What ABC Island is best for you?

01.09.2023 - 14:45 / lonelyplanet.com

The ABC Islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao – sit just off the northern coast of South America, an amiable trio that appeals to sun-seeking travelers from all over the world.

At first glance, they may seem like they’re all the same destination, just in slightly different fonts. While they do share some elements of culture and geography, each one has its own personality that sets it apart as a destination.

Whether you’re into underwater adventures, lazing on the beach, or diving into Caribbean culture, here’s our guide to picking the right island for you.

While both Aruba and Curaçao offer diving and snorkeling experiences, the tiny island of Bonaire is well known throughout the global diving community for its world-class reef system, regarded as one of the healthiest in the Caribbean. And while that superlative is enough to justify booking a ticket, there’s another bonus: the diving here is also some of the most accessible, with spectacular sites sitting only a few meters offshore.

Bonaire is ringed by its National Marine Park, 6700 hectares of protected waters featuring 85 separate dive sites, many of them accessible simply by walking into the water. These sites are marked by yellow stones placed along the main roads tracing the circumference of the island, and each one yields a unique underwater experience.

All three islands are great destinations for sun bums looking for a bit of Caribbean Vitamin D, but both Aruba and Bonaire’s coastlines are largely rocky. If you want a plethora of picturesque sandy beaches to choose from, Curaçao is your destination – the island features a series of pristine beaches hemmed in by dramatic limestone and coral stone cliffs, and each one offers activities that cater to every type of traveler.

Families will love the gorgeous crescent known as Grote Knip and won’t be left wanting for amenities, while those looking for a little more peace and quiet will love Klein Knip and Playa Lagun. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy the cliff jumping at Playa Forti, while those looking for a little bit of luxury will find themselves right at home at the beach clubs of Jan Thiel and Papagayo.

Looking to blow off some steam, island-style? Aruba’s prolific resort area offers option after option for beachside revelry – stylish lounges, energetic clubs, piano bars, casinos, you name it. Most venues can be found along the coastline in Oranjestad or slightly further north in Palm Beach. This whole area buzzes throughout the day, but come nightfall it takes on a festive, genial vibe.

Honorable mention for this category? Curaçao. The nightlife options in Willemstad may not be as numerous as they are in Aruba, but they have a local vibe and are still plenty of fun.

The largest of the three islands and