23 Locations
Yacht Charter ABC Islands
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (ABC Islands) are an island trio offering a complete Caribbean experience without too many other visitors.
Nestled in the heart of the southern Caribbean Sea, these three enchanting islands offer a paradise for sailors and adventurers alike. Whether you’re drawn to the pristine beaches of Aruba, the world-class diving of Bonaire, or the rich cultural heritage of Curaçao, embarking on a yacht charter in the ABC Islands promises to be a journey filled with sun-drenched days, turquoise waters, and boundless exploration. Navigate the azure seas and uncover hidden coves on a Caribbean island yacht charter holiday.
Aruba boasts long beaches, full-service resorts, shopping opportunities, and casinos. If you want to try your hand at wind and kite surfing, the island is perfect with consistent trade winds. If you’re a nature fan, check out the exotic pink birds wandering around Flamingo Beach, visit the Casibari Rock & Ayo Rock Formations, or visit the local ostrich farm.
Of the three islands, Bonaire is known for having the most spectacular diving spots. You can swim with sea turtles, nurse sharks, and stingrays across 63 official dive sites in the Bonaire Marine Park. Although tiny, only 111 square miles, and ringed by a coral reef, Bonaire boasts a big personality. The hustle and bustle can’t be found, and with more than 22 beaches, there are multiple places to unwind. Take a beach picnic to the uninhabited Klein Bonaire, home to turtle nesting grounds.
The strikingly intense blue-colored sea is the namesake of Curaçao blue liquor, and just off the northern shore of Curaçao, you can find the “blue edge.” If you love to scuba dive, the Blue Edge is a dream. This steep, seafloor drop-off is an incredible scuba diving experience that you won’t forget. The island also boasts spectacular coral reef dives, and the south coast of Curaçao offers calmer waters with incredible anchorages, perfect for enjoying the water toys. You can explore the island by hiking and mountain biking, tracing the jagged cliffs that drop off into the sea and the coral and limestone caves dug out by the waves.
The crown jewel of Curaçao is its capital city, Willemstad, and mooring here will bring you right next to the floating market, an excellent place for souvenirs. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where you will find candy-colored colonial buildings among boutiques and high-end stores, incredible restaurants, and a slew of bars and clubs that deliver a buzzing nightlife.
Northrop & Johnson is a leading international yacht brokerage with access to the best and most luxurious yachts for charter, including the Caribbean Sea and the ABC Islands. Our yacht charter brokers have unparalleled expertise in the ABC Islands and surrounding areas. We take pride in listening to our client’s needs and crafting exceptional charter itineraries in and around the Caribbean Sea. Rent a superyacht in the ABC Islands and enjoy the ultimate vacation on the water. Contact our yacht brokers today if you want to start planning your yacht charter holiday.
Situated to the southeast of the ABC Islands, Grenada is known as the “Spice Isle” for its lush rainforests and spice plantations. Explore the island’s colorful capital, St. George’s, visit historic forts, hike to waterfalls, and relax on secluded beaches.
Further southeast, the Grenadines offer many picturesque islands and cays, including Mustique, Bequia, and Union Island. Sail among pristine anchorages, snorkel in coral gardens and experience the laid-back island vibe of these idyllic destinations.
To the southwest of the islands, Colombia’s Caribbean coast beckons with colonial cities, tropical beaches, and cultural treasures. Explore the charming town of Cartagena, visit the Tayrona National Park with its lush jungles and pristine beaches, or dive off the coast of Providencia and San Andrés islands.
Embark on a three-day ABC Islands yacht charter itinerary exploring the enchanting ABC Islands.
Begin your journey in Aruba, where you’ll spend your first day soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches of Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, or try your hand at windsurfing along the coast. As the sun sets, venture into Oranjestad, Aruba’s vibrant capital, to taste Dutch-Caribbean culture and cuisine.
On day two, you can set sail for Bonaire, renowned for its world-class diving sites. Spend the day exploring the vibrant coral reefs of Bonaire National Marine Park, teeming with colorful marine life. As evening falls, dine under the stars on deck, savoring freshly caught seafood and local specialties.
Finally, on day three, cruise to Curaçao and explore the UNESCO-listed historic district of Willemstad, with its iconic pastel-colored buildings and bustling markets. Relax on the island’s beautiful beaches, snorkel along its coral reefs, or indulge in a stroll through the vibrant streets of Punda and Otrobanda. As your yacht charter adventure comes to an end, reflect on the memories made and the beauty discovered in these captivating Caribbean gems.
The ABC islands are all located within 50 miles of each other and fortuitously lie outside the hurricane belt, off the coast of Venezuela. This small archipelago boasts a wonderful climate, stunning scenery, and tranquility that is second to none. Curaçao has become one of the most sought-after locales in the Caribbean. At the same time, Aruba and Bonaire share the Dutch influence, the former being more built-up and the latter sleepier and less developed than the others.
The ABC islands are part of the Dutch Caribbean and former Netherlands Antilles members. They have their native language, Papiamentu (a mixture of Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish). While each island has its cultural traditions and historical background, few islands are as rich in either category as Curaçao. The largest of the three, Curaçao was once an important center for trade, and today, a lively and unique culture is on tap.
Aruba, known for its pristine white sand beaches, offers visitors a chance to relax on soft sands and swim in crystal-clear waters at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Adventure seekers can explore the rugged landscapes and ancient cave paintings of Arikok National Park or engage in water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing along the coast. The capital, Oranjestad, invites travelers to stroll through its colorful streets adorned with Dutch colonial architecture, visit bustling markets, and discover historical landmarks such as Fort Zoutman and the California Lighthouse.
Bonaire is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, boasting some of the best diving sites in the Caribbean within Bonaire National Marine Park. Snorkelers can also explore the island’s pristine reefs, teeming with marine life. Nature lovers will appreciate Washington Slagbaai National Park, where hiking trails lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking the rugged coastline and salt flats, while windsurfers and kiteboarders can enjoy ideal conditions at Lac Bay.
In Curaçao, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Willemstad’s UNESCO-listed historic district, characterized by colorful Dutch colonial buildings and iconic landmarks like Queen Emma Bridge and Fort Amsterdam. Beach lovers can unwind on the island’s beautiful beaches, including Cas Abao Beach and Playa Kenepa, renowned for their soft sands and turquoise waters. Underwater adventurers can discover vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse marine life while diving or snorkeling along Curaçao’s coast.
In and around Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçoa, there are several marinas and harbors where you can berth your yacht, providing convenient facilities and services for sailors. Here are some popular options:
The cost will depend on several factors, including your yacht choice, length of charter experience, and cruising itinerary. The larger and more prestigious the vessel, the more expensive the yacht rental will be. Expect the entry point for a luxury crewed charter in the ABC Islands to start at around US$50,000 for a week, rising to over one million for the world’s finest superyachts and mega yachts. If you want to enjoy a luxury yacht rental in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, the team at Northrop & Johnson will be delighted to assist you.
The amenities aboard every yacht rental will differ depending on your choice of vessel. Typical amenities you can expect aboard a luxury superyacht include:
