Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao – the trade winds isles

Three popular “A, B, C islands” make up the southern string of islands just off the north coast of Venezuela. As part of the Dutch Antilles, these Caribbean island gems are extensions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Drier than it’s northern Antilles rain-forested cousins, the A, B, C islands beauty is in it’s beaches, it’s mangroves and it’s consistent warm dry conditions. Being only about 12’ north of the equator, the sun can be very intense – but the offsetting trade winds keep a consistent breeze blowing to have movement of air (sometimes quite gusty in May and June) that helps the scorching heat. A secondary side benefit of the east-west trade winds is that it is kept out of the hurricane pathway that most often veers northward once it reaches the Gulf of Mexico – thus keeping the islands out of harms way.

As equal opportunity lovers of the humid rain forested Caribbean islands, GoGirlfriend also has a love on for the drier, warmer, windy A, B, C islands. There’s lots to do with rich snorkeling, diving, land-sailing and beachy adventures just not found in the other Caribbean islands.

Aruba “One Happy Island”

With more sunny days than any other island, and beaches fronting all sides, Aruba is big enough to offer some diverse activities, yet small enough to rent a scooter and explore it all. Most activities are centered on the leeward west coast with resorts and hotels abundant north and west of the capital Oranjestad, and the natural beauty of the Natural Bridge and Arikok National Park face the eastern windward side.

What to do in Aruba

• Dive and snorkel the reefs and wrecks around Aruba
• Surf and kite-surf the ever-blowing trade winds with local outfitters
• Explore the beautiful beaches of Aruba – hot spots and secluded gems           
• Take an island tour to the California Lighthouse, the Butterfly Farm, see the flamingo’s or visit the islands natural wonders
• Explore Aruba’s culture through it’s food, nightlife and local marketplaces
• Top Rated Aruba tours
• Visit Aruba’s official tourism site

Aruba is the most developed, most tourist oriented of the A, B, C Caribbean Islands and a favorite destination year-round to soak up the sun, play in the waves and offer a vibrant nightlife scene to keep you dancing!

Bonaire       

The allure of Bonaire is in it’s diving, snorkeling richness and windward activities harnessing the consistent power of the trade winds. Protecting this amazing water resource is the Bonaire National Marine Park, surrounding the island and protecting the natural reefs, mangroves and marine life. A less commercial island, it’s focus is salt production, oil storage and it’s marine richness. Most activities center around the port capital Kralendijk, but it’s dry arid beauty ranges from Washington Slagbaai National Park in the north to Sorobon Beach towards the south.

What to do in Bonaire

• Snorkel and explore the rich diving opportunities Bonaire has to offer
• Try your expertise at Landsailing Bonaire on their special track
• Take a clear bottom kayak tour through the Mangroves and protected marine habitats
• Check out the flamingo habitat and donkey sanctuary
• Top Rated Bonaire tours
• Visit Bonaire’s official tourism site

Curacao

Curacao is the largest of the 3 sister islands offering as economic draw for the three islands - the wonderfully colorful port capital of Willemstad, it’s dry dock infrastructure and oil refinery/storage commerce, and the rich diving/snorkeling destination with it’s “Blue Edge”. Not forgetting it’s famous Blue Curacao liqueur, Curacao is a Caribbean destination known worldwide. With it’s bustle and commerce on the protected leeward shores (south west), the windward side is more barren, windswept and shows greater evidence of it’s rawer volcanic roots with it’s exposed craggy hills and the Hato Caves with limestone formations. For the history buff, the historic fortifications waterfront in Willemstad are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Centre. A diverse center of A, B, C commerce, Curacao natively speaks 4 languages and is a very culturally educated center.

What to do in Curacao

• Check out Curacao’s turquoise waters and sandy beaches
• Dive sites on Curacao
• Visit the Hato Caves to see the beautiful limestone formations within the volcanic rock
• Kayak and Snorkel along the turquoise waterfront
• Shop Willemstad’s colorful UNESCO waterfront
• Mountain bike exploring of Curacao
• Top Rated Curacao tours
• Visit Curacao’s official tourism site

The essence of the A, B, C islands can best be pictured by the local divi-divi tree – well rooted in the dry sandy soils, green and tropical in the abundant sunshine and always pointing southwest as pushed by the ever-present trade winds! Beautiful islands to add to your bucket list …

Did you have a favorite A, B, C Island you’ve visited? We’d love to hear what most enthralled you about your island visit? Drop a comment below and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.