Forget the Rest of the Alphabet: These Three Letters Are All You Need
Most of us learn the alphabet once, in kindergarten, and never think about it again. But tucked in the southern Caribbean, just a stone’s throw from the Venezuelan coast, are three letters worth another look: A, B, and C. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao make up the ABC Islands, a trio so reliably sun-soaked, wind-kissed, and wildly colorful that they make the rest of the Caribbean feel like it’s trying too hard. Forget X marking the spot…the treasure was alphabetical all along.
What makes the ABCs so special isn’t just the postcard scenery, though the flamingo-pink sunsets and water so clear you can count the fish from the surface certainly don’t hurt. Each island proudly displays its own distinct identity: Aruba is the breezy, polished crowd-pleaser; Bonaire is the quiet overachiever and a diver’s paradise; Curaçao is the wildcard with Dutch colonial architecture, hidden coves, and a food scene that tastes like every culture that ever passed through left a little something behind. Together, they make a very convincing argument that the best things in life come in threes.
Exploring the ABC Islands
I had the pleasure of visiting all three of the ABC Islands on an Azamara cruise from Miami to Panama City in December of 2024. I spent one day on each of the islands. On each island I participated in an excursion that showed me quite a bit of each gorgeous island. Each island brings a different vibe, and all are soaked in Caribbean charm.
Aruba
Aruba, known as the resort island, is the most polished of the three islands. It is very tourist-friendly with large beachfront hotels, casinos, chain restaurants, and an active nightlife scene.
The ship docked in Oranjestad, Aruba. From here, I set off on an off-road adventure, touring the island on a rugged 4×4 vehicle. This is a great way to explore the many different sights on the island…it isn’t always the smoothest ride, but it sure is a lot of fun!
The first two stops on the tour were the Casibari Rock Formation and the Natural Bridge. The rock formation is a fun place where you can climb on and around the rocks, up to the top to get some great views. The original Natural Bridge was destroyed in a hurricane in 2004, so we got to see the Baby Natural Bridge
Next up was the Alto Vista Chapel, a tiny but gorgeous chapel perched high atop a mountain, with gorgeous views of the area. From here we headed back to the coast for a quick stop at the California Lighthouse.
The excursion ended at Arashi Beach, with cool white sand and warm, crystal blue Caribbean water as far as the eye can see. It was a gorgeous spot to sit and relax, or walk through the warm water. Sunset was approaching, so the light and colors were amazing.
Some other must-see spots in Aruba include:
- Eagle Beach
- Palm Beach
- Arikok National Park and Natural Pool (Conchi)
- Oranjestad
- Aruba Donkey Sanctuary
Bonaire
Bonaire is the opposite of Aruba’s resort vibe…it is quiet, unhurried, and centered around its stunningly beautiful natural environment. It is known for its coral reefs and is a haven for divers and outdoor enthusiasts.
My excursion in Bonaire included a full tour of the island. We drove all around the island, making several stops along the way. We drove along the coastline to see the many reef diving spots. There were lots of wild donkeys, goats, and flamingoes along our journey.
We also had a tour and tasting at the Cadushy Distillery. Here, they make liqueur from cactus along with more traditional spirits like rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey.
Another part of the excursion was a stop at the massive salt flats, owned by Cargill. Near the salt flats are the Slave Huts, where the salt flat workers would sleep at night.
The excursion ended at a private beach resort called Sorobon Reef Bar. We enjoyed a delicious light lunch and then had some free time. I made my way down to the beach to swim in the gorgeous (and very salty!) water, then relaxed on a sun bed on the beach for a while.
After the excursion ended, I had a chance to walk through the colorful Main Street area in Kralendijk, which is where the ship was docked.
Other great must-see spots in Bonaire include:
- Bonaire National Marine Park
- Klein Bonaire
- Washington Slagbaai National Park
- Lac Bay
Curaçao
Curaçao sits firmly between Aruba and Bonaire when it comes to vibe…it is more culturally rich than Aruba and more developed than Bonaire. There is a strong mix of Dutch, African, Latin American, and Caribbean influences evident throughout Curaçao. There is a nice mix of beaches and history here.
My day in Curaçao included an excursion called “Made in Curaçao.” It featured three stops with products made here. The first stop was actually in a large mall, but the shop is a small woman-owned business called Integra Natural that makes organic products like soaps and candles.
The second stop was to an aloe vera farm called Curaloe Farm. Here, I learned how the aloe vera is grown and harvested. Interestingly, it is a member of the lily family, not a cactus or a succulent! I also got to sample a piece of fresh aloe…very refreshing, but not much flavor.
The final stop of the excursion was to the Landhuis Chobolobo, where the original Curaçao liqueur is made. Here we got a tour of the distillery and then had an opportunity to try several samples of the different flavors of the liqueur they make. All were very tasty!
After the excursion ended, I had plenty of free time to walk from the ship into the downtown Willemstad area. Unfortunately, it was a Sunday and most of the shops were closed. But it was Christmastime, so there were a lot of festive decorations everywhere, both Christmas and regular ones. I enjoyed walking across the Queen Emma bridge and seeing the colorful buildings of Handelskade.
In addition to the areas I explored, more must-see spots in Curaçao include:
- Landhuis Bloemhof, & other Landhuizen (historic plantation houses)
- Kura Hulanda Museum
- Playa Kenepa (Grote Knip)
- Cas Abao
- Playa Lagun
- Christoffel National Park & Mount Christoffelberg
- Shete Boka National Park & Boka Tabla sea cave
- Hato Caves
The cruise did not stop here. A few ports later, the ship reached Panama, and I set an alarm for 5:30 a.m. to watch it climb 85 feet inside a concrete box. Read the full story here: https://agalwhotravels.com/sailing-through-the-panama-canal/
Common Questions
When is the best time to visit the ABC Islands?
Honestly, any time of the year is a great time to visit. All three islands sit outside of Hurricane Alley, so they are more protected from tropical storms. Mid-January through May is typically the prime time to visit, with the driest and sunniest days. The peak season runs from December through April, so expect higher prices and the need to book travel well in advance during this time. April through June tends to have slightly fewer crowds and more affordable prices. September through November is the low season…this is the time of year where you will find the lowest prices and the smallest crowds, but some businesses may have reduced hours or close altogether during this time.
What currency is used on each island?
US dollars are widely accepted on all three islands. In fact, many ATMs here will dispense US dollars. Aruba’s official currency is the Aruban Florin. Bonaire uses the US dollar as its official currency. Curaçao replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder with the Caribbean guilder in early 2025. A small amount of local currency may be helpful at local markets or small vendors, but US dollars and a major credit card should cover your needs in any of the three islands.
How easy is it to travel between the islands?
It is relatively easy to travel from one island to another. However, there are no ferry services between the islands, so flying is the only option. The flights range from 20 minutes (Curaçao to Bonaire) to around 40 minutes (Aruba to Bonaire). There are two local airlines that fly multiple times daily between all three islands: Divi Divi Air and EZ Air. Although the flight times themselves are very short, you still need to check in between 1.5 and 2 hours in advance to allow time for immigration control. So, it’s better to plan at least one overnight on each island instead of trying to go there and back in one day.
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