The ABC Islands are all different – You have to imagine a painting. While historically they are part of the Dutch Antilles, the manner in which you explore them is very different when you arrive by air to have a hotel experience or a longer stay to explore the Islands. It is a very different experience when limited by a cruise experience.
Imagine Aruba without tasting the Dutch Pastry Shop in the middle of the Island or the dune buggy exploration of the ocean arches and grottos on the desert side of the Island. Many of these attractions require a multi-day stay.
Imagine trying to view the flamingos on Bonaire, or the surfing beaches or even Kein Bonaire without a multi-day stay.
Imagine Curaçao without exploring the beaches of Playa Kaiki, cliff jumping and beach bars without a longer stay. The largest of the ABC Islands Curaçao is best discovered over time.
On the other hand, there is something to be said about avoiding made airport setting (Curaçao the worst – crowded, no updates on travel boards, lack of gates and Airport lounges filled to the brim), hotel bookings, arranging Airbnb or VRBO and having the comforts of nightly travel and new Island experiences each day.
Aruba is a story of two parts- the well established Miami-like hotels and infrastructure from the Italian restaurant at the lighthouse to the airport. The other side of Aruba desert-like with cactus, grottos with salt water pools, stone arches and gold mines.
Bonaire less traveled but a diver’s paradise- Little Bonaire you will never forget if you take two hour cruise- Gilligan anyone?
Curaçao admittedly only in our second day- is a little bit of Holland in Willemstad- beautiful, colorful, safe and charming. You wouldn’t need a car if you stayed at the Old Port. Still guarded by the coast guard.
