Donkey Beach

Donkey Beach, also called Playa Palu di Mangel, is a small beach on the EEG Boulevard just south of Kralendijk — about six minutes by car, and walkable from the south end of town.

What sets it apart from the other beaches on this coast is shade: a stand of almond trees grows right down to the water, so you can sit out of the sun without hiring anything. The reef is a short swim out and there is enough fish life to make a mask worth bringing. The airport runway is close, so aircraft pass overhead here too.

Weekday mornings are quiet. At weekends the beach fills with local families and barbecues, and that is worth seeing rather than avoiding — it is the closest thing to a public park Bonaire has. Parking is along the boulevard itself and there is usually room. Free to use, no facilities. An hour is enough, an afternoon is easy.