Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

About Bonaire

Bonaire is a small, arid island in the southern Caribbean, ringed by a marine park and famous among divers for shore diving that starts at the roadside. The kitesurfing is a quieter proposition, and all the better for it.

Wind here is remarkably steady through the year: 15 to 25 knots for most of it, strongest between May and August, easing to 12 to 18 knots from September to December. The season runs December to June at its best. Atlantis Beach on the west coast is the island's kite spot — around two hundred metres of flat, shallow water over sand, with no resorts on the beach itself and accommodation ten to twenty minutes away by car. Pink Beach further south is choppier with occasional small waves and suits stronger riders. Lac Bay, the famous shallow lagoon, is reserved for windsurfing and closed to kites.

In season the water sits at 28°C and the air at 30°C. A rental car is close to essential, and the diving is reason enough to bring a non-kiting companion.

When to go

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, December.

Kite areas

1 distinct riding area documented within this destination.

• Atlantis Kite Beach

  Best months: December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August.