Boka Slagbaai – Bonaire
Washington Slagbaai NP · Bonaire
7.5/10 · based on 4 reviews
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About this beach
Boka Slagbaai is on the west side of Washington Slagbaai National Park, in the north of Bonaire. The yellow buildings along the bay date from the plantation era and were used for storing salt and other products, as living quarters and as workshops.
The bay is sheltered and the water is calmer than on the north coast, suitable for swimming and snorkelling. The coral reef is well developed with tropical fish, and sea turtles come to graze on the seagrass. Diving has been banned in the park since 2023; snorkelling is still allowed. The park advises against swimming alone because of its remote location.
Boka Slagbaai is one of the few places in the park with facilities: toilets and picnic tables. There is no restaurant, so bring water and food. You get here on the long yellow route (35 km, 4 to 5 hours, one-way). A 4x4 or a car with at least 30 cm of ground clearance is needed and there are no petrol stations in the park (fill up in Rincon). The park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 (last entry 14:30), closed on Mondays and public holidays, and sometimes after heavy rain. The Slagbaai area must be left by 16:00.
Practical info
Access
Only through the park, long yellow route (35 km); 4x4 or at least 30 cm ground clearance
Facilities
Toilets, picnic tables; no restaurant
Nature Fee
$40, also valid for the marine park; pay by card or online in advance (no cash)
Best for
Snorkelling, nature, history
Tip
Tuesday to Sunday, last entry 14:30; leave Slagbaai by 16:00; fill up in Rincon
Type
Park beach
Best time
Early morning: quieter and better light
Map
Visitor reviews
Write a review →Quincy Felida
16 August 2026
- Water / snorkeling 9
- Beach / sand 6
- Quiet 8
- Facilities 3
- Access / parking 4
Park + historie + snorkel
“In Washington Slagbaai: oude gebouwen, mooi water. Entree van het park rekenen. 4x4 of hoge auto handig. Snorkelen was uitstekend.”
Hanneke Roelofs
23 July 2026
- Water / snorkeling 8
- Beach / sand 6
- Quiet 8
- Facilities 3
- Access / parking 3
Dagtrip waard, wel plannen
“Combineer met andere boka’s in het park. Het strand is mooi maar je besteedt tijd aan rijden. Neem water en snacks mee.”
Delano Martis
24 June 2026
- Water / snorkeling 9
- Beach / sand 6
- Quiet 9
- Facilities 3
- Access / parking 4
Hoogtepunt van het nationale park
“Historische setting en top snorkelen. Niet te missen als je het park in gaat. Ga op tijd de poort in.”
Bas Mulder
26 May 2026
- Water / snorkeling 8
- Beach / sand 6
- Quiet 8
- Facilities 3
- Access / parking 2
Mooi, maar zwaar traject
“De weg door het park is stevig. Ons huurautootje vond het lastig. Strand zelf: 8/10, logistiek haalt de score omlaag.”