TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums Southern Caribbean Going to ABC's

HI - Next February we are joining friends for a week on Bonaire for diving but are thinking of going a week earlier to Curacao or Aruba - a couple of questions: which do you recommend prior to Bonaire? Any suggestions on where to stay for a week - we are not casino types but like beaches and pools? Are there easy flights between A and C and Bonaire - we'll likely fly direct to A or C and will need to get back to return to Toronto? cheers and thanks for any suggestions.

Depends on what kind of an experience you want. Aruba is VERY Americanized. Lots of US chains there, pretty safe overall, pretty clean overall. Lots of casinos. Beaches tend to be pretty busy. Very good bus transportation system. No need to rent a car. Never really stayed on Curacao myself, although visited there a bunch of times on cruises. Curacao would give you a more 'Caribbean' experience, and the downtown area is very Dutch looking, with lots of old buildings. Aruba does not look very Dutch, except for a few buildings downtown. For Curacao, you would have to rent a car, I think. Not a lot of great beaches on Curacao, I don't think, but if you are of a mind to find a more deserted type beach, Curacao might be a better choice. I presume you know that all three of the ABCs are much more arid than places like Virgin Gorda, and the wind blows pretty constantly. On Aruba I've only stayed at the Best Western Manchebo Beach, which I don't think is even known by that name now. That's where we spent our honeymoon and several trips since then. I think we card we have for one free night during our honeymoon for the rest of our lives is no longer good. Other than that, I don't have any hotel recommendations. Enjoy!

Thanks Carol - looks like it will be Curacao then - as long as I can find a pool I'm happy. Hopefully someone will chip in with some accommodation suggestions. cheers

Yes, hope someone else will chime in.

Thanks - looks like trip advisor is the answer

We have spent time on both Bonaire and Curacao. Both offer very good diving.
On Curacao we have stayed at the Papagao Beach resort. It was nice with a very good beach area.
We have also stayed at the Lions Dive and Beach resort which is closer in to Willemstad. It has a terrific extremely long pool and lots of beach area. This resort also gives you the option of numerous restaurants within easy walking distance. The aquarium and Dolphin Academy are also next door.
The last place we stayed at was the Blue Bay Resort where we rented a villa. This resort has great diving right off the beach.
We like Curacao as it offers a taste of Europe along with beach life. The island is very safe and easy to drive around.

Years ago we traveled to Aruba, been there twice and that was it until we discovered Curacao. Been to Curacao somewhere between 18 and 19 times. Like Carol stated Aruba is too Americanized, think Miami Beach and Burger kings. Although Curacao has fast food, the locals love it!! LOL We usually stay at the Royal SeaAquarium, right across the lagoon from the Lions Dive which is also a good hotel. The diving and snorkeling is hard to beat in Bonaire and Curacao. lots of sea life, turtles etc. These are on the east end and Willemstead is in the middle of the island. The beautiful beaches are west in Westpunt. I disagree with Carol as IMHO they are great. The only turnoff for some is there are small rocks or coral when you enter the water, then it is all sand. Water clarity is fantastic! Most of the divers who go to Curacao stay in Westpunt. There are no hotels there but condo and apartment rentals, many have pools. I would research that area, you can scuba from shore. Curacao is very cosmopolitan, many Europeans travel there, friendly and nice, mostly Dutch. If I can offer you any help let me know. Otherwise TripAdvisor forum will answer your questions. Many divers post on that forum TTOL doesn't offer much. We also travel to Curacao in Feb. good month to go. You will enjoy, It's not VG, the topography is so different. Arid, desert like versus big beautiful green mountains Enjoy your trip!

Thanks we're sold and have booked a little over two weeks - 8 days on Curacao and 7 on Bonaire. cheers