The ABCs – that’s Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao – form a trio of islands in the southern Caribbean. They’re the most westerly of the Leeward Antilles and have a plethora of dazzling white sand beaches. Water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding are popular ways to keep cool under the fierce Caribbean sun. One of the biggest advantages of the ABCs for travellers is that they sit outside of the hurricane belt, so they’re very much an option for travellers visiting the region between August and October. Besides, who wouldn’t want to reduce the risk of encountering heavy rain and strong winds which would spoil any holiday? So, if you’d like to find out more, here are three great suggestions for things you can do in the ABCs.
Check out the flamingos
On Aruba, you’ll famously find flamingos on Renaissance Island, a private enclave accessible to guests of the nearby Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. These pink birds have captured the imagination of influencers all over the world and a visit to see them on Flamingo Beach is as much a bucket list experience as visiting Exuma’s swimming pigs in the Bahamas. Meanwhile, if you can’t get booked into the resort, there’s another option and that’s to head to Bonaire instead. There, at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, thousands of flamingos come to breed in the first half of the year. While there, they feast on rosy brine shrimp in the water that covers this salt pan. However, you’ll need to bring your binoculars, as you can only see them from a distance.
Unsplash/Lex Melony
Admire the islands’ breathtaking Dutch architecture
Much of the architecture that you’ll see in the ABCs is a legacy of the Dutch. Clearly, these ornate buildings have a lot in common with those you might see lining Amsterdam’s canals. However, their brightly painted façades are unmistakably Caribbean. You’ll find photogenic examples on all three islands. For the densest concentrations, you’re best to travel to Oranjestad on Aruba, Kralendijk on Bonaire or the Punda and Otrabanda districts of Willemstad on Curaçao. As you might expect, these buildings attract curious visitors. Consequently, many house tourist attractions, restaurants or retail outlets aimed at international visitors.
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Dive in crystal clear waters
The limpid waters that lap the ABCs make them ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you’re a scuba diver it will no doubt please you to learn that there are myriad opportunities in deeper water. In each island, you can enjoy exploring a well-kept marine environment. Aruba is famous for its wrecks, Bonaire boasts an impressively diverse array of marine species and Curaçao’s shoreline is characterised by spectacular reefs. While some visitors plump for the convenience of a single base, local tour operators can also arrange island hopping packages. There’s a mixture of shore and boat dives available. Plus, there are also plenty of activities to keep non-divers happy, making this a great base for underwater fans whoever they travel with.
Unsplash/Andrew Coop
Mundana’s team can help you identify which of this fabulous island trio is right for you. Why not give us a call today and get started planning your trip to the ABCs?