Bountiful Bonaire
By Alicia Peterson
Bonaire graffiti.
Bonaire, a small Caribbean Island located just off the coast of Venezuela, is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving spots. But beyond its beautiful scenery, Bonaire is a beachcomber’s paradise. For me, it’s where I call home.
Rutger and Alicia on the beach. Bonaire Birthday Cake.
As an American, people often ask how I ended up on this tiny Dutch island in the Caribbean with a population of roughly 25,000 people. Truth is, I fell in love. It wasn’t just sea glass or the island itself. I literally fell in love with a Dutchman, whom I now call “My Flying Dutchman.”
Let’s briefly go back to 2021, a year after the pandemic started, and for many a challenging time that caused us to look at life differently. I was living in Washington State as a business lender, and two of my three kids had moved out to live on their own. Health issues began to impact my work, and to top it off I was going through a divorce. Obviously, the beach was my happy place.
Approaching 40 that year, I decided to celebrate by traveling to a new beach every month (slightly delayed, but eventually executed) and I began my business, The Flying Mermaid. Prior to visiting Bonaire, I had been beachcombing in Honolulu, Hawaii; Port Townsend, Washington; Fort Bragg, California; Aruba; and Curaçao. Each trip involving sea glass was heavily researched and carefully planned, but nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to experience.
Flamingo International Airport. Flamingos in Bonaire.
Welcome to paradise! Bonaire has an international airport, named Flamingo International. Some say its pink color gave it the name, but I believe it’s because Bonaire is one of only four breeding places for the beautiful tropical bird, the flamingo.
Alicia in her gear. Alicia at a favorite beach in Bonaire.
After settling in, we quickly prepared, anticipating needing lots of gear to find amazing sea glass—which wasn’t necessary. I laugh at the photo (above left) now. Not everyone has to scuba dive or snorkel; in fact, I rarely do. This (above right) is what glassing actually looks like here.
There are many beaches on the island to explore, but not all of them have treasure. During this first trip, I wasn’t as familiar with the beaches as I am now. In fact, I only knew one of them. In my opinion, there are three beaches on the island to consider visiting, which I call Beach 1, Beach 2, and Beach 3.
Beach 1: Crazy Surf Beach
Bonaire Beach 1 sea glass butterfly. Collection of Bonaire sea glass bottle bottoms from Beach 1. Visiting Beach 1. Crazy surf at Beach 1.
This beach is absolutely the best! Even the locals aren’t familiar with where it is. However, without risk there’s no reward. Going out there can be very dangerous because there is no cell service. Also, Bonaire does not have a coast guard. Surf conditions must be ideal, and you must be careful not to injure yourself considering the climbing involved. Having a guide with an emergency plan is very important and even then, going is always at your own risk.
Beach 2: Glass Beach
Bonaire Beach 2 sea glass. Victorian button from Beach 2. Sunset at Beach 2.
Some of my rarest and most interesting pieces have been found on this beach: buttons, beads, stoppers, and patterned pieces. I have also found marbles and many colors of sea glass. Typically, it’s very calm, making it easy to snorkel for glass which isn’t necessary but can be rewarding. The sunsets here are beautiful.
Beach 3: Driftwood Beach
Driftwood and sea trash piled on Beach 3.
This beach is the best for driftwood, interesting plastics, metal pieces, old bottles, and sea glass. It’s always nice to visit after a good storm but given the crazy waves on this side of the island, the beach is always changing.
My best friend Robin took this photo while we were going through COVID quarantine in Bonaire.
During the first trip prior to leaving, my friend and I tested positive for COVID. Suddenly we found ourselves scrambling to change our flights, to find a place to stay, and to get a car to rent. There was a point during this where we thought we would need to sleep in the car. Fortunately, a kind couple offered their place because the pool was under construction.
During our five days of quarantine, we were looking at restaurants, eager to finally be free again! We ended up going to what became my favorite restaurant, The Dock. As weird as fate can be, this is when I met the love of my life, My Flying Dutchman. He was living in Europe at the time, which gave me the opportunity to continue my travels there. Now, my collection of beachcombing locations includes Holland, England, Scotland, France, Germany, and Italy. This also made me realize that Bonaire truly has incredible sea glass. After six months living in Holland, we decided to go back to Bonaire.
We are currently building a guesthouse, called the Seaglass House: A Beachcomber’s Paradise. It should be ready by January of 2025. If you’re lucky enough to book with us, perhaps we can go glassing together!
Be sure to check out Bonaire Tourism to help learn more about the island as well as other things to do at www.bonaireisland.com. As we say in Bonaire, “Once a visitor always a friend.” I hope to see you soon!
Stay up to date on Alicia’s recent finds and treasures on Instagram @the.flyingmermaid, on Facebook @AliciaTheFlyingMermaid, and on her website at theflyingmermaid.net. Contact her for beachcombing travel tips, see her sea glass art and jewelry, book a tour, sign up for a creative workshop, or if you just want to grab a cup of coffee with her.
All photos courtesy of Alicia Peterson.
Learn more about the best beaches and destinations for sea and beach glass, seashells, fossils, rocks, and more beach finds around the world. Articles ›
This article appeared in Beachcombing Magazine Volume 46 the January/February 2025 issue.
