Boka Kokolishi – Bonaire

Northwest · Black sand · Bonaire

6.3/10 · based on 3 reviews

6.3
Good
3 reviews

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About this beach

Boka Kokolishi is a small cove in the north of Bonaire, surrounded by rugged cliffs. According to several guides the limestone cliffs hold fossilised conch shells, and the beach is hidden below the trail. One source says the name comes from the small black snails (kokolishi) whose crushed shells make the sand look dark.

The cove is protected by semicircular limestone plateaus that fill and empty with ocean water; in high waves the water splashes spectacularly. Sources differ on whether you can swim here: one calls the water calm enough, another says the waves break on the outer reef and it is better for wading than swimming, a third warns of strong currents. Do not enter the water without assessing conditions on the spot.

Do not count on facilities, and bring water and shade. As for the exact location in or next to Washington Slagbaai, the sources contradict each other; check with the park before you go.

Black sandQuietPhotography

Practical info

Access

Car, follow the signs to Boka Kokolishi (unpaved stretches)

Facilities

None listed; bring everything yourself

Nature Fee

$40 per person per calendar year, needed to enter the water (STINAPA)

Best for

Looking, photography, the cliffs and breaking waves

Tip

Judge the waves and current before going into the water

Type

Black sand

Best time

Early morning: quieter and better light

Map

Visitor reviews

Write a review →
DM

Delano Martis

20 August 2026

7.0/10
  • Water / snorkeling 5
  • Beach / sand 8
  • Quiet 8
  • Facilities 2
  • Access / parking 5

Bijzonder zwart zand

“Bijzonder zwart zand door de schelpjes. Uniek om te zien. Water was redelijk, snorkelen matig. Meer voor de foto en de bijzondere look.”

MK

Marleen Kuipers

22 July 2026

6.0/10
  • Water / snorkeling 5
  • Beach / sand 7
  • Quiet 8
  • Facilities 2
  • Access / parking 5

Anders dan wit zand

“Leuk anders dan de witte stranden. Niet de beste om te zwemmen, wel bijzonder.”

RW

Ronald Wouters

28 June 2026

6.0/10
  • Water / snorkeling 5
  • Beach / sand 7
  • Quiet 7
  • Facilities 2
  • Access / parking 5

Kort bezoek is genoeg

“Mooi contrast met de rest van het eiland. Kort bezoek was genoeg.”

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