Why the Caribbean’s ABC Islands are the Perfect Winter Escape

With white sands and sunny skies, the Caribbean’s ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are the perfect winter getaway.

What are the ABC Islands?

Situated just off the Venezuelan coast, the three westernmost islands of the Caribbean’s Leeward Antilles – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – are commonly known as the ABC Islands.

Because they conveniently fall south of the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, the islands are a popular tropical destination for visitors year-round. With little rainfall and an idyllic sunny climate, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are some of the Caribbean’s best island destinations.

From white-sand beaches and turquoise seas to spectacular diving and friendly locals, the ABC Islands boast something for every sun-seeking traveler.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

I’ve visited all three of the ABC Islands several times over the years and, while I love them all, they each offer a distinct experience for visitors.

So let’s get to know them! 

But first…

What country are the ABC Islands?

All three ABC islands share ties to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and are considered part of the “Dutch Caribbean” once known as the Netherlands Antilles.

Today, the islands of Aruba and Curacao are autonomous, self-governing constituent countries. While Bonaire (including the sister islands of Sint Eustatius and Saba) is a special municipality of the Netherlands proper.

How to travel between the ABC Islands

There are no ferries between the ABC Islands so the only way to travel between them is to fly. 

Luckily, several regional airlines connect the three islands. Flight times are short (about 30 minutes) and fares are affordable

It’s easy to include all three islands on your ABC Islands vacation itinerary! Keep in mind that most of these airlines only offer direct flights between islands a few times a week. 

Travel between the ABC islands is primarily via the following inter-island airlines: 

• Divi Divi Air – Note that all Divi Divi Air flights go through Curacao so if you’re flying from Aruba to Bonaire, you’ll have to make a stop in Curacao.
• WinAir – Based in St. Maarten, WinAir is partnered with Skyteam airlines KLM-Air France and serves all 3 ABC islands plus several other Caribbean islands.
• Jetair – This Curacao-based airline flies between the ABC islands several times a week.
• ZAir – A newer entry into the ABC Islands market, ZAir also offers flights between all 3 islands.

Now, let’s dive deeper into each of the ABC islands to see what makes each one so special.

First up, Aruba!

The Caribbean Powerhouse of Aruba

The island of Aruba is one of three islands that make up the self-governing Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (the others are Curacao and Sint Maarten).

For centuries the citizens of Aruba have shown their loyalty and devotion to the Dutch royal family by naming schools, streets, and public buildings in their honor.

Even Aruba’s capital city, Oranjestad, is named for the Royal House of Orange and features traditional architecture with a strong Dutch influence. The Queen is the head of state and her birthday is celebrated here as a national holiday.

While Aruba is the smallest island of the three ABC islands, it’s easily the most popular with visitors. Aruba’s picture-perfect beaches, sunny climate, and friendly locals have earned it the apt nickname, “One Happy Island.”

Where to Stay in Aruba

When it comes to hotels in Aruba, there are a TON of accommodation options. Everything from all-inclusive mega-resorts to small boutique properties.

There are three main areas of the island where the majority of hotels (and activities) are concentrated: Oranjestad, Palm Beach, and Eagle Beach.

Best Hotel in Oranjestad – The Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort

In the capital city of Oranjestad, the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort is the top choice for one big (and pink) reason – exclusive access to the resort’s private island, Renaissance Island.

If you’ve seen the images of flamingos walking the beaches of Aruba and want to see them for yourself, you’ll have to book a room at the Renaissance. (In fact, even if you choose to stay at one of the beach resorts, spend at least one night here. Flamingo Beach is worth it!)

Flamingo Beach Aruba

The Renaissance’s private island has two beaches, Iguana Beach for families and Flamingo Beach (which is adults only). While both are equally fabulous in sand and surf, Flamingo wins the prize for wildlife.

A dozen or so pink flamingos prance around the shoreline drinking seawater and searching for food. If you buy a few pellets of food from one of the nearby machines, they will literally eat right out of your hand.

It’s one of the best wildlife encounters you’ll find on a beach…anywhere.

Best Hotels in Palm Beach Aruba

Lively Palm Beach is the island’s most popular resort area. This 2-mile-long strip of white, sandy beach is bordered on one side by turquoise waters and on the other by Aruba’s high-rise resorts. 

Top hotels in Palm Beach:

• For Couples –  Ritz Carlton Aruba – Set on a pristine beachfront, this is a luxury resort with all the bells and whistles. Widely considered one of Aruba’s best hotels, rooms are bright and elegant with spectacular ocean views. 
• For Families – Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino – Newly renovated rooms include spacious family suites with bunk beds. Amenities include a casino, a full-service spa, and two expansive pools (including one with a 2-story water slide).

Best Hotels in Eagle Beach Aruba

Eagle Beach has been rated as one of the best beaches in the world and it’s easy to see why. Here, you’ll find soft white sand, sparkling clear water, and Aruba’s most photographed fofoti (divi) tree. This pristine stretch of sand is home to Aruba’s low-rise resorts.

Top hotels in Eagle Beach:

• For Couples – Bacuti & Tara Beach Resort (Adults Only) – For romance, luxury, and top-notch service on a brilliant stretch of beach, there’s no better choice.
• For Families – Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort – These spacious suites and studios come with fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, perfect for families or anyone looking for a little more space.
• On a Budget – MVC Eagle Beach – This small, colorful property is just across the street from Eagle Beach and is one of the best values on the island. Rooms are slightly smaller than average in Aruba but clean and modern.

Top 3 Things to Do in Aruba

Aruba’s gorgeous beaches are so inviting that you may find it hard to tear yourself away in search of activities. But if you do, you’ll find plenty of options. Here are a few of the best things to see and do around Aruba:

1. Flamingo Beach

Yes, you have to be a guest at the Renaissance Resort, but this is truly one of the best activities on the island. Don’t leave Aruba without visiting these pink-feathered island residents.

2. Natural Pool

Located within Arikok National Park, this peaceful hidden pool was created by a unique rock formation that protects it from the pounding sea. The pool’s natural beauty makes it a great spot for swimming or snorkeling. However, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to reach it so booking a tour is the best way to visit.

Tip: The best tour on the island is the Aruba Off-Road Jeep Safari: Natural Pool and Beach Tour.

3. Wind Surfing & Kite Surfing

Aruba’s constant trade winds and flat water locations are ideal for both windsurfing and kite surfing. If you’ve never done either, this is the perfect place to try a lesson!

Next up in the ABC Islands, Bonaire…

A Bonaire Affair

Along with sister islands St. Eustatius and Saba, Bonaire is part of a constellation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands known as the BES Islands. Bonaire is one of the world’s best destinations for scuba diving.

One convenient aspect of visiting Bonaire is that the BES Islands use the US dollar as the official currency. In Aruba and Curacao, the US dollar is widely accepted but in Bonaire, it’s the law of the land.

Where to stay on Bonaire

• Beachfront Luxury – Harbor Village Beach Club – Bonaire isn’t especially known for beaches but this resort sits on one of the island’s best. Couples will love the serenity of the resort’s private beach. Families will appreciate the spacious family suites.
• For Divers – Delfins Beach Resort – Home to a PADI 5-star dive center, this modern resort is situated on Bonaire’s western shoreline with access to superb shore dive sites.
• On a Budget – Divi Flamingo Beach Resort – Oceanfront rooms feature balconies that dangle over crystalline waters below. And you’ll find plenty of 5-star snorkeling right in front of the resort.

Top 4 Things to Do on Bonaire

Bonaire has long been known as the “Diver’s Paradise” of the ABC Islands but the island has more to offer than just underwater attractions.

1. Diving & Snorkeling

Bonaire’s Marine Park boasts more than 85 dive sites and more than 350 recorded species of marine life. Dozens of experienced dive operators are located around the island offering dives with varying degrees of difficulty.

For non-divers, the same traits that make Bonaire spectacular for diving make it equally magnificent for snorkeling. And you won’t have to go far. Many of Bonaire’s vibrant coral reefs are easily accessible from shore.

Tip: The best snorkeling day trip on Bonaire is the popular half-day Double Dip Snorkel Trip.

2. Bonaire’s Beaches (or lack thereof)

One of the reasons for Bonaire’s lush and healthy coral reef is the island’s lack of miles and miles of sandy beaches. Too much sand stirred up and settling on coral suffocates it. But what Bonaire lacks in white sand beaches it more than makes up for underwater.

Luckily, there are a few lovely Bonaire beaches well worth a visit. Don’t miss Eden Beach, Atlantis Beach, and Te Amo.

3. Klein Bonaire

This small, uninhabited island just off the coast of Bonaire is part of the protected Bonaire National Marine Park. Its main beach, called “No Name Beach,” is one of Bonaire’s best and makes a great day trip. My favorite day trip to Klein Bonaire is the Klein Bonaire Marine Park Snorkeling Excursion.

4. Eco Adventures

Bonaire is one of the world’s top destinations for sustainable tourism and many local tour operators offer a variety of ways to explore. From biking and hiking to birdwatching and caving, don’t miss a chance to experience Bonaire’s vibrant natural landscape. Bonaire’s best eco-tour is the full-day Washington Slagbaai National Park Tour.

Overall, you’ll find that Bonaire has a far more laid-back vibe than Aruba. It’s a terrific place to escape from mega-resorts and the world in general.

Even if you’re not a diver, you’ll find plenty of reasons to love Bonaire.

And now, for our final stop in the ABC Islands…

The Colors of Curacao

Situated in the middle of the ABC islands in the Leeward Antilles, the island of Curacao is just a 20-minute flight from the neighboring islands of Aruba or Bonaire.

The island was once considered worthless by its original Spanish masters. However, it was the Dutch who realized Curacao’s true potential as a trading base when they took it unopposed in 1634.

Aside from a certain electric-blue liqueur, the island of Curacao is probably best known for its colorful, Dutch-inspired capital of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The gabled buildings that line the sea could just as easily be located in Amsterdam if not for their rainbow of colors.

The Queen Emma Bridge

Connecting the two sides of this historic city is the Queen Emma Bridge. Built in 1888, it’s better known as the “Pontoon Bridge” or my favorite, the “Swinging Old Lady.”

The bridge is supported by 16 floating pontoon boats and swings open several times a day to allow ships to enter the port. When the bridge is open, a free ferry shuttles pedestrians from one side to the other.

Where to Stay in Curacao

Yes, Curacao has several great beach resorts. But its vibrant capital also merits some quality time. Luckily, if you choose to stay in Willemstad, you don’t have to give up the beach.

Best Hotel Choice in Willemstad

Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao – Just a short walk from Willemstad’s main avenue, the Renaissance is situated next to the 19th-century Rif Fort and surrounded by a multitude of shops and restaurants. But this modern hotel in the city is locally famous for its Infinity Beach Club.

This man-made infinity pool on the second floor of the hotel is an engineering feat. It combines the sandy beach of Las Vegas stunner Mandalay Bay’s pool with the ocean-edge views of the infinity pool at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Ocean water is pumped up to the beach area and water pours over the infinity edge giving the illusion that it is returning to the sea. It’s hard to find a more tranquil spot to spend the day.

Best Curacao Beach Resorts

Curacao Marriott Beach Resort – Located on a beautiful stretch of beach just a few miles from Willemstad, the 5-star Marriott resort has everything you need for the perfect beach vacation. 

Curacao Avila Beach Resort – Just a 5-minute drive from downtown Willemstad, this full-service resort sits on a gorgeous beach and has 5-star amenities.

Best Budget Hotel in Curacao

Dolphin Suites – Situated in a tranquil location just off busy Mambo Beach, this boutique hotel is a great choice for families or anyone on a budget. All rooms, studios, and suites feature either a kitchenette or full kitchen facilities.

Top 3 Things to Do on Curacao

There are tons of fun things to do on the island of Curacao, here are just a few of my favorites:

1. Take a walking tour of Willemstad

From the Queen Emma Bridge to the historic neighborhood of Punda, Willemstad’s colorful architecture and quaint shops are best explored with this popular downtown walking tour.

2. Hit the Beach!

Curacao has several beautiful beaches to spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the Caribbean Sea. Don’t miss Playa Porto Mari, Grote Knip, and Kenepa Beach.

Tip: This day trip for Swimming with Sea Turtles at Grote Knip Beach is one of the best experiences on the island. The water is sparkling clear and the turtles come right up to the shore.

3. Klein Curacao

Take a day trip to Curacao’s whitest and longest beach located 2 hours offshore. This awesome full-day Boat Trip to Klein Curacao is my favorite way

to explore the calm, crystal-clear waters of this uninhabited island. 

So which of the ABC Islands is the best?

Well, for sandy beaches, glitzy resorts, and casinos (not to mention flamingos!), it’s hard to beat Aruba.

And for a vibrant Caribbean city scene, Curacao’s colorful Willemstad wins hands down.

But for pure rest and relaxation (not to mention great diving!), Bonaire rises straight to the top.

So, which of the ABC Islands is the best depends on what type of Caribbean vacation you’re looking for. All three islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – are well worth a visit.

And while most visitors to the ABC Islands spend their entire holiday in Aruba, the neighboring islands of Bonaire and Curacao have so much to offer.

So if you’re planning a trip to Aruba, don’t miss the chance to take the quick flight to Bonaire and Curacao to spend a few days.

You’ll be glad you did!

Looking for more terrific Caribbean destinations? Here are some of my favorites:

10 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit Right Now (& Why You’ll Love Them!)

A Learn to Sail Caribbean Vacation: Rookie to ASA Sailor in 7 Days

Giving Saint Lucia a Second Chance