The Northern Hemisphere’s landscapes are known for their wide color palette, from icy winter white to energetic summer green. However, islands closer to the equator display unique turquoise, orange, gold, and pastel tones year-round. Among the 700+ destinations that lie in the Caribbean, the ABC islands stand out thanks to their stunning beaches, natural parks, hospitable residents and delectable cuisine.
At this point, you might be wondering which places make up the ABC islands. The answer is simple: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. These Lesser Antilles territories are often grouped together in travel guides due to their shared Dutch influence, culture, and history. This might suggest that choosing one over the other does not matter, yet each has its own unique charm and highlights worth exploring. Let us take a closer look at what sets them.
Antilla shipwreck: A dive into Aruba’s sunken treasure
Aruba, a cosmopolitan destination
Aruba has two official languages: Papiamento (a mix of Dutch, English, Spanish, and African tongues) and Dutch
One Happy Island is Aruba’s most famous title. Located about 15.5 miles off the Paraguaná Peninsula in Venezuela, it boasts spots like Eagle Beach, where surfers, snorkelers and other water sport enthusiasts flock to the waves each morning, and Renaissance Island, a private beach with roaming pink flamingos. This distinctive appeal led TripAdvisor to name it the #1 Destination in the Caribbean for 2025.
Of the ABC islands triad, Aruba is the smallest, measuring just 74.55 square miles. Despite this, its diverse neighborhoods offer much to uncover, with or without tour guides. Noord, for example, serves as the epicenter of luxury tourism, featuring five-star accommodations like Ocean Z. On the east coast, desert landscapes that seem straight out of Mars await, while Saint Nicolaas, in the south, is adorned with colorful murals.
- Best for: upscale vacations, cosmopolitan vibes and outdoor activities lovers (both in and out of the water).
- Top attractions: Oranjestad, Baby Beach, Arashi Beach, Arikok National Park.
Bonaire, a “Divers Paradise”
80% of Bonaire is a national park or natural reserve. Credits: Pascal Ingelrest/Pexels
Bonaire has it all: historic walks in Rincón, its oldest town; white sand beaches; and waters teeming with marine life that earned countless vehicles the “Divers Paradise” license plate. The Tourism Board reports over 85 sites to explore its hidden underwater world. Among them are 1,000 Steps, with its coral stars; Bari Reef, home to more than 300 species of fish; and the Hilma Hooker shipwreck. Visit the official website to access the full list.
Like the other two members of the ABC islands, Bonaire’s gastronomy is a blend of local, African, and European (specifically Spanish and Dutch) flavors. In mid-2022, the World Food Travel Association named it the Culinary Capital of the world. This title urges everyone to venture beyond the classic piña colada. Start with unique fruits like shimaruku, a cherry only found in Bonaire. Then, delight your taste buds with hearty dishes such as Piska Hasa, made with fried fish, funchi (a type of polenta), and a side of salad.
- Best for: travelers eager to encounter vibrant Caribbean fish, foodie adventures, and culture seekers.
- Top attractions: Bara di Karta, Gotomeer Laggon, Klein Bonaire Island, and the salt pans.
Snorkeling in Aruba: The best beaches and coral reefs
Curaçao, a place to heal and relax
Curaçao’s highest point can be found in Christoffel National Park. Credits: Den Harrson/Unsplash
Last but not least is Curaçao, just a half-hour flight from Bonaire. The island’s iconic postcard image displays pastel-colored facades, palm trees, white umbrellas, and deep turquoise waters. To witness this beauty up close, head to Willemstad, its capital. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city hosts attractions like the Floating Market, Fort Amsterdam, and the Fortkerk Museum.
Some may not know about Christoffel National Park or the enigmatic Hato Caves. However, food lovers will likely recognize the electrifying color of Blue Curaçao, a drink made from the peel of the bitter Laraha orange. In Willemstad, the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery offers guided visits to explore this Caribbean staple. If spirits are not your thing, do not worry! Make sure to visit all four regions of Curaçao: Punda, Otrobanda, Scharloo and Pietermaai.
- Best for: a touch of colonial architecture, sunset toasts and ancient stories.
- Top attractions: Landhuis Bloemhof, Grote Knip, Mambo Beach, and Blue Bay Beach.
To finish, here is a quick tip. A great way to decide the order of an ABC islands adventure is to follow the alphabet. That means starting with Aruba. Since this paradise has so much to offer, click on the button below to discover its most popular beaches.
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