There are vacations… and then there are life-changing adventures — and my trip to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) was definitely the latter. Come along as I share my favorite stops, surprises, and what made each island truly unforgettable — plus a few helpful tips if you’re planning your own ABC escape!
Nestled in the southern Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela, these three Dutch Caribbean gems may share a royal kingdom and sunny climate, but each island offers a flavor all its own.
🇦🇼 Aruba: One Happy Island Full of Surprises
Aruba is a place where deserts meet beaches and ancient rock formations guard coastal cliffs. I kicked things off at the Casibari Rock Formations — giant boulders mysteriously stacked like nature’s own Stonehenge. I climbed to the top and was rewarded with panoramic views of the island. A must-visit if you love geology or just want a cool photo!
Next stop: the California Lighthouse, named after a shipwreck, not the U.S. state. It stands tall on the island’s northern tip, offering dramatic ocean views. Nearby, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins whispered stories of Aruba’s gold rush days.
But the highlight of Aruba? Oh, that would be my pirate ship adventure from Moomba Beach. Swinging off the deck into the ocean like a true buccaneer and snorkeling among vibrant marine life made me feel like I was starring in my own tropical action movie. 🏴☠️
📝 Fun Fact: Aruba is home to more flamingoes than people on some beaches… though you’ll find the Instagram-famous ones at private islands!
🇧🇶 Bonaire: A Snorkeler’s Dream
Bonaire may be the quietest of the trio, but don’t let that fool you — this island is a snorkeling paradise. I wandered through the colorful streets of Kralendijk, the main town, where Dutch colonial charm meets Caribbean cool.
Then I dove (literally) into the island’s reputation for underwater beauty. Even from the shore, the coral reefs are bursting with life. I saw parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and a flurry of others that made me feel like I was swimming in a giant tropical aquarium.
📝 Fun Fact: Bonaire is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top diving and snorkeling destinations, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and protected marine parks.
🇨🇼 Curaçao: Facing Fears, Finding Freedom Underwater
Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, is like a postcard come to life — think candy-colored buildings, floating bridges, and lively street art. I explored Hato Caves, a natural wonder filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and even ancient Arawak petroglyphs.
I hiked the Indian Trails, soaking in the history and rugged landscapes. But nothing — nothing — compares to the adrenaline rush and awe I felt during my first-ever scuba diving experience.
I was honestly nervous. Breathing underwater felt like learning to walk again. But my instructor patiently taught me how to regulate my breath, stay balanced, and trust the gear. Before I knew it, I was gliding past coral reefs, a sunken shipwreck, a giant anchor, and schools of fish that looked straight out of a Pixar movie.
I’ll never forget that moment when I descended into a new world, silent except for my own breath — an unforgettable reminder of how vast and beautiful our planet is.
👉 Watch the dive on my YouTube channel!
🎥 Dive With Me in Curaçao!
📝 Fun Fact: Curaçao is one of the few Caribbean islands where you can find blue lizards! And yes, the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur is made right on the island.
🌟 Top Travel Tips for Your ABC Island Adventure
- 👟 Pack water shoes – rocky beaches and coral require protection.
- 🧴 Use reef-safe sunscreen – preserve the marine life you’re there to enjoy!
- 🎯 Choose 1–2 main activities per island – quality over quantity.
- 🌞 Hydrate and reapply sunscreen often – that Caribbean sun is no joke.
- 🐠 Snorkeling is easy to try, but scuba diving requires a pro – safety first!
- 🍹 Bring home a bottle of Blue Curaçao – the bright blue liqueur is not only iconic but also locally made and a perfect souvenir to relive island vibes.
- 📷 Capture the moments, but don’t forget to live them – disconnect to reconnect.
Let me know in the comments — which of the ABC Islands is YOUR favorite: Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao?