The six islands of the Dutch Caribbean were originally divided by the Netherlands into two groups: the three northeastern islands (Sint Eustatius, also called Statia, Sint Maarten, and Saba), and the three “ABC” islands (Aruba, Barbados, and Curaçao). In 2010, the six islands were further divided into three autonomous countries (Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten) within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and three special municipalities of the Netherlands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba).

The ABC Islands

Aruba

Aruba is famous for its beaches, dry climate and excellent restaurants and resorts.
California Lighthouse
Natural Bridge area Arikok National Park

Bonaire

Bonaire has world-class diving and snorkeling and appeals to nature lovers.
It features salt flats, flamingos, and the Klein Bonaire nature reserve.

Curaçao

‍ ‍Curaçao gained prominence for its trade and its role in the slave trade.
The Dutch West India Company played an important role
in the history of this island. Curaçao is one of the most visually
distinctive islands in the Caribbean with colorful Dutch
colonial architecture in Willemstad. Curaçao is probably
the most photogenic of the six Dutch islands.

The Northeastern Islands

Sint Eustatius (Statia)

Sint Eustatius is divided between the Dutch and the French so it offers
an unusual blend of cultures. In the 18th century, Sint Eustatius was one
of the busiest trading ports in the Caribbean and was known as
“The Golden Rock.”‍ ‍
During the American Revolution,
it supplied arms and goods to the
American colonies. Now it provides outstanding hiking.

Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten was also divided between the Dutch and French.
Unlike the ABC Islands, Sint Maarten’s history was shaped
less by a proximity to Castilian trade routes and more by commerce,
shipping, and its strategic position in the northeastern Caribbean.

Saba

Saba features dramatic volcanic scenery and spectacular hiking.
Visit Saba for hiking rather than its beaches. Mount Scenery
is the highest point in the‍‍ Kingdom of the Netherlands. Saba is often called
the “unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean.‍ ‍