Spotting flamingos in Bonaire is one of the special moments of the vacation for many visitors. Bonaire is one of the few places in the Caribbean where you can see the pink birds in the wild, spread across a number of permanent locations on the island. In this article, you'll read about where you have the best chance of spotting flamingos, what the best time of day is, and what to look out for.
Would you like a broader overview of what there is to do on the island? Then also check out our guide What to do on Bonaire for more tips and sights.
| Location | Location | What you can expect |
|---|---|---|
| Pekelmeer | South side of Bonaire, near the salt pans | The best-known and largest colony, visible from the public road |
| Go-to-meet | Northwest coast, near Washington Slagbaai National Park | Smaller group, quiet environment |
| Lac Bay | East coast, near the mangroves | Alternating, sometimes a few flamingos among the mangroves |
| Way to Pink Beach | Along the salt pans in the south | Good visibility from the car on the way to the beach |
Bonaire is known as one of the better places in the Caribbean to spot flamingos. The island has a number of regular spots where the birds can often be seen, from the large colony at the Pekelmeer in the south to the quieter surroundings of the Go-to-meet in the northwest.
Because these are wild animals, there is no guarantee of seeing them at any given time. The birds move around depending on food and rest, but on most days, the chances of a sighting at one of these locations are good.
The Pekelmeer is located on the south side of Bonaire, near the salt pans of salt production. This area is considered one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds in the Caribbean. The breeding area itself is not accessible to visitors, but you can often see the birds well from the public road leading to the Willemstoren lighthouse and Pink Beach. Drive slowly and stop at a safe place along the road to observe. Do not enter the area and do not approach the birds too closely; this is a protected nature reserve. Binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens are very useful here, as the birds usually stay at some distance.
Learn more about this area, salt production, and its history in our guide to The salt pans and slave huts of Bonaire.
On the northwest side of the island lies Gotomeer, a salt lake where a small group of flamingos can regularly be seen. This part of Bonaire borders Washington Slagbaai National Park, the island's largest nature reserve. The surroundings are quieter than Pekelmeer, making it a pleasant place to observe for a while longer. Would you like to know more about the routes, walking paths, and other activities in the park? Then view our comprehensive guide to Washington Slagbaai National Park for all practical information.
Everything about this place, how to get there, and the best time of day is in our guide about the Goto Lake on Bonaire.
Don't you want to drive yourself, or see more of the island in one day? A guided island tour often takes you past several spots where flamingos can be seen, including the salt pans in the south. A guide usually also knows well where the birds can be found at that moment.
How to combine flamingo spotting with other sights on Bonaire without having to navigate yourself.
Flamingos are active animals that move throughout the day searching for food. Many visitors have good experiences in the early morning and late afternoon, when the light is softer and the birds are often actively foraging. During the day, as it gets warmer, they sometimes retreat to quieter parts of the lake.
Flamingos can be seen on Bonaire year-round, although group sizes may vary by season. Check for current information before your visit, for example via STINAPA, so you know what to expect at that time.
Flamingos are protected animals and are easily startled by unexpected movements or loud noises. Keep a sufficient distance, remain calm, and use your car or a stationary spot along the road as a vantage point instead of walking closer.
Do not use a drone near the birds and do not leave the indicated paths or roads. This way you won't disturb the animals, and the chance of great sightings for future visitors will remain good.
Spotting flamingos pairs well with other activities on Bonaire. Are you looking for a complete overview for your vacation? Then check out our Bonaire itinerary for 7 days, which also includes a visit to the nature reserves. Are you bringing your children? Then read our tips for Bonaire with children for a quiet itinerary. And if you want to visit a beach after birdwatching, check out our guide with the most beautiful beaches of Bonaire.
The entire daily schedule along the south is in our guide about the South Bonaire route.
The Pekelmeer on the south side of the island is the most well-known spot, usually with the largest group of birds. You can see them well from the public road to Pink Beach and the Willemstoren lighthouse.
No, the birds are protected, and the breeding ground is not accessible to visitors. View them from the road or a designated vantage point, preferably with binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.
Gotomeer is located on the northwest coast and is easily accessible by (rental) car. The area borders Washington Slagbaai National Park, where you can find more information in our Tours of the park.
No, it's about wild animals on the move. The chances are good on most days, especially at the Pekelmeer, but there's no guarantee.
Many visitors have the best experiences in the early morning or late afternoon, when the birds are active and the light is softer.
Yes, various island tours and the tour through Washington Slagbaai National Park pass by places where flamingos can be seen. This way, you don't have to navigate yourself, and your guide often knows where the birds are at that moment.
Want to plan your vacation to Bonaire with ease? Then check out which activities and excursions fit your trip.
TOGETHER FOR STRAY ANIMALS Caribbean Tours is very committed to all stray animals that often have to live in harsh conditions on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. We care deeply about their fate and would like to do something to prevent this animal suffering. For this reason, we have selected a charity on every island where we operate. We have selected a foundation on each island that is committed to preventing animal suffering among dogs and/or cats. If you book a tour with Caribbean Tours, you will be asked during checkout whether you want to make a small contribution. A contribution with which the Kitten Rescue Curacao Foundation on Curacao can continue to work to prevent animal suffering among the kittens and cats. Click [hereif you want more information about this foundation. 
