The Abc Islands: Jewels Of The Caribbean
The ABC Islands are located at the extreme western end of the Caribbean and the last of the islands before the mainland of South America. They consist of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. . All three islands are considered to be part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Antilles and as of January 1, 2011 are all self governing states.
Although all three islands are within a few miles of each other they are each very different and exciting places to visit in their own rights.
Aruba is just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is the southern most of the ABC islands. Known far and wide as the crown jewel of the Caribbean, Aruba is a vacationer’s paradise. This exotic and tropical paradise offers something for everyone with a busy and colorful nightlife, gorgeous white sandy beaches, casinos, world class shopping, and plenty of water sports for the adventurous.
Aruba welcomes more than a million visitors every year from nearby cruise ships as well as other travelers making this island the most popular as well as touristy of the ABC Islands.
Located just 24 miles off the coast of Aruba, Bonaire is the “serious older brother” of the ABC Islands. Bonaire is known as the green island of the Caribbean, setting an example of environmental conservation since the 1970’s.
Tourists come to Bonaire to enjoy their pristine waters known in the diving community as a “divers paradise”. Diving, Snorkeling and Windsurfing are all world class because of their environmental efforts.
When visiting Bonaire do not expect a wild and crazy nightlife, Bonaire is too laid back for that. What you can expect from Bonaire is friendly down to earth people, exploring the enormous Washington Slagbaai Park and participating in all types of water sports including scuba diving and snorkeling.
Bonaire does not have beautiful white sandy beaches, the beaches here are more interesting with coral rubble and bluffs but you can go shore diving from just about anywhere on the island and discover the pristine reefs just a few short feet from land.
For those who are looking for a middle ground on their Caribbean vacation, Curacao is the place to be. The island is the largest of the ABC Islands and offers plenty to do for visitors but without the glitz of Aruba.
Curacao is known more for its laid back old world charm and beautiful historical points than for anything else. You can easily find world class shopping, fine dining as well as other things such as the Hato Caves where you can see Mother Nature at her underground finest. There are 36 gorgeous beaches including small private ones, an aquarium and plenty of historical sites.
The ABC Islands located in the Antilles are as different from one another as night and day even though they share the same in location, climate and history. Unlike some places, a visit to one of the ABC Islands is most definitely not a visit to all three. Come explore them all and see for yourself.
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