Crocodile search continues as Bonaire beaches reopen to visitors

Officials in Bonaire have decided to reopen Sorobon Bay and Lac Bay to the public after a lengthy search for a large reptile.

The government said their decision to reopen the beaches and surrounding mangroves came after receiving advice from international experts including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Diergaarde Blijdorp Rotterdam.

The beaches were closed after a large reptile, which is suspected to be an American crocodile, was seen swimming in the mangroves.

While the beaches are open and restaurants are now accessible, visitors are being urged to avoid going into the water.

“Visitors are strongly urged not to enter the seagrass and to stay in shallow water. These measures are of great importance for the safety of the public and to give the area the necessary peace. This is essential for the search operation and risk assessment,” Public Entity Bonaire said.

Anglers and hobby fishermen are advised not to clean their caught fish at the harbour to avoid unwanted attention from the reptile.

A Bonaire National Parks Foundation team are on site to monitor the situation and safely capture the crocodile.