Western Leeward

Baby Beach, Aruba

The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, which are often refered to as the ABC Islands, are the Western most islands of the Leeward Anntiles. They lay north of Venezuela off the coast at approximately 15 miles, 40 miles, and 50 miles respectively. They became a part of the Dutch's colonization of the Caribbean not long after the Spanish gave up on the islands. They happen to lay outside of the hurricane belt, which places them in a well rounded weather cycle that leads many snowbirds to the islands. Tourist also enjoy these islands for the varying terrain, beautiful beaches, and protected coral reef system. This makes the islands a popular place for scuba divers and snorklers. Aruba has been the main island to flourish off of tourism, also becoming the most developed of the three, by creating a place full of resorts, resturaunts, and even golf courses. The island has become so successful it has even become an autonomous state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The two main languages on all three islands is Dutch and Papiomento (their local Creole language) though many also speak English and spanish. Curacao is the largest of the islands as well as the largest population. It also has one of the highest standards of living within the Caribbean due to its advanced oil refining industry as well as some other well off industries. Curacao is also home to the oldest synagogue in operation on the Western hemisphere, the Mikve Israel Synagogue. Bonaire is not a successful as its neighbours, but it still has its fair share of sights to see for travelers. Bonaire is surround by coral reefs, and has a popular biking location in its national park where bikers can pass by the home of vibrant flamingos, Lake Gotomere.

Washington Slagbaai National Park,
Bonaire

Traveling to the ABC's:
Getting to the ABCs is complicated yet easy. Most of the east coast of the U.S.A. offers non stop flights to the regions. As well as Venezuela and the Netherlands. With all but Bonaire having ferry ports and services, this means the only way to get to Bonaire is through flight. With a passport and in some cases a visa, with a 30-90 day maximum stay limit, is required. Though there are some exceptions to these rules. With the best and most given advice being to contact the immigration office for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. While each island has it's own currency, they will accept U.S. dollars. However, travelers want to make sure they bring enough cash with them for activities, food, or any emergencies that might happen. Many visas allow access to multiple islands, though it is best to check with the Netherlands immigration office before travel to know what your passport and visa allows. All three islands have beautiful architecture, spanish and Dutch, to see. As well as having bike trails, national parks, and of course white beaches and well known diving spots.

All information from, https://www.aruba.com/us,
://www.tourismbonaire.com, and https://www.curacao.com/en/faq/.