Forming a pleasant trio mendacity simply off the coast of South America, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (affectionately generally known as the ABC Islands) enchantment to sun-seeking vacationers from everywhere in the world.
At first look, there doesn’t appear to be a lot to distinguish these three Dutch-affiliated islands. But whereas they do share some components of tradition and geography (and solar!), each has its personal persona, and distinct alternatives to go well with totally different vacationers’ pursuits.
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Whether or not you’re into underwater adventures, lazing on the seashore or exploring Caribbean tradition, learn on to seek out out which one of many three is the fitting match for you.
Bonaire is greatest for scuba diving and underwater exploration
Whereas each Aruba and Curaçao supply diving and snorkeling experiences, the tiny island of Bonaire is well-known all through the worldwide diving group for its world-class reef system, thought-about one of many healthiest within the Caribbean.
And whereas that superlative is sufficient to justify reserving a ticket, there’s one other bonus: the diving right here can also be a few of the most accessible, with spectacular websites sitting just a few meters offshore.
Bonaire is ringed by its Nationwide Marine Park, 6700 hectares (16,550 acres) of protected waters that includes 85 separate dive websites, a lot of them accessible just by strolling into the water. These websites are marked by yellow stones positioned alongside the principle roads that hint the circumference of the island – and each yields a singular underwater expertise.
Curaçao has the sting on tradition
The most important of the three islands and the one one which has main industries moreover tourism, Curaçao acts because the de facto art-and-culture middle of the ABC Islands. Right here, you’ll discover artwork and historical past museums, galleries, music venues and a bustling capital metropolis that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
In the event you’re fascinated about historical past, the Kura Hulanda Museum tells the necessary however tragic story of the historical past of enslaved folks in Curaçao and the Caribbean – a must-see to grasp the island’s previous and current.
Artwork lovers can spend an entire afternoon at Landhuis Bloemhof, a contemporary-art museum that includes sculptures, installations and even a whole gallery made out of thorns. These fascinated about tradition outdoors of museums shouldn’t miss the eating places and bars of Pietermaai, or the expansive avenue artwork in Otrobanda.
Aruba has probably the most nice climate
Whereas all three islands are sunny locations largely out of the trail of Caribbean hurricanes, Aruba wins the award for greatest climate because of the balmy commerce winds that consistently sweep by way of.
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These winds have formed the island’s geology and even its flora – simply have a look at these wind-bent Fofoti bushes – and have a stunning cooling impact, relieving you from the new solar that beats down the overwhelming majority of the 12 months.
That mentioned, the solar’s rays are intense even with the cool breeze, so at all times layer on the SPF. But because the solar begins to set and that breeze flutters throughout the island, you actually do see why it’s known as paradise.
Aruba and Bonaire each have implausible water sports activities
It’s robust to choose a winner for this one, so we’re calling a tie: each Aruba and Bonaire are identified for his or her kitesurfing, windsurfing and diving scenes. Which suggests adrenaline seekers can be properly positioned for an excellent journey on both island.
Aruba hosts the Hello-Winds Caribbean Championship yearly, which options kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddle-boarding, kitefoiling and mountain-biking classes, and attracts spectators from all over the world.
Bonaire has an enormous windsurfing scene at Sorobon on Lac Bay and kitesurfing on its southwestern shore, and performs host to an annual worldwide crusing regatta.
Curaçao has the the perfect seashores
All three islands are nice locations for anybody in want of a dose of vitamin D – but each Aruba and Bonaire’s coastlines are largely rocky.
If you need a plethora of picturesque sandy seashores to select from, Curaçao is your vacation spot: the island contains a sequence of pristine seashores hemmed in by dramatic limestone and coral stone cliffs, each providing actions for any kind of traveler.
Households will love the attractive crescent generally known as Grote Knip and gained’t be left wanting for facilities, whereas these in search of somewhat extra peace and quiet will love Klein Knip and Playa Lagun.
Adrenaline seekers will benefit from the cliff leaping at Playa Forti, whereas these in search of somewhat little bit of luxurious will discover themselves proper at residence on the seashore golf equipment of Jan Thiel and Papagayo.
Aruba has a superior get together scene
Trying to blow off some steam, island-style? Aruba’s vigorous resort space affords possibility after possibility for beachside revelry – fashionable lounges, energetic golf equipment, piano bars, casinos…you identify it.
Most venues may be discovered alongside the shoreline in Oranjestad or barely additional north in Palm Seaside. This complete space buzzes all through the day – and are available dusk, it takes on a festive, genial vibe.
Honorable point out for this class goes to Curaçao. The nightlife choices in Willemstad have a neighborhood vibe and are loads of enjoyable.
Bonaire allows you to get off the overwhelmed observe
The outlier on the subject of vacationer site visitors, humble Bonaire will shock and delight these prepared to make the additional effort to jump over to its rocky shores.
Whereas the island is not any secret in diving and snorkeling circles, it stays a quiet, pleasant place to go to, as huge resorts and mass tourism have (fortunately) but to take over any a part of the island.
Kralendijk and Rincón supply small-town vibes. And don’t be shocked when you get whisked into an impromptu sightseeing tour with a neighborhood: Bonarians are pleased with their nature and tradition, and it exhibits of their hospitality and their collective land stewardship.
