Everything You Need to Know About Landsailing on Bonaire
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Landsailing… I had literally never even heard of the word before my trip to Bonaire Island.
Luckily, not knowing much about the sport didn’t stop me from cruising around the track in my “blokart” like a pro. I would say that’s thanks to all those years playing Mario Kart with my sister, but who knows?
Landsailing, also known as sand sailing, sand yachting (my favorite), or even dirt boarding, is pretty much like racing around a track in a gokart, but instead of gasoline or pedal power, you rely on wind energy to blow your sail.
And it turns out, Bonaire is the perfect island to try this recreational sport out. Not only is landsailing a fun and eco-friendly thing to do on Bonaire, but it’s also suitable for all ages.
Whether you’re visiting the island on a diving vacation or on a cruise, here’s everything you need to know about landsailing, plus why you should add it to your Bonaire adventure bucket list!
Your Guide to Landsailing on Bonaire
A Brief History of Landsailing
As I discovered down the rabbit hole on Wikipedia, landsailing’s history goes back several centuries or thousands of years and isn’t just a modern phenomenon; the earliest known text describing the use of a “sail on a carriage” or “wind-driven carriage” was written in China 552–554 AD.
We can even see the beginnings of landsailing with yachts in the early 17th century. Sure, today’s blokarts aren’t as elaborate or decorated as their predecessors, but they are powered in the same way. Wind pushes the sail of the vehicle which rolls on wheels.
Today, there are landsailing competitions held around the globe. And each type of vehicle has a different “class” it will race in. The different classes are due to differences in technicalities, mast sizes, shapes, and functionality.
There are even blokart world championships held around the world as well, and those race in two different classes.
When you go landsailing on Bonaire, you won’t need to worry about tech specs, or racing for that matter. (Well, at least not the championship kind!)
Where to Go Landsailing on Bonaire
📍 Kaminda Sabana Piedra Krus, Kralendijk
⏰ Mon-Fri 1-5pm / Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
📞 599-786-1572
🏎 Book It Here
Bonaire Landsailing Adventures is owned and operated by Donna and an awesome team of seasoned blokarters.
The guys at BLA are pros at landsailing, so even if you aren’t, you’ll be in safe hands. Besides, you can’t just rent a blokart and go out on the island on your own, so this guided activity is a must!
You can find BLA on the windy side of Bonaire Island, so on the northeastern side facing the Atlantic.
I would recommend you first spend the day exploring the Washington Slagbaai National Park and then, on your way back from Rincón to Kralendijk, stop by for your landsailing adventure just before sunset. (Make sure to book in advance, though!)
This way, you’ll end the day with a bang and at the most beautiful time of day, too.
Is Landsailing Hard?
Landsailing requires a bit of arm strength to pull the sail, but that’s about it! Otherwise, it’s a very easy activity to learn with no prior experience.
When you book your session with Bonaire Landsailing Adventures, Donna or another team member will first take you through the basics and safety essentials of landsailing. Then, once everyone is feeling ready to roll, they will help buckle you in, and put a helmet on you!
Pro Tip: Bring your own GoPro with backup screws. They have outfitted helmets perfect for securing your action camera to capture awesome footage of you racing your friends around the track! 📸
So, you might be wondering… Can I fall or tip over?
Yes, but you’ll be safely strapped in and you won’t fall out. That’s in part thanks to the design of the blokart which has three wheels. In the unlikely event that you tip over going around a curve, one of the guys at BLA will race over and set your kart upright.
What to Expect From Landsailing on Bonaire
One word: FUN!
Donna has a simple promise: You’ll leave with what she calls the blokart grin—and it’s true. We had so much fun zooming around the dirt track! I especially love that this activity is for all people, all ages, and all skills, and is sustainable.
During your session, you will have plenty of time to do the whole circuit. Each time, you get better and faster!
Of course, be aware of your surroundings and try not to jam into your fellow blokarters—this isn’t bumper cars at the fair!
What to Wear & Pack for Landsailing
Landsailing is an adventurous outdoor activity, so you should dress comfortably!
Since your blokart vehicle is not covered, you should consider the sun and pack/wear sunscreen and cover your arms and shoulders (especially if you go at midday).
Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun as well, and also from the dirt and wind.
Here’s a quick summary of items you might wish to wear or pack in your day bag:
- Closed-toe shoes or secure sandals (I wore my Teva Sandals)
- Loose shirt and shorts
- Sunscreen (remember to use only reef-safe sunscreen on Bonaire like Raw Elements)
- Hat/Visor
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- GoPro, Insta360, or other action camera *optional
You can leave your rings and jewelry back at your resort in Bonaire or secure them in your bag before your ride so they don’t get lost or possibly injure you as you tug/release the rope.
Have Fun Landsailing in Bonaire!
So, are you excited about going landsailing? I sure hope so! It was definitely one of the highlights of all the activities we got to do during our week on the island.
Book your blokart adventure here 🏎💨
More Bonaire guides:
- 15+ Best Places to Eat on Bonaire Island
- 20+ Epic Things to Do in Bonaire
- Hiking Guide to Mount Brandaris
- The Ultimate Bonaire Travel Guide
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