Let’s Dip into the ABCs of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao Islands

Located nearby Venezuela and South America, these three tiny little islands in the Lesser Antilles have much more to offer in contrast with their size. No combinational pairs of two islands are identical from any angle and they tend to bloom in their own ways. Influenced by Spanish, Dutch, and African styles; the ABCs of the Aruba (A), Bonaire (B), and Curacao (C) islands crossed all flourishing milestones until Z for the success of what they are today due to the contribution of the Slaves, Dutch traders, Indians, and pirates. Surprised? Don’t be, just explore it.

Prime Attractions

Aruba Tourist Attractions

This city is most crowded by the visitors mostly by the Americans from the east coast. Here, the play is of the tan, fan, and much money. For me, Aruba is a child who always likes to welcome others. I say this because in a year, there are more than thousand tourists who visit this island as a winter hideaway because of its golden beaches. Here, we visited the following interesting places.

• Aruba Numismatic Museum:
  This is the museum that exhibits unusual currency history and current, 40,000 different currency items on the planet since the 3rd century B.C.

• California Lighthouse:
  This tower is so named because of the off-sea ruin of California that was the notorious ship, which did not replied to an SOS coming from the Titanic. Reach here and take some captivating views of the western coastline. The seawater here is perfect for sea surfing.
• Historic Gold Mills:
  A red gold (oro ruba) found in the island’s centre in the 19th century gave the island its name after which a mine was developed at Bushiribana on Aruba’s northern coast and a mill at Balashi on the southwest.
• Natural Bridge:
  This holds the modest road and gift shop. It was formed by the waves that created a limestone cave on the cliff that fell leaving this bridge.
• The Butterfly Farm:
  Come here in the morning to spend time with butterflies.
• Arikok National Wildlife Park:
  This is a remote area of cactuses, entwined divi-divi trees, and discarded gold mines.

Bonaire Tourist Attractions

This is simply the divers’ heaven with its remarkable reef-lined coast, a part of national park. It is also a land of windsurfing and pink flamingos in saltpans south mangroves. If you do not like diving or reading, this place can be joyful only for a few days, but less than a week. From my experience, Bonaire is like a child who don’t like school and want to be in the natural environs for play. Yes, you got it right! My indication is towards the natural beautiful reefs where tourists like to hang out. Besides these sports activities, we explored some more attractions here.

• Bonaire Museum:
  Located somewhat a little away from the center of Kralendijk, this museum sits in house of 1885 A.D. exhibiting legendary displays along with the artifacts of the Caiquetio Indians and the Bonaire’s residents at the time of advent of the Spanish era. In addition, we saw the comprehensive paintings of local myths made by Winifred Dania and the imposing seashells of Bonaire.
• Flamingo Sanctuary:
  This is the beautiful place, but sadly, a visitor is not allowed to enter here. What we did to maintain our excitement was that we took a pair of binoculars and viewed the Bonaire’s most beloved guests who were arriving and departing. To actually spot flamingos, you can decide to reach the Willemstoren lighthouse towering at the island’s southern end.

• Washington-Slagbaai National Park:
  Located in the northwest of the island, this park occupies nearly 20% of the land – a tropical desert full of cactus and birds. Roads to this park are uneven, but are worth passing for this lovely exploration. You can enter the park after covering 5 km from Rincon.

Curacao Tourist Attractions

This island is the most poised among the three that offers urban sights and natural marvels. Curacao, for me, is a hard working child to maintain its tourism intact through UNESCO’s Heritage sights and secret seashores. We explored some museums, best diving beaches, and old buildings here.

• Christoffel National Park:
  This is a huge park comprising of three previous plantations that were merged into one in 1970s. We explored the park by covering the short trails finding the way through the upright mahogany, limestone terraces, and Amerindian petroglyphs. The other options of explorations here are through coastal path or mountain trip.
• Jewish Cultural Historical Museum:
  This mansion of 1732 A.D. offers a great collection of the items belonging to the history of the Jews here. In addition, we also visited the nearby Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue and its sandy floors.
• Museum Kura Hulanda:
  This is among the ideal museums in the Caribbean that houses eye-catching displays relating the slave trade from West Africa to America, voodoo, Mesopotamia, and the foundation of humanity. Currently, the museum belongs to the amazing Kura Hulanda Hotel. It is located in the 19th century slave section.
• Willemstad:
  This is a big city on the island. Surprisingly, it is also a small town that has its name in the list of the World Heritage sites of UNESCO. It will take a few days for any visitor to examine the colonial Dutch legacy in markets and museums. The most fascinating attraction here is the Queen Emma Bridge that frequently moves so that the ships can head their route through the channel from where you can take an exciting water ferry ride.

Best Time to Visit

December to April, where October to April is high time for cruise ships

Aruba Accommodations / Curacao Accommodations

In Aruba:

• Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive (3 star Hotel)
• Coconut Inn (1 star Hotel)

In Curacao:

• Hilton Curacao (4 star hotel)
• Curacao Manor Resort – Standard