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Exploring The Abc Islands
s a group, the ABC islands much to offer any type of
offer an incredibly traveler.
distinctive Caribbean
vacation. Consisting of Aruba, Aruba, the most southwestern of
Bonaire and Curacao, the ABC the ABC Islands, is located 42
Islands were under the control of miles from Curacao and a mere 15
the Netherlands as the miles from the coast of
Netherlands Antilles until 1986. Venezuela. The premier Caribbean
In that year, Aruba gained resorts are located in Aruba, the
independence, though the island most developed and glamorous of
is still aligned with the Dutch the ABC Islands. As a result,
Kingdom. Today, the Willemstad, over one million visitors are
Curacao serves as the capital of attracted to the island each
the Netherlands Antilles, a year. But Aruba has far more to
colonial grouping which also offer than glitzy Caribbean
governs Bonaire and the smaller resorts, casinos and restaurants.
islands of St. Maarten, St. Nearly 20% of the island is
Eustatius and Saba. As a result devoted to Arikok National Park,
of Dutch rule, each of the home to some of the most
islands is dominated by Dutch beautiful scenery in the entire
colonial architecture and custom, Caribbean. The island is also a
though in most cases infused with popular destination for water
colorful local flourishes. Yet, sports, hosting an
despite this European influence, internationally recognized
the ABC islands are as exotically windsurfing competition each
Caribbean as you can imagine. year. For many travelers, Aruba
From the diverse sporting represents the ideal, picture
opportunities to the wonderfully book Caribbean vacation.
rich history, these Caribbean
resort islands definitely have Bonaire, on the other hand, is
the least developed of the ABC an interesting history, visible
islands. The primary attractions in the museums and vibrantly
here are the coral-filled waters painted buildings of the island’s
off the coast and the laidback capital, Willemstad. A UNESCO
ambiance of the island. About 25 World Heritage Site, the city is
years ago, the local government also home to the oldest operating
designated much of the sea Hebrew synagogue in the Western
surrounding the island a marine Hemisphere and several other
park, preserving the reefs and historic sites. Walking the
beaches for the enjoyment of streets of this colonial
scuba divers and snorkelers. treasure, you will hear residents
Expectantly, over half of the speaking four distinct languages:
island’s annual visitors come to Dutch, English, Spanish and the
explore these waters. Beyond the indigenous Papiamentu. This
60 official dive sites, Bonaire cultural diversity is also
is also known as a top bird present in the island’s cuisine,
watching destination. Inside the some of the most unique fare in
sprawling Washington-Slagbaai the Caribbean. Like the other ABC
National Park and throughout the islands, the opportunities for
island, over 200 species of fun in the water are limitless.
exotic birds can regularly be There are also plenty of great
spotted. For a relaxing Caribbean options for families including
vacation away from the crowds, the Curacao Seaquarium and plenty
Bonaire may be the perfect of quiet, unspoiled beaches.
island. While Aruba is the most luxurious
of the islands and Bonaire the
Curacao, the largest island in most pristine, it could be said
the Netherlands Antilles, lies that Curacao rests somewhere in
between Aruba and Bonaire in the between.
Caribbean Sea. The island boasts
As you can see, each of the ABC definitely find what you are
Islands has a unique flavor and looking for on one of the ABC
distinctive tourist Islands. Best yet, why not tour
opportunities. Whether you are all three of the islands? The
looking for a culturally result would certainly be an
informative and historical trip, amazing, well-balanced Caribbean
an exotic getaway or an active vacation.
Caribbean vacation, you can
About the Author:
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in the Caribbean for the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino.
Read more articles by: Justin Burch
Article Source: www.iSnare.com |
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