The ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao
Dry, sunny and just off South America — three Dutch Caribbean islands, three different days.
Get ABC Islands QuotesAruba, Bonaire and Curaçao
The ABC islands sit just off the coast of Venezuela, outside the main Atlantic hurricane track, which is one reason they appear on so many autumn itineraries. They are dry, sunny and breezy, and each has its own personality.
All three have cruise piers in or beside their capitals, so it is easy to explore on your own. Many Southern Caribbean itineraries visit two of the three on consecutive days, and some call at all three.
Aruba: Beaches and Desert Landscapes
Ships dock at Oranjestad, the capital, where pastel Dutch-style buildings line the waterfront. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, with their wide white sand and calm water, are the island’s best-known strands. Inland, Arikok National Park covers a large part of the island, with cactus, rock formations, caves and a rugged north coast reached by four-wheel-drive tours.
See Aruba shore excursions for tours with live prices.
Bonaire: A Diver’s Island
Bonaire is the quietest of the three, with the town of Kralendijk at the pier. Its whole coastline is protected as the Bonaire National Marine Park, and many dive and snorkel sites are reached from the shore by simply walking into the water. On land, the south of the island has salt flats, historic slave huts and flamingos feeding in the salt pans.
Curaçao: Color and History
Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital, has a historic center listed by UNESCO, with rows of brightly painted 18th-century buildings along the Handelskade waterfront. The Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge that swings aside to let ships pass, links the two halves of the old town, Punda and Otrobanda. Beyond the city are cove beaches on the west coast, the Hato Caves and a long list of dive sites. See Curaçao shore excursions.
ABC Island Questions
Which ABC island is best for a beach day?
Aruba is the classic choice, with Eagle Beach and Palm Beach a short ride from the pier. Curaçao has many small cove beaches, and Bonaire is better for snorkeling and diving than for wide sandy beaches.
Can I walk into town from the ship?
Yes, on all three. Cruise piers in Oranjestad, Kralendijk and Willemstad are on or next to the town center.
What currency is used?
Aruba uses the Aruban florin, Curaçao uses the guilder, and Bonaire uses the U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are widely accepted on all three.
Planning Three Island Days in a Row
When an itinerary visits all three islands back to back, vary the days so they do not blur together. A good pattern is a beach day on Aruba, a snorkel or dive day on Bonaire, and a walking and history day in Willemstad. The sun is strong and the trade winds can hide how much you are burning, so pack a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water. If you are flying to San Juan or Barbados to start the cruise, Cruise Airfare explains how to time your flights, and Cruising Checklist has a packing list for warm-weather voyages.
Cruise to the ABC Islands
Tell us whether you want beaches, diving or history, and when you can travel. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will find sailings that call at Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao and send free quotes.
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