Playa Funchi – Bonaire

About this beach

Playa Funchi is at Bonaire’s northwesternmost point, in Washington Slagbaai National Park, on the grounds of the former Washington plantation. You can only reach it through the park, in a car with high ground clearance.

It is a small, rocky beach with a mix of fine sand, coarse gravel, polished pebbles, fossilised coral and rock blocks. The water is about 26 to 28 °C all year and visibility averages 25 to 30 metres. The bay is more sheltered than the open north coast, but in strong wind the water can be rough, and the current ranges from moderate to strong. Watch for rock blocks in the middle of the bay when entering and exiting. The shallows near shore suit beginners, but the most interesting spots are further out.

There are no facilities: no toilets, showers, restaurant or rental, and no mobile reception. Bring water (at least 2 litres per person), food and a first aid kit, and think about shade. Parking is on unpaved ground right at the beach. The hospital is in Kralendijk, about 45 minutes away. The park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 (last entry 14:30). Take your rubbish with you and use reef-safe sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate.

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