Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Introduction
The Dutch have an extensive territory
IN THIS CHAPTER
Regional History
in the Caribbean. Known as the Neth-
erlands Antilles, the overseas kingdom is
divided into two three-island clusters sepa-
rated by more than 500 miles of tropical
sea. The “S” islands (St. Maarten, St.
Eustatius, and Saba) lie just east of the
Virgin Islands, between Anguilla and St.
Kitts. The “ABC” islands (Aruba, Bonaire,
and Curaçao) are lined up along the north-
western coast of Venezuela.
Although Aruba became autonomous in 1986 when it seceded from the
Netherlands Antilles, it remains a part of the Kingdom of the Nether-
lands, and its history, customs, language, and location link it inextricably
with nearby Bonaire and Curaçao.
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are tucked into a secure pocket of the Carib-
bean that is rarely invaded by hurricanes. Their shared Dutch heritage
unites them culturally, but each island is in a different stage of develop-
ment, and their topographies vary enough to be distinctive.
Curaçao is the largest and most economically developed of the three
islands. It is also the trio's cultural and political hub. Bonaire, second larg-
est, is an eco-traveler's dream and a scuba diver's wonderland. Of the
three, Aruba is the smallest, has the best beaches, and draws the most
tourists to its flashy resorts and glittering casinos.
Savvy travelers often divide their vacation days among each of the ABC
islands. Several tour operators run day trips and overnight excursions
between the islands. Do-it-yourself planners may prefer to book transpor-
tation on one of the inter-island airlines or take the new high-speed ferry
between Bonaire and Curaçao.
2
Government
& Economy
6
Land & Sea
7
The People
19
Cuisine
21
Music
22
The Top Temptations
Endless summer weather with little rain.
Dutch colonial charm.
Ideal tradewinds for sailing and windsurfing.
Excellent underwater reefs and magnificent sea life.
Super duty-free shops.
Championship golf courses on Aruba and Curaçao.
International cuisine served at a wide variety of restaurants.
Genuine hospitality offered by friendly residents.
Accommodations, from basic to luxurious, at reasonable prices.
Miles of trails and dirt roads for hiking and biking.
Intriguing national parks and nature preserves.
Curaçao's capital, Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
