Bonaire: Mangrove Glass Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Stroopwafel

Summary

Kayak through Bonaire’s mangroves and snorkel in clear waters with a guide

You’ll start at Lac Cai beach with a glass bottom kayak, gliding through Bonaire’s calm mangroves alongside a local guide who knows every twist of these roots. Expect close-up views of fish below your kayak, quiet tunnels where birds call overhead, and snorkeling stops full of life you probably won’t forget soon. Afterward: fruit punch, sticky stroopwafels, and maybe new friends too.

What’s the experience like?

Paddles clacked together as someone behind me tried to get the hang of steering — I was just glad I didn’t tip over right away. We started from Lac Cai beach, which already smelled like salt and something green (mangroves, maybe?), and our guide, Anna, handed out these glass bottom kayaks. She grinned when she saw me peering through the clear panel like a kid. “You’ll see more than you expect,” she said. She was right — little fish darted under us before we’d even left the shallows.

The water in the Bonaire mangrove reserve is so still it almost feels fake, but every time my paddle dipped in it sent tiny ripples across the surface. Anna pointed out four kinds of mangrove trees — I only remembered two by name, but she didn’t seem to mind repeating herself when I asked again. There were birds everywhere, some calling out sharp and loud from somewhere hidden. At one point we drifted into a tunnel of roots where everything got quiet except for the sound of paddles scraping now and then. I caught a whiff of something earthy and sweet — maybe from all that tangled wood? Not sure.

Snorkeling came next, which honestly made me nervous because I’m not exactly graceful in fins. But Anna helped with the gear (all included), and once I put my face in the water it was like another world down there — fish moving around the roots, flashes of color. Someone said they saw a baby ray but I missed it; still kicking myself about that part.

Back on shore, there was fruit punch waiting (cold enough to make my teeth hurt) and this Dutch stroopwafel that stuck to my fingers in the heat. We sat around for a bit swapping stories about what we’d seen underwater. It felt good to just sit there salty and tired while Anna told us how important these mangroves are for Bonaire’s wildlife — she seemed proud in this gentle way that made me listen closer than usual.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mangrove kayak and snorkel tour

• Meet at Lac Cai beach
• Receive kayak and gear briefing
• Enter mangroves with guide
• Paddle glass bottom kayak through mangroves
• Observe mangrove trees and wildlife
• Snorkel at designated location

Top questions

Where does the mangrove kayak & snorkel tour start?

The tour begins at Lac Cai beach on Bonaire.

Is snorkeling gear included on this Bonaire tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

Do you need kayaking experience for this?

No previous kayaking experience is required; guides help everyone get comfortable.

How do you enter the Bonaire Mangrove reserve?

You can only enter with an experienced nature guide as part of an organized tour.

What snacks or drinks are included?

The tour includes bottled water during the activity plus fruit punch and a Dutch stroopwafel afterward.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels except pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What kind of kayak is used on this tour?

A stable glass bottom sit-on-top kayak with backrest seat is provided.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a glass bottom kayak equipped with comfortable seats and waterproof bags for your things, all snorkeling gear provided by your local guide, bottled water throughout the activity, plus fruit punch and a Dutch stroopwafel when you return to shore after exploring Bonaire’s mangroves together.