Pink flamingos walk on a white sand beach with turquoise water and a cloudy blue sky.

YACHT CHARTER DESTINATION

ABC Island Yacht Charter

Desert Islands, Flamingo Lakes, and the Caribbean’s Best-Kept Diving

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao sit off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean, three Dutch islands outside the hurricane belt with steady trade winds, calm seas, and sunshine nearly all year. Instead of lush rainforest, you’ll find a semi-arid landscape of cacti, salt flats, and flamingo lakes, and relatively few other boats sharing the anchorages.

Bonaire is the diver’s island, with 86 dive sites in its marine park, more than 350 species of fish, and shipwrecks like the Hilma Hooker, plus pink salt lakes, salt pyramids, and wild flamingos along its shores. Curaçao brings color and culture, from the pastel Dutch colonial waterfront of Willemstad to Playa Kenepa Grandi and the lighthouse on tiny Klein Curaçao. Aruba rounds out the trio with glamorous beaches like Eagle Beach and Baby Beach, snorkeling at Arashi, lively nightlife, and the rocky coves near Casibari. Kitesurfing, golf, and big-game fishing add even more reasons to linger.

With three distinct personalities and short hops between them, the ABC Islands offer a complete Caribbean escape without the crowds.

Charter Itinerary

For a full itinerary, or to build your own experience, please inquire.

Clear blue bay with a white sand beach, resort umbrellas, and green hills.

DAY 1

Willemstad, Curaçao

Begin in Curaçao’s colorful capital, where pastel Dutch-Caribbean buildings line the waterfront and the Queen Emma pontoon bridge connects the historic districts of Punda and Otrobanda. Wander cobblestone streets, browse local boutiques and enjoy a first evening sampling the island’s lively restaurant scene before settling aboard.

Aerial view of a tropical beach with turquoise water, white sand, umbrellas, and swimmers.

DAY 2

Grote Knip

Head west along Curaçao’s rugged coastline, where rocky headlands give way to beautiful sandy coves. Stop near Grote Knip for a swim in its striking turquoise bay, explore the coastline by tender and snorkel in clear water. Finish the day relaxing on deck as the sun sets over the Caribbean.

A vibrant tropical beach with turquoise water, white sand, sunbathers, and lush green hills.

DAY 3

Klein Curaçao

Cruise to Klein Curaçao, an uninhabited island surrounded by vivid blue water and a sweeping stretch of white sand. Walk past the weathered lighthouse and shipwreck remains, snorkel in search of sea turtles and enjoy a beach picnic or lunch aboard. With no bustling town or busy waterfront, the day feels wonderfully removed from the everyday.

Clear turquoise ocean next to a rocky shoreline with teal steps and a distant boat.

DAY 4

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Make the passage to Bonaire and arrive near Kralendijk, a laid-back waterfront town with pastel façades, local shops and an easy island atmosphere. Once cleared in, explore ashore or head into Bonaire’s famous underwater world, where exceptionally clear water makes snorkeling and diving a highlight. Enjoy dinner overlooking the harbor before a peaceful night aboard.

View of a beautiful turquoise ocean and sandy beach through a rustic window opening.

DAY 5

Klein, Bonaire

Spend the day around Klein Bonaire, a small uninhabited island just offshore. Explore vibrant reef life, snorkel through transparent water and enjoy the pale sands of No Name Beach. Back aboard, take advantage of the yacht’s water toys or simply enjoy a slow afternoon surrounded by Bonaire’s remarkable shades of blue.

Colorful Dutch colonial buildings in pink, blue, and yellow with intricate gables.

DAY 6

Passage to Aruba

Set out for Aruba, enjoying a blue-water passage as the ABC Islands unfold from one destination to the next. This is a longer leg, so the captain will plan departure and arrival around the forecast and daylight. After arrival and clearance, unwind with a sunset swim or head ashore for a relaxed dinner.

Clear turquoise ocean alongside a concrete shoreline with green steps and a distant boat.

DAY 7

Aruba

Discover Aruba’s contrasting landscapes, from the soft sands of Eagle Beach to the rugged, cactus-dotted scenery of Arikok National Park. Enjoy a beach day, explore the island by private tour or take in the dramatic coastline and natural rock formations. Return aboard for a final evening with cocktails on deck and dinner beneath the stars.

Palm-lined street with tram tracks leading toward colorful buildings under a clear sky.

DAY 8

Oranjestad, Aruba

Enjoy breakfast aboard before disembarking in Aruba. If time allows, take a final stroll through Oranjestad’s colorful streets or pick up a few local souvenirs before heading to the airport.

Yachts for Charter in The ABC Islands

VOYAGE 590e

59’ VOYAGE yacht|2022

12 Guests 6 Staterooms

Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI)

Ready to start your charter adventure?

Get in touch with us and one of our dedicated charter specialists will be at your service to answer all of your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for an ABC Islands yacht charter?

The ABC Islands enjoy sunshine year-round, and May through November offers good availability and excellent diving visibility.

Are there many yachts available in the ABC Islands?

Few yachts charter in the ABC Islands year-round, and some relocate from other Caribbean regions in the summer, so early planning is recommended.

What can you do ashore on an ABC Islands yacht charter?

Explore Willemstad’s colorful waterfront, visit Bonaire’s salt pyramids and flamingo lakes, hike in Washington Slagbaai National Park, and enjoy beach clubs and dining in Aruba.

Where do ABC Islands yacht charters begin?

Many begin in Bonaire, at marinas such as Harbour Village Marina in Kralendijk, before cruising to Curaçao and finishing in Oranjestad, Aruba, though itineraries can run in either direction.

How far apart are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao?

Aruba lies about 50 miles northwest of Curaçao, with Bonaire to the east, so the hops between islands are manageable for a 7 day itinerary

What languages are spoken in the ABC Islands?

Dutch is an official language, alongside Papiamento, English, and Spanish, which are all widely spoken, so communication is easy for visitors.