current, always swim perpendicular to the current to free yourself, rather than against it.
SAFETY TIP
Rip currents flow from the shore to the open sea and can be incredibly strong, particularly in stormy weather and at low tide. They can be extremely dangerous for swimmers, particularly weak or less-experienced swimmers. They can be difficult to spot, but there are several tips that can improve safety:
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Playa Funchi
Kralendijk
Playa Funchi
Difficulty
Current
Depth
Reef
Fauna
Level Open Water
Location
Slagbaai plantation
GPS: 12°16’56.6”N, 68°24’49.6”W
Getting there
Playa Funchi can be reached via either the long or short routes through the National
Park. It is a 5.5-mile (9-kilometer) drive from the park entrance if you take the short route, and about 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) south from Playa Bengé if you take the long route. It is the westernmost beach on the island.
Make your way to the park using the directions on page 21. Enter the park taking either the long or short route and continue until
about 103 mins from Kralendijk
Access about 25 mins from the park entrance
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Playa Funchi
the two intersect on the west coast. Drive southwest from the intersection of the long and short routes; the road forks after a third of a mile (0.5 kilometers). Follow the sign to take the right fork toward Playa Funchi. The road continues straight for a while and then bends to the right just before a large parking lot situated on the cliff above the beach. You can park here or drive down the steep slope to the smaller parking lot between the beach and Saliña Funchi. Iguanas, geckos and blue whiptail lizards (known locally as blau-blau) are often found on the beach here. Flamingos are common in Saliña Funchi.
Access
Playa Funchi is in a sheltered bay about 300 feet (92 meters) across with seating and some shade. The mooring buoy is anchored a ways from shore in a large sandy area. The beach
consists of rounded, flat rocks, which makes accessing the water easier than at other sites in the park. Be aware that the rocks can move underfoot, so tread with care. Waves may break close to the beach here, but they tend to be smaller than those at Playa Bengé.
Description
Currents at Playa Funchi can be strong, particularly rip currents; be sure to check the conditions before venturing into the water. The site is known for its great snorkeling, with the wide, relatively shallow waters playing host to a variety of marine life, including trunkfish, chubs, razerfish and staghorn corals. Divers may see midnight parrotfish, anemones, schools of horse-eye jacks and plenty of soft corals and sea fans on the reef.
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Bisé Morto
Kralendijk
Bisé Morto