Salt pans
Looking for a special excursion on Bonaire? Then head to the southern part of Bonaire and check out the salt pans. Since the Dutch gained power in the 17th century, salt has been mined and stored here on large crystal white mountains. After the lifting of slavery, less and less salt was extracted. Today, the salt pans are owned by Canadian company Cargill and the industry has been revived. So be sure to take a look at the salt pans when you go on your Bonaire holiday.
The origins of salt pans
On Bonaire, salt pans arise naturally from seawater. Bonaire is therefore known as the ideal island for salt extraction. For salt extraction to occur, all it takes is sun, wind and a shallow salt lake. Seawater runs into the shallow salt lake and is evaporated by the bright sun. Then the salt dries due to strong easterly winds and the salt is extracted. This whole process can take up to a year!
Visit the Pink Brine Lake
Located at the salt flats is the Pink Brine Lake. The Pekelmeer is part of the salt extraction process and is also an important area for animals. Due to the extreme salt water, only one species of algae survives in these conditions. This algae is eaten by shrimps, turning the Pekelmeer pink in colour. In addition, the low saltwater has ensured that Caribbean flamingos are common here. If you are lucky, they show up close enough to the road and you can observe them well. So be sure to combine your outing with a visit to the Pink Brine Lake.
Enjoy carefree at Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire
Want to unwind after your visit to the salt flats or the Brine Lake? Then enjoy an all-inclusive stay at Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire. As part of Van der Valk, Plaza Beach & Dive Resort is the ideal base when you want to combine a carefree holiday with special excursions. So you can make use of the private beach, the renovated magna pool, its own marina, its own diving school, the wellness and our golf cart and car rental service. In addition, come and enjoy unlimited meals, snacks, drinks and entertainment at buffet restaurant Tipsy Seagull. Will we see you soon?