Dutch Antilles
A piece of Holland in the Caribbean

Now let's go to Europe in the Caribbean. The Dutch Antilles have kept their Dutch heritage while at the same time being very Caribbean.

To show you the islands we will have to "travel" to two sides of the Caribbean.

One group is on the south near the coast of Venezuela and they are the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

The other group is east of Puerto Rico and they are St Maarten, St Eustatius and Saba Island.

This group was once called the Netherlands Antilles but since then they gained independence oe many other forms of government always linked to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Every time I visit these islands I get the same feeling of being in Europe under a warm sun and surrounded by beaches of fine sands and some of the friendliest people in the area.

No, this is not Amsterdam, It is Willemstad the Capital of Curacao

Brief description of the Dutch Antilles

• Curacao is the largest of the group, located between Aruba and Bonaire, known together as the ABC Islands.

The island has more than thirty beaches, some are sandy beaches others surrounded by giant cliffs and all of them are surrounded by clear turquoise waters unique to the Caribbean Islands.

• Curacao • Population • 140,100

• Capital City • Willemstad

• Area in Sq Km • 444

• Political Status • constituent Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands

• Languages • Papiamentu, Dutch, English, Spanish

• Currency • Netherlands Antillian Guilder or Florin(ANG)

Saba Island is the smallest of the Dutch Antilles

• St Eustatius better known as Statia was once one of the most prominent commercial ports in the Caribbean.

It is of volcanic origin and a recommended destination for Scuba Diving.

• St Eustatius

• Population • 3,100

• Area in Sq Km • 21

• Capital City • Oranjestad

• Languages • Dutch, Papiamentu, English

• Political Status • Special Municipality of the Netherlands

• Currency • US Dollar (USD)

• Saba Island, the smallest island on the Dutch Antilles, is little known but once you discover this enclave of unspoiled landscapes you will be captivated.

The inhabitants are descendants of 17th century pioneers scattered in four picturesque small villages.

The Sabans are English speaking people that will make sure your visit is one to remember.

• Population - 1,424

• Area in Sq Km - 13

• Capital City - The Bottom

• Languages - Dutch, Papiamento, English

• Political Status - Special Municipality of the Netherlands

• Currency - US Dollar (USD)

The dormant Quill Volcano in St Eustatius also known as Statia

• Bonaire, a small island located off the coast of Venezuela. The isle is known by the preservation of the marine environment, ideal for Bonaire diving, windsurfing and snorkeling. Its best secret is that Bonaire is very relaxed and slow paced but at the same time offers a unique nightlife and the finest Caribbean Cuisine.

• Official name - Bonaire • Population - 13,500

• Area in Sq Km - 39 • Capital City - Krandelijk

• Languages - Papiamento, Dutch, English, Spanish

• Political Status - Special Municipality of the Netherlands

• Currency - US Dollar (USD)

A huge Air France 747 plane landing over St Maarten beaches

• St Maarten, which shares a tiny island with its neighbor the French side of St Martin, is known for its exotic beaches with idyllic white sand and blue waters. St Maarten also offers the opportunity of Duty Free Shopping in an array of electronics and apparel stores in the capital city of Philipsburg.

• St Maarten

• Population • 36,100

• Area in Sq Km • 13

• Capital City • Philipsburg

• Languages • Dutch, Papiamento, English

• Political Status • Constituent Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands

• Currency • Netherlands Antillian Guilder of Florin(ANG)