Dutch Leeward Islands Aruba Most of the major hotels and resorts on this island are located near the same strip of beach, so while the beaches are often crowded, there is always some kind of party or entertainment going on. The island offers visitors plenty of opportunities to participate in non-water activities. Especially popular is rock climbing on the Ayo rock formations. Hikers may enjoy the not-too-strenuous trails of Arikok National Park. Aruba became an independent entity within the Netherlands in 1986. Official language is Dutch, but most people also speak English. Some also speak Papiamento, a conglomeration of English, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and French. Bonaire Bonaire is a relatively peaceful island that got an early reputation as a paradise for divers. While diving is still a popular pastime, it is now somewhat regulated in order to keep the environment from being destroyed. All the waters around the island, for example, have been designated a national park. Hotel facilities tend to be relatively modest, set up to cater to the needs of the diving community. Bonaire's beaches are small, and the sand may be white, black, or pink. The interior has plenty of places to hike and bike. Of particular interest is a flamingo sanctuary at the southern end of the island. Most of the facilities and shopping are concentrated around the capital of Kralendijk. Official language is Dutch, but as on Aruba, most people also speak English. Papiamento is also spoken. Curacao This island, 38 square miles in area, is the largest in the Netherlands Antilles and just 35 miles north of the South American coast. The Dutch influence on Curacao is strong; the brightly-colored houses in the capital of Willemstad look like they were transplanted from Holland. While the island bases its economy on banking and the oil industry, tourism is still important. There are 38 beaches on Curacao, though not all of them are free to the public, and some of them, especially on the southeast coast, are somewhat rocky. The waters around Curacao are a haven for divers, though because the waters are somewhat cool,a wetsuit may be necessary. Curacao Underwater Marine Park is a favorite diving spot. There is also the wreck of the SS Oranje Nassau, which came aground in the early years of the 20th century. On land, visitors may want to see Christoffel Park, a 4,500-acre wildlife preserve and garden on Mt. Christoffel. Curacao is also home to Mikveh Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue still in use in the Western Hemisphere. Like Aruba, this is an independent entity within the Netherlands. Official language is Dutch, but most people also speak English and Papiamento. |
