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Meridiela.

Gotomeer

A saltwater lagoon in northern Bonaire where flamingos feed in the shallows.

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Typesaltwater lake
WhereBonaire
Nearest cityRincon
Best seasonYear round
Time to allowAn hour or two
Getting thereIn northern Bonaire on the road towards Washington Slagbaai; roadside viewpoints
EntryFree

Gotomeer is a shallow saltwater lagoon in Bonaire's north, cut off from the sea and fed through the rock, and its brine shrimp draw the flamingos that feed there through the day. The road runs along the ridge above with pull-outs to stop at, and the birds are usually spread across the far shallows in a pink line. Hills covered in cactus rise behind the water.

What you actually see

  • The flamingos - the birds feeding across the shallows through the day.
  • The lagoon - a saltwater lake cut off from the sea and fed through the rock.
  • The road viewpoints - the pull-outs along the ridge above the water.
  • The cactus hills - the dry slopes rising behind the lagoon.

When to go

Year round. Flamingo numbers vary and early morning and late afternoon are best. Midday light flattens the colour.

Honest expectations

The flamingos are usually far out and binoculars or a long lens matter. Numbers vary and there are days with very few. There are no facilities at the viewpoints.

Nearby

Rincon is east, and Washington Slagbaai is north.

What to pack for Gotomeer

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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