a snack on return. Plan for a morning or afternoon slot from Lac Cai beach.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 59 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Price without pick-up 09:15 and 13:00 Guide in English or Dutch Up to 15 people

Price including pickup and return 09:15 Guide in English or Dutch Up to 10 people Pickup is included, from 8:00 AM to 8:40 AM; check your time

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Step-by-step itinerary

Mangrove kayak and snorkel tour

• Meet at Lac Cai beach
• Receive kayak and gear briefing
• Enter mangroves with guide
• Paddle glass bottom kayak
• Observe mangrove trees and wildlife
• Snorkel at marine life spot

What’s included

Your tour includes a stable glass-bottom kayak with backrest and paddles, a waterproof dry bag for your belongings, bottled water, all snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel), and a post-tour snack of fresh fruit punch and a Dutch stroopwafel. An experienced nature guide accompanies you through the mangrove reserve, as required by Lac Bay National Park.

Times

• Monday to Saturday 09:15
• Sunday 09:15 13:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 15 1 private ›

Live guide English and Dutch Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 33 pickup points.

Ages Adult (12 to 85 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems

Operated by Royal Activities Bonaire

Prices and times updated today

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The experience

Most kayak tours keep you on top of the water. This one lets you see straight through the hull. You're paddling through Lac Bay's mangrove reserve in a stable glass-bottom sit-on-top kayak, and the floor beneath you is transparent, so you watch the shallows shift from sand to seagrass to root systems as you glide past four different species of mangrove trees. The water is so clear you don't need to guess what's down there. Your experienced nature guide is the only reason you're allowed in at all. The reserve requires it, and you'll understand why once you start noticing the bird habitats and fish spawning areas woven into the trees.

After an hour or so paddling through the calm waters and the narrow tunnels where the mangroves lean in, you leave the kayak and move to the snorkel site. The contrast hits you immediately: open water, reef structure, and a density of marine life that makes the mangrove section feel like the quiet prelude it was. Bonaire's reefs are known for this. You're in the water with all the snorkeling gear provided, and the variety of fish and coral is the kind of thing people actually plan trips around. It's not a rushed stop. You have real time to look.

The whole tour runs from Lac Cai beach, which is where the day starts and ends. You get a waterproof bag for your phone and keys, bottled water throughout, and when you're back on shore (tired, salt-dried, probably hungry) there's fresh fruit punch and a Dutch stroopwafel waiting. Small details, but they're the ones that make a half-day feel complete instead of just finished.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. All snorkeling gear is provided, and the reef site is suitable for beginners. Your guide can advise on comfort level in the water.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

Yes, but all equipment is included. A waterproof bag is provided for personal items.

Is the kayak stable for someone who's never paddled?

Yes. It's a sit-on-top design with a backrest, designed for stability in calm mangrove waters. Suitable for all fitness levels.

What's not allowed on this tour?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health. Check with your doctor if you have health concerns.