Bonaire’s entire coastline is a designated marine sanctuary. Reefs surround the island-along with a few wrecks. Divers flock here in droves from around the world. It is the most low-key of the trio, drawing people for its outdoor life-especially underwater activities. Unlike Aruba and Curacao, Bonaire is not autonomous but considered a special municipality, subject to the laws of the Netherlands. Beyond the city, Curacao has a network of caves, exotic wildlife and popular snorkeling beaches, particularly on the west coast. Areas near Willemstad as well as those close to the water are sought-after by property buyers. Orange, pink, green and yellow-painted buildings are the unmistakable hallmark of the capital, Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its architecture. Curacao’s population of some 150,000 includes people from more than 40 countries. Its standard of living is one of the highest in the Caribbean due to an economy based on oil refining, financial services and tourism. Nearby Palm Beach is considered one of the island’s top beaches.Ĭuracao is the biggest island and has the largest population of the ABCs. Villas here can be found on generously sized parcels, some in gated communities with ocean and golf course views. Malmok on the northwestern tip is home to some of the island’s most luxurious properties. Many of the best beaches are along this coast. The city of Oranjestad, the capital and the main cruise port, sports a lively scene of casinos, restaurants, markets and nearby golf courses. Americans, Dutch and Venezuelans make up a sizeable portion of second-home buyers who come for the white sand beaches and dry, sunny climate.
Aruba benefits from direct flights from many U.S. Located about 15 miles off the Venezuelan coast, the island is 20 miles long by 6 miles wide with Arikok National Park accounting for 20 percent of the land. Dutch is the official language though England and a Creole language called Papiamentu are widely spoken.Īruba, along with Curacao, is self-governing with its own parliament and prime minister. The trio of islands is part of the kingdom of the Netherlands, with cultures that mix with West Indian heritage. ATV and jeep tours provide another exciting vantage point from which to see the island.Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, AKA the “ABC Islands,” are off the coast of Venezuela. More than 80 species of migratory birds can be seen from the watchtower at the Bubali Bird Sanctuary. While known as a hot spot for honeymoons, Aruba is also great for families and those interested in wildlife. Aruba’s other natural marvels include Arikok National Park, home to the Fontein Caves and the Conchi Natural Pool. For serious adventure, try traversing the limestone cliffs and coves along the north coast. And if you’re ready for more excitement, you can explore the ocean by diving among shipwrecks or snorkeling around the reefs and shallow waters of Mangel Halto beach. If you’re ready to get down to some serious relaxing after all that exploring, you can alight on one of Aruba’s gorgeous beaches. A can’t-miss is the California Lighthouse, just 30 minutes north, which commands sweeping 360-degree views of the island. Hop on a bright blue trolley to see structures just as colorful-orange-and-teal roofs sit atop pink-and-yellow storefronts. You can visit Fort Zoutman, Aruba’s oldest building, which once helped protect the city from pirates. And beyond the idyllic beaches, the capital, Oranjestad, is an ideal place to spend a day because it packs tons of adventure-including dancing, shopping, dining, and sightseeing-into a small area. Aruba embodies everything one dreams of in a Caribbean island: white-sand beaches, warm aqua blue water, and palm trees on end.
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