Who we are

The Mangrove Center was founded in 2002 with the goal of offering guided kayak tours to explore Bonaire’s pristine mangroves. In 2004, Elly Albers took over the center, driven by her passion for conservation and education. In its early years, Elly ran the center alone, gradually building a team of expert guides who have since developed an in depth understanding of this vital ecosystem.

Raising awareness about the importance of mangroves has always been central to the center’s mission. To engage the local community, the Mangrove Center provides discounted tours for residents and works closely with schools to offer free educational tours for youth. These initiatives aim to inspire the next generation to protect and cherish Bonaire’s natural heritage.

In 2025, the center expanded its environmental education efforts with the publication of Mysteries of Mangroves: Protectors of Blue Carbon. Authored by Elly Albers, Elisabetta Macari, and photographer Lorenzo Mittiga. The book highlights the vital role mangroves play in preserving Bonaire’s ecosystems and combating climate change. Featuring stunning photographs, it serves as both an educational resource and a call to action for mangrove conservation.

Today, the Mangrove Center continues to be a leader in ecotourism and environmental education, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of Lac Bay’s mangroves while learning about their global significance.

Expanding our mission

In 2018, the Mangrove Center’s commitment to conservation extended beyond the mangroves with the establishment of the Bonaire Wild Bird Rehab. This non-profit organization was founded by Elly Albers to care for injured, sick, and orphaned wild birds, with the ultimate goal of returning them to their natural habitat.

Approximately 80% of the patients are flamingos, an iconic species of Bonaire. Over the years, the rehab has successfully cared for over 2,000 flamingo chicks, offering them a second chance at life in the wild.

The Wild Bird Rehab reflects the Mangrove Center’s broader mission to protect Bonaire’s unique ecosystems and wildlife. By supporting the Mangrove Center, visitors also contribute to these vital conservation efforts.

Our Team

Danielle

Blue

Eric

Anique

Trevor

Sustainability

At the Mangrove Center, sustainability means living in harmony with nature. We invite you to explore the unique world of mangroves and discover their crucial role in combating climate change. Through guided tours and engaging explanations, we show how these fragile ecosystems support a healthier planet while inspiring visitors to take part in their preservation.

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every detail of our operations:

  • Powered by the Sun: The center operates entirely on clean, renewable solar energy.

  • Pure Water from the Air: We produce drinking water using a state-of-the-art system that extracts moisture from the atmosphere, reducing plastic waste.

  • Eco-friendly Practices: All cleaning and maintenance products are derived from natural, biodegradable sources.

  • Protecting Wildlife: To preserve the mangrove ecosystem, we strictly prohibit the use of motorized boats, offering only silent, eco-friendly kayak tours.

We also have specific guidelines to minimize human impact during tours:

  • Chemical-Free Zone: Sunscreen, mosquito repellents, or other chemicals are not allowed inside the mangroves. We encourage guests to apply these products only at the center before embarking on their tour.

  • Plastic-Free Policies: To protect wildlife, we ask visitors to remove plastic labels from water bottles before heading out.

  • Fins are Forbidden: The use of fins is not allowed during tours, ensuring the safety of fragile seagrass beds and mangrove roots.

By combining eco-conscious practices with education, the Mangrove Center is dedicated to safeguarding Bonaire’s precious ecosystems while inspiring visitors to do the same. Together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.