The ABC Islands of the Caribbbean -- Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao -- are a water lover's paradise. If you love snorkeling or diving, you're sure to see plenty of great creatures such as this sea turtle I spotted in Bonaire.
By John Roberts
Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao make up the ABC islands in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean.
These islands located just off the coast of Venezuela (a bit north of the country) are part of the Netherlands. Several cruise ship itineraries make stops to these destinations, although Bonaire is the least developed and least visited of the three.
We have been to all three and thoroughly enjoyed them. All are watersports havens. Aruba would be my choice for lazy beach days and partying at night. It offers more of the typical Caribbean island experience you might expect. Curacao offers plenty of neat places to explore, such as forts and limestone caves, as well as shopping areas filled with local vendors offering handicrafts.
Bonaire is for the hardcore scuba diving crowds. The island has few beaches, but you step right off the shore into deep water filled with an array of wonderful fish and coral reef. We don’t even dive (we snorkel), but this island struck us as our favorite for its relaxed vibe. We had a great time drift snorkeling at Klein Bonaire, a tiny, uninhabited islet off the shore of the mainland.
I recommend that you look into a cruise that will get to at least two of these islands during your trip. The weather will be warm and sunny, and you'll never run out of fun things to do. Plus, you'll want to return often. Brush up on a few phrases in Papiamento, the native tongue in the islands. It's a mix of Portuguese and African languages, with English, Spanish, Dutch and American Indian influences, too.
Try a wide-smiling "bon dia" (good morning) when you arrive, and you'll be warmly greeted and on the way to a wonderful adventure.
ARUBA
Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao make up the ABC islands in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean.
These islands located just off the coast of Venezuela (a bit north of the country) are part of the Netherlands. Several cruise ship itineraries make stops to these destinations, although Bonaire is the least developed and least visited of the three.
We have been to all three and thoroughly enjoyed them. All are watersports havens. Aruba would be my choice for lazy beach days and partying at night. It offers more of the typical Caribbean island experience you might expect. Curacao offers plenty of neat places to explore, such as forts and limestone caves, as well as shopping areas filled with local vendors offering handicrafts.
Bonaire is for the hardcore scuba diving crowds. The island has few beaches, but you step right off the shore into deep water filled with an array of wonderful fish and coral reef. We don’t even dive (we snorkel), but this island struck us as our favorite for its relaxed vibe. We had a great time drift snorkeling at Klein Bonaire, a tiny, uninhabited islet off the shore of the mainland.
I recommend that you look into a cruise that will get to at least two of these islands during your trip. The weather will be warm and sunny, and you'll never run out of fun things to do. Plus, you'll want to return often. Brush up on a few phrases in Papiamento, the native tongue in the islands. It's a mix of Portuguese and African languages, with English, Spanish, Dutch and American Indian influences, too.
Try a wide-smiling "bon dia" (good morning) when you arrive, and you'll be warmly greeted and on the way to a wonderful adventure.
ARUBA
Baby Beach in Aruba has soft sand, and you can walk right in for some great shore snorkeling. Bring plenty of sunscreen and apply often! We got quite burned our first time.
When the sun gets to be too much, make sure to take a few breaks for Balashi beer. So refreshing and cold, just what you want after a few hours in the sun and water.
BONAIRE
One of my favorite excursions ever was the day I spent drift snorkeling at Klein Bonaire, a spot off the coast of mainland Bonaire. We saw turtles rays and all sorts of reef and fish.
CURACAO
In Curacao, we have snorkeled, shopped and done some sightseeing, like at this fort. You can venture to the high points of the island for great views of the harbors (picture below). The island has an arid climate, with scarce rainfall, and is home to curious whiptail blue lizards (picture at bottom).
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