The ABC islands are a group of islands within very close proximity in the Southern Caribbean. They are made up of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. These islands are a great way to experience Caribbean culture and are tied to the Dutch kingdom of the Netherlands.
Today I’ll share with you everything you need to know about the ABC islands as well as discuss things to do, see, and help you experience Caribbean flavors!
Exploring Aruba Bonaire and Curaçao
The top way to see these white sand beaches is by water. In fact, Princess Caribbean cruise allows you to see all three by booking just one cruise excursion. Every port features many activities set on the gorgeous turquoise waters that the Caribbean islands are known for, including hiking, snorkeling and viewing marine life, and shopping in the charming towns and sampling local seafood fresh from the Caribbean sea.
Here’s a few of my personal tips for exploring each island as well as a few activities you may enjoy as you explore the ABC islands.
Things to do in the ABC Islands
Ever since I first went snorkeling in the Cayman islands in the 1990’s, I’ve been a huge fan of viewing marine life in the gorgeous Caribbean sea. All three islands offer great destinations for snorkeling where you can even take it a step further and go scuba diving through shipwrecks if you are brave.
Snorkeling is my top recommendation for activities in any of these three islands and you can’t go wrong spending time in the water seeing some of the most colorful fish you’ll ever witness in person.
Things to do in Aruba
We’re huge fans of Aruba! It’s laid back culture and vibrant night life offers something for everyone. We stayed at the Marriott Stellaris hotel & Casino and enjoyed the location as well as amenities.
While visiting Aruba, we enjoyed these activities:
- Eagle Beach – this is an instagram-worthy spot as you’ll experience the Fofoti trees that make Eagle Beach famous. Soft sand marries the crystal clear turquoise waters here at this must visit destination in Aruba.
- Sand Beach – another top tourism spot where you can rent lockers and spend time in the water. This is a bit busier than the beaches you’ll find in front of major hotels, but it’s also the place to be and be seen.
- Oranjestad – we got brave and walked from our hotel to this bustling downtown area that reminds me of Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale in terms of having a mix of shopping, fine dining, local eateries, and nightlife. You can easily spend an afternoon or evening here just sight seeing and taking in the wide variety of restaurants, shopping options, hotels, casinos, and marina.
- Bushiribana Ruins – come see the famous remains of a gold mill that dates back to 1872. Most tour operators will bring people here, so it does get busy and I suggest you go early. According to Aruba.com, this site produced over 3 million pounds of gold.
You can also check out the many Aruba boat tours available.
Things to do in Bonaire
Bonaire may be less popular in comparison to Aruba, but it’s definitely a place worth visiting. Here are a few of the many attractions and things to do in Bonaire as you continue your journey seeing the ABC islands.
- Klein Bonaire – clear blue waters and excellent marine life make this a popular destination for sun seekers and people who like me, love some good snorkeling.
- Donkey Sanctuary – donkeys are all around the ABC islands. Like Aruba, you can visit this destination and see over 800 donkeys. It’s a great activity for families with children who enjoy visiting the zoo.
- The Cadushy Distillery – come sample liquors, relax in the garden, and even view wildlife in this relaxing distillery.
- Bonaire National Marine Park – this offers some of the best dive sights in Bonaire and if I’m being honest, the entire ABC islands.
Things to do in Curaçao
As you finish the trifecta of visiting the nearest islands to South American, the ABC islands, you’ll find Curaçao sandwiched between the two aforementioned islands.
You’ll find some unique excursions here! You can walk on the ocean floor in what they call “helmet diving.” We didn’t do this but the photos looked very cool. Picture people looking like astronauts walking around in the Dutch Caribbean islands viewing fish and exotic sea landscapes.
You’ll also find a lot of boat tours here, just like anywhere in the ABC islands. You can swim with sea turtles, go cliff jumping, and see some of the best beaches in the Caribbean islands.
See the white powdery sand at Cas Abao beach, the Queen Emma pontoon bridge, Mambo beach, and the historic neighborhood of Punda, which features colorful homes in many colors you just have to see to fully appreciate.
A trip to Curaçao wouldn’t be complete without a day trip to Willemstad, which is a Unesco world heritage site and also the capital city of the country.
Must See Attractions in the ABC Islands
That’s a quick recap of what you can do on each of the ABC islands, but if I’m making a list of the must see attractions, here is my list.
Klein Bonaire
Klein Bonaire is Dutch for “little Bonaire” and this is uninhabited destination is off the west coast of Bonaire. Here you can snorkel, go diving, and even see flamingos and loggerhead turtles. You can get there by boat or if you are brave, by kayak. It’s only about 800 meters from the coast.
Scuba Diving
You can do this at any of the three westernmost islands known as the ABC islands. If you are into scuba diving, there aren’t many better places to do it than in the ABC islands.
Additionally, the following experiences are available to see in the ABC islands. If any of these are up your alley, you can check out the following:
- Sugar plantations
- Limestone cliffs
- National parks
- Butterfly farms featuring colorful butterflies
- Reefs
What are the Best Beaches in the ABC Islands?
There are no shortage of beaches in the ABC islands! For my money, here are my top three:
Eagle Beach
The most popular beach in Aruba bonaire and curaçao! Many people visit Aruba simply to see this beach and the fofoti trees.
Cas Abao
This Curaçao beach is simply magical. See gorgeous tiki structures that let you know you are definitely in the Caribbean!
Divi Beach
This is in the resort area of Aruba. You can find a lot of palm trees, tiki huts, and crystal clear blue water.
Summary
The ABC islands are a very unique part of the world. If you are into exploring the Caribbean, I highly recommend you check it out and get into the local cuisine. Some of the best seafood I’ve had in my entire life comes from these islands.
FAQ’s:
What is the Best Island of the ABC Islands?
This question comes down to personal preference, but for me, it’s Aruba. There is so much more to see and do here and I while I like being on smaller islands, this one just offers more modern amenities that make me feel a bit safer.
Are the ABC Islands in the Hurricane Belt?
No, like most of South America, the ABC islands are not in the hurricane belt. You won’t have to worry about booking a trip during the hurricane season.
Are the ABC Islands Part of the Leeward Antilles?
Yes, Aruba Bonaire and Curaçao are all part of the Leeward Antilles region. These are a chain of islands in the Caribbean.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
