The Dutch Caribbean – also known as the Dutch West Indies – are colonial islands belonging to the Dutch Empire and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They are located in the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. The Dutch Caribbean currently comprises the islands of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The term the Caribbean Netherlands is used to describe three islands; Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, considered special Dutch municipalities since 2010.

Same country, different geography…

From a geographical point of view, the Dutch Caribbean can be divided into two groups: the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) and the SSS islands (Saba, Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius). The islands share many characteristics due to their proximity, but the two groups are very different from a geographical point of view. In fact, the ABCs are located about 30 km from the western coast of Venezuela, almost on the border with Colombia; while the SSS are located about 260 km east of the eastern shores of Puerto Rico. Between the two archipelagos, there are about 1,000 kilometres of the Caribbean Sea.

The ABC islands are more extensive and flatter than the SSS. For example, Curacao measures 444 square kilometres and is home to the highest point on the ABC islands, Christoffelberg, at 372 metres high. Conversely, the SSS islands are much smaller but have steeper hills. Saba measures only 13 square kilometres but is home to Mount Scenery, a volcano and highest point in all of the Dutch Caribbean at 887 metres. Moreover, the location of the two archipelagos affects their climate immensely: the ABCs are very dry and suffer from a lack of seasonal rains, while the SSS islands have a tropical climate with continuous rains. The SSS islands are also periodically affected by hurricanes, while on the ABC islands these kinds of events only happen approximately every 30 years.

Willemstad: a tropical Amsterdam

One of the most impressive colonial landmarks on these islands is the historic town of Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. It features Dutch-style pastel-coloured houses from the 16th and 17th centuries.  Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, is also rich in Amsterdam-style Dutch architecture. While you stroll through these beautiful historical centres, you feel like you are in Amsterdam until you remember that it is 30°C and you are on your way to the beach!

Maho Beach, on Sint Maarten, probably has the worlds craziest airport! If you see a photo of this place, you would be forgiven for thinking that it had been photoshopped! When you arrive, you will find a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, sunbeds and umbrellas – so far everything appears to be normal. Then you notice is that the airport runway is only a few metres away! It isn't a small airport either, it is the international airport for the whole of Sint Maarten, with regular large, long-haul planes landing and taking off right above your head! This is all following local regulations and, surprisingly, the noise is not as bad as you may think!

Flamingos and butterflies in Aruba

When visiting Aruba, make sure you do not miss the Renaissance Private Island. Its beautiful beaches not only feature crystal clear waters but are also surrounded by flamingos! What a sight to behold while you soak up the sun! You will have the rare opportunity to walk and swim with these extraordinarily beautiful animals. The island, as the name suggests, is private and is home to the Renaissance Aruba Hotel. Guests of the hotel have free access to the island while other tourists can buy a day pass for about €100 per person. Another thing to remember is that, while children are allowed on the island, they are not permitted in the Flamingo area, making this beautiful experience even more romantic for couples!

Palm Beach is another place not to miss in Aruba, as its home to a butterfly farm. A visit to the farm is a close encounter with nature at it's best. This tropical garden is just teeming with butterflies of all species and colours, and it will make your head spin. The farm allows you to observe the life cycle of these creatures from egg to larva, chrysalis and finally butterfly. Make sure you arrive early in the morning to see the butterflies emerging from their chrysalises and taking their first flight. The farm offers a unique insight into the life of a butterfly and, of course, a fantastic photo opportunity!

Ferries to the Dutch Caribbean

Visit NetFerry and discover the ferry routes that serve the Phillipsburg on the Island on St Maarten in the Dutch Caribbean. The Netferry booking site allows you to save your quote and confirm the ticket a few days later when you are ready. Netferry always helps you find the ferry to best suit your needs. Information on rates, times and ports of departure and arrival are just a few clicks away with Netferry.

Netferry: a sea of ferries