Discovering the Netherlands Antilles Islands: A Unique Hidden Gem

The Netherlands Antilles islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao (called the ABCs)—are among the southernmost of the Caribbean islands. Their position at 12 degrees north latitude is pretty much guaranteed to spare these islands from hurricanes during the June 1^st to November 30^th storm season. No matter how long you stay, or what you see and do, these Southern Caribbean islands make a great off-the-beaten track cruising destination.

ARUBA

Cruise south to Aruba and consider storing your boat at the Varadero Aruba Marina and Boatyard, south of the capital of Oranjestad. It has more than 400 dry berths and 70 wet slips for boat storage. This yard is the only one in the ABCs that has 20-ton and 60-ton Roodberg trailers than can haul monohulls and multihulls up to 80 feet long with a 42-foot beam. Yard services include bottom paint, fiberglass, gel coat repair, and mechanical and welding work. If you’d rather use Aruba as a jump-off before cruising west to the Panama Canal, contemplate a shorter stay at Wind Creek Marina, located in Oranjestad east of the cruise ship dock. There are 40 berths with freshwater, electricity, phones, and security. Guests have full privileges at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, including access to the hotel’s swimming pools, gym, and private island with complimentary ferry service. Like Varadero, Wind Creek is near the bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and shops in the capital, and a quick drive from the Queen Beatrix International Airport. There are plenty of things to see and do in Aruba. Natural wonders include Conchi, the volcanic rock-surrounded pool in the Arikok Natural Park, and the nearby Fontein Cave, with its ancient Arawak Indian drawings. Eagle Beach is popular for snorkeling, swimming, and sunning. For creature comforts, there’s name-brand, duty-free shopping. The Royal Plaza Mall in downtown Oranjestad is notable for its ornate, pastel-painted Dutch-Caribbean architecture. Restaurants from beach bars to oceanfront bistros serve seafood to more sophisticated fare. aruba.com

Bonaire

Bonaire is the easternmost of the Netherlands Antilles islands. Its total land area covers around 111 square miles, with several fringing reefs, making it ideal for SCUBA diving. On land, there are national parks, botanical gardens, flamingo and donkey sanctuaries, and the offshore island of Klein Bonaire to explore, plus fine dining, live entertainment, and upscale shopping for indulgent fun. After clearing Customs & Immigration in the capital city of Kralendijk on arrival, head to one of two major marinas nearby. Harbour Village Marina, slightly south of the city, offers 60 slips for yachts up to 150 feet and one dock for superyachts 240-plus feet. A yacht club membership here gives access to swimming pools, a fitness center, bars, and restaurants. A short distance north is the Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Marina where there are 80 slips for power and sailboats albeit only five of these for transients. The maximum depth here is 15 feet. tourismbonaire.com

Curaçao

Curaçao is the largest island of the ABCs at 171 square miles. Willemstad is the capital, and it’s the Punda (town square) where Customs & Immigration offices are located. Marinas, such as Curaçao Marine in Willemstad’s Schottegat Harbour, also offer clearance. There are 40-plus wet slips here with electricity and power. There’s no better eye candy than the pastel-painted colonial architecture of this historic city. During your visit, enjoy shopping, dining, and impressive sights like the floating Queen Emma Bridge that connects the Punda to other neighborhoods. On the island’s southeast coast in Spanish Waters is the Seru Boca Marina, which has more than 130 slips for vessels up to 220 feet. The dockage fee includes freshwater at each slip and provisioning delivered to your yacht. Across the bay, the Curaçao Yacht Club is open to members only. However, diesel and gasoline are available for yachts. Budget Marine Curaçao is a soup-to-nuts chandlery, Imix Marine is the Boston Whaler and Mercury dealer, and Curaçao Marine has a full-service boatyard and can haul up to 60 tons. Water sports are a big pastime on Curaçao with snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and kiteboarding most popular. Jan Thiel Beach is a good bet for water sports rentals. If inland, check out the Hato Caves, hike Christoffel Mountain, and visit the Flamingo Sanctuary. curacao.com

If there’s one set of ABCs to be acquainted with, it’s the Netherlands Antilles Islands ABCs.

By Carol Bareuther

Carol Bareuther

Carol Bareuther is a marine writer based in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a registered dietician she also writes food-related articles.

Six Spots to See in in 2019

Have you started planning your 2019 cruising itinerary? So many places, so little time. Here are six geographically diverse hotspots to get you excited for cruising in the new year.

Sanibel, FL

Sanibel and her sister Captiva offer easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for serious offshore fishing adventures and open-throttle cruises. At the same time, this is where Florida’s Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) begins, allowing boaters to tuck inside Pine Island Sound where waters are generally mellow but some routes run shallow.

As for dining out, it’s hard to go wrong here. Among dozens of fine eateries, The Lazy Flamingo has restaurants on both Sanibel and Captiva. Catch your own fish and they’ll cook ’em three different ways.

The Berry Islands, The Bahamas

While this isn’t technically a city, the Berry Islands hold great historic intrigue owing to their past as a drug transshipment Mecca and a playground for the rich and famous to live out their fantasies. Nevertheless, it’s the championship sport fishing and island tranquility (with their many secluded beaches) that attract leisure boaters.

Thinking about chartering in the Berrys? From Nassau, daily flights are morning and afternoon on Le Air’s 19-seater. From Fort Lauderdale, Tropic Ocean Airways offers direct flights every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

River Dunes, North Carolina

Located just of the Pamlico Sound, River Dunes aims to enhance the cruiser’s lifestyle, and it shows through with lush landscaping, architectural design features, gourmet meals, fully outfitted facilities, and a friendly staff. Cruisers on the property agree that it’s more of an experience than a marina.

For transient cruisers, the best part is that they’re welcome to use all club members’ amenities at no additional cost. In fact, one cruiser discovered the benefits of River Dunes quite unexpectedly.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket, an island located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, stands apart from other cities. An ideal one, where the beaches are always perfectly windswept, the lighthouses are straight out of a postcard, and life moves a little slower. Could it be “the best island in the world”? National Geographic thinks so.

In spite of Nantucket’s relatively small size—less than 50 square miles—its inhabitants and history offer a bounty of captivating stories that have been passed down through generations. The New England island is a must see in 2019.

Tangier Island, Virginia

You’ll have to move quickly to see Tangier Island. Due to a changing climate, the island is losing its coastline and losing it quickly. Getting to the rustic and charming town is an adventure in itself.

But, when you get there, you’ll discover a beautiful, rugged place populated by interesting folks who march to the beat of their own drummer, no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.

Bonaire, Caribbean

Bonaire has 86 official dive sites that will suit almost any diver. Dedicated to marine conservation and protecting their gorgeous waters, the primarily Dutch island has unparalleled dive sites. The island is dedicated to conservation and preservation throughout all of its tourism initiatives. Bonaire pursues projects that will reduce the CO2 effects on the planet and works toward being an eco-friendly destination.

Where will your travels take you in 2019?

ABC Islands

Easy as ABC Islands

The Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are the three western-most islands of the Leeward Antilles in the South Caribbean. Located off the coast of Venezuela, they’re known collectively as the ABC islands. The islands have a unique blend of West Indian and Dutch heritage. The ABC islands have the unique luxury of being located outside of the so-called “hurricane belt”, so visitors can visit the islands at almost any time of year.

ARUBA

Aruba is the most developed of the ABC islands. You’ll find picturesque beaches, but also golf courses and casinos in the capital of Oranjestad. Shallow waters and near-constant trade winds make the island a windsurfer and kiteboarding paradise. Explore ancient caves, rugged beaches, or extravagant resorts. One exploration not to be missed is Arikok National Park, where you can experience dramatic caves and a landscape unlike any other. At only 70 square miles, you’ll be able to eat, drink, and explore across the entire island.

BONAIRE

Hands down one of the best places to dive, swim, and snorkel in the entire Caribbean. Bonaire has 86 official dive sites that will suit almost any diver. Dedicated to marine conservation and protecting the waters, the primarily Dutch island has unparalleled dive sites. The island is dedicated to conservation and preservation throughout all of its tourism initiatives. Bonaire pursues projects that will reduce the CO2 effects on the planet and works toward being an eco-friendly destination.

CURAÇAO

Curaçao has one of the most diverse cultures in the Caribbean. That’s in part to a long, varied history and its close proximity to South America. It’s also a beach haven. With more than 35 different beaches to explore, you’re sure to find one to love. Another thing you’re sure to love: the music. Live music fills the air every night of the week in styles ranging from jazz to pop to soca (a unique blend of soul and Calypso styles). Fun and festive bars are the spot to drink up the music on this ABC island.

Which ABC Island would you like to visit?

By Erin Brennan, Southern Boating September 2018

Caribbean Marine Parks

Caribbean marine parks that fall below the hurricane belt should be high on your list to visit this season.

September is the height of the hurricane season in most of the Caribbean. Storms are a low risk in southern Caribbean islands such as Grenada, Tobago, and Bonaire, located at or below the hurricane belt or south of 12° latitude. It’s here that cruisers will ﬁnd safe anchorages, capable yards and nautical attractions like marine parks.

In Grenada, for example, sightsee below the seas via guided snorkel trips at the Underwater Sculpture Park, where life-sized human sculptures made out of concrete and rebar serve as artiﬁcial reefs. These works of art are located in the Moliniere-Beausejour Marine Protected Area. grenadaunderwatersculpture.com

The Buccoo Reef Marine Park in Tobago is one of the most beautiful and accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean. The brain, staghorn, star, and elkhorn coral communities here are alive and healthy. Daily tours to the reef are available aboard glass-bottom boats.

In Bonaire, the numbers speak for themselves at the Bonaire National Marine Park: more than 350 ﬁsh species, 86 dive sites and nearly 60 tony and soft corals. SCUBA diving with local dive operators is a great way to see this very healthy marine park, which has a strict no-anchor policy. buccoo.net/seaside/buccoo-reef; stinapabonaire.org

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating Magazine September 2017

Photo: HOWARD CLARKE/GRENADA SEAFARIS POWERBOAT ADVENTURES