Bonaire is one of only four breeding grounds for the Caribbean flamingo worldwide. Between 4,000 and 8,000 flamingos live on the island year-round — more than there are human residents (~25,000). The pink birds are one of Bonaire's icons, and you can see them in several places. But: they are protected, shy, and easily stressed. This guide covers where best to spot them, at what times, and how to admire them without disturbing them.
Why are there so many flamingos on Bonaire?
The salt pans on Bonaire's south coast — worked commercially by Cargill — offer ideal breeding conditions. The shallow, salty water holds huge amounts of Artemia (brine shrimp) and cyanobacteria that the flamingos feed on. The pink in their feathers comes straight from this diet: the more carotenoids they eat, the pinker they become.
Pekelmeer Sanctuary on the south coast is an officially protected breeding ground. The public may not enter the reserve — observe from the road only.
Top 5 places to see flamingos
1. Pekelmeer Sanctuary (south side)
The largest breeding ground — up to thousands of flamingos at once in the breeding season. Observation from the coast road only, no entry. Photos with a telephoto lens. Best light: morning (eastern light) or late afternoon.
2. Gotomeer (north-west side)
A large saltwater lake between Rincon and Washington Slagbaai NP. Flamingos are far more accessible here — you can get closer from the road than at Pekelmeer. Early morning and late afternoon are the best moments.
3. Salina Slagbaai (in WSNP)
Inside the national park, ringed by the historic slave huts. A permanent population. Combine it with a park visit.
4. Salina Mathijs (in WSNP)
A little further north than Slagbaai. A smaller group, lovely morning reflections.
5. Lac Bay (east coast, occasional)
Not permanent, but in certain months flamingos come here to forage. Ask at the Mangrove Center whether they've been spotted recently.
The best times to spot
- Morning (7:00–9:00): calm flamingos, soft light, little heat
- Late afternoon (16:00–18:00): golden hour, beautiful reflections
- Avoid midday: the sun is high, flamingos are less active and the light is harsh
- Breeding season: January–July — the most activity; protect the breeding grounds extra
Rules for responsible viewing
- Keep 50 metres away. Flamingos are shy and stop breeding when disturbed.
- No drone at Pekelmeer. Drones are officially banned over the sanctuary.
- Don't feed them. Feeding disrupts their diet and can make them ill.
- No loud noise. Speak softly, no music, no horns.
- Don't enter. The salt pans are both industrial and protected — both reasons to stay out.
Photography tips
- Telephoto lens required. 200 mm minimum, 400 mm better. Smartphones won't cut it.
- Tripod. For long focal lengths and low light.
- Reflections. The shallow salty water gives beautiful mirror images — wait for a windless moment.
- Don't overdo saturation. Real flamingos are a softer pink than social media suggests. Authentic beats over-processed.
- Early or late light. The golden hour makes the pink far more intense without editing.
Good to know
How long do flamingos live?
Caribbean flamingos live 25–30 years in the wild, sometimes 40+ in captivity.
Where do the flamingos sleep?
They sleep in groups, standing on one leg in shallow water. The pooled body heat and the tucked-up leg reduce heat loss.
Do they fly between the islands?
Yes. Flamingos fly regularly between Bonaire, Venezuela (especially the Cuare Wildlife Refuge) and the other ABC islands. They can fly at 50 km/h and cover hundreds of kilometres.
Do shrimp turn them red?
More or less. The pink/red colour comes from beta-carotene in brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and cyanobacteria. In captivity, without that diet, they gradually turn white.