Thinking about a trip to Bonaire in June. Question..Is it possible to sail out to the reef? Can you wave sail on the back side of island? I saw this video of wave sailing in Bonaire. Will they let you take the equipment there? Whos got the best deal on flights? See video below: Thanks, Trey
https://www.boardseekermag.com/news/news-videos/not-another-kuma-movie/
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Movie:
Know nothing of Bonaire but would love to go someday.
More Kuma/Taty lusciousness
source:
It’s been a while since I have been there, but none of the rental places will let you sail outside the bay.
Can you sail upwind to the mouth of the bay where the waves are?
Nope. Not only would it take forever to pinch up wind to get there, we were specifically told not to. We did see sailors out there one day, but they apparently had shipped their own gear. Bonaire is still amazing. I liked it much better than Aruba.
You can't take the rental gear off site. However, I did sail across Lac Bay to the mouth, but I couldn't make it thru the narrow channel to the open ocean. There are two problems in getting out. First, there is shallow coral to the right, on the lee side of the reef . Second, the prevailing wind direction requires sailing upwind through the channel. If you do get through, it's hard getting back.
We plan on going to Bonaire the first week of July.
Barrett
Barrett, which company did you rent from? Where did you stay? did you get in any 5.0 days?
We've rented from Jibe City and Windsurf Place. Last summer we only rented from Jibe City because the gear choice was better and it was closer to Sorobon Beach Resort, where we stayed. Sorobon was worth the cost because it's right on the water. We avoided the expense of renting a car and called for a taxi when we went out.
I had one 5.0m day and an 8.0m day during the week. Other days were 6.5 - 7.0m. We're departing on June 30th for a week with other family members who will windsurf & dive. You're welcome to join us.
Sorobon is opening a Pro Windsurf Center in Jan. They plan to offer foiling & sailing around the island in addition to sailing on Lac Bay. I don't have an answer yet about taking the gear out for wave sailing.
Barrett
Pretty sure they don’t allow the rentals out of the bay, although on a big day the deep side will get some chop. We took Larry’s dive boat out that cut and it was pretty crazy. We usually stay in Belnam at a nice small resort that has a package included the rental truck and unlimited diving. If not diving, there are cheaper places but avoid the Plaza. June/July is nice since it's low season and usually higher winds, we're also thinking maybe June or so!
http://www.belmar-bonaire.com/
Delta has a direct flight but only on the weekends, and if you fly on Sunday you can usually get there with fewer points, cash price is usually around $800. Cheaper and more flights out of Miami, and one time we got a cheap flight to Aruba and took InselAir puddle hopper to Bonaire.
https://www.fly-inselair.com/en/
They will offer you a discount for the whole week windsurfing package, but we usually wait and decide once we are there. There can be some light days, also I found that after 4 solid hours I’m pretty much toast, so buying in advance a package of 6-days of 8 hr sailing may be too much. They offer 1,2, or 4 hr rates and they have plenty of gear at that time of year. We like windsurf place, but their both good!
http://www.bonairewindsurfplace.com/
What the local boys are up to
Amado Vrieswijk
This video has me looking forward to our week-long Bonaire trip starting June 30. We'll be staying at Sorobon, where the video was shot. They've announced foil gear rental on site.
If you're interested in joining our group, the Sorobon site is: https://www.sorobonbeachresort.com
Barrett
My Bonaire lies over the ocean. My Bonaire lies over the Sea......
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Is he kiting with Branson now, too?
--- The Arrogant Jerk: Crabby and irritable since 1998.