Island Hopping from Aruba: Your Complete Guide to Visiting Curaçao and Bonaire
Aruba might be paradise, but did you know that two equally stunning islands are just a short flight or ferry ride away? Curaçao and Bonaire, Aruba's sister islands in the ABC chain, offer completely different experiences while being close enough for easy day trips or extended island-hopping adventures. Here's everything you need to know about visiting all three islands on one Caribbean getaway.
Understanding the ABC Islands
Aruba - The happy island with perfect beaches, constant sunshine, and a desert landscape. Known for being outside the hurricane belt and having the most developed tourism infrastructure.
Curaçao - The colorful Dutch Caribbean island with UNESCO World Heritage architecture, vibrant culture, and diverse underwater world. Larger than Aruba with a more European feel.
Bonaire - The diver's paradise with protected marine parks, a quiet, nature-focused atmosphere, and minimal development. Known as one of the world's best shore diving destinations.
Each island has a distinct personality. Aruba is polished and resort-friendly, Curaçao is cultural and colorful, and Bonaire is wild and natural. Together, they offer an incredibly varied Caribbean experience.
How to Get Between the Islands
By Air
Flying is the quickest and most reliable way to island-hop:
Aruba to Curaçao:
Multiple daily flights on EZ Air and Divi Divi Air
Flight time: 30 minutes
Cost: $100-200 roundtrip (book direct for best prices)
Flights depart from Reina Beatrix International Airport
Aruba to Bonaire:
Daily flights on EZ Air and Divi Divi Air
Flight time: 25-30 minutes
Cost: $120-220 roundtrip
Book early for better rates
Curaçao to Bonaire:
Multiple daily options
Flight time: 25 minutes
Cost: $100-180 roundtrip
Pro Tip: Book interisland flights directly with EZ Air or Divi Divi Air rather than through aggregators. You'll often get better prices and more flexibility.
By Ferry (Seasonal)
Ferry service between the islands has been inconsistent over the years. As of now:
Current Status: Check ABC Ferry NV for current routes and schedules. When operating, the ferry typically runs Aruba-Curaçao routes.
Crossing time: Approximately 4 hours
Cost: Generally $100-150 roundtrip
Comfort level: Can be rough in choppy seas
Departure points: Oranjestad (Aruba) and Willemstad (Curaçao)
Important: Ferry schedules change frequently. Always verify current operations before planning around ferry travel. During certain periods, ferry service may be suspended entirely.
Planning Your Multi-Island Trip
How Much Time Do You Need?
Minimum for taste of all three: 7-8 days
Aruba: 3 days
Curaçao: 2-3 days
Bonaire: 2 days
Ideal timeline: 10-12 days
Aruba: 4 days
Curaçao: 3-4 days
Bonaire: 3 days
Comfortable pace: 14+ days
Aruba: 5-6 days
Curaçao: 4-5 days
Bonaire: 4-5 days
Which Island First?
Most international flights arrive in Aruba or Curaçao, so start where you land. There's no "best" order, but consider:
Aruba First: If you want to ease into island life with familiar comforts before exploring more off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Bonaire First: If you're primarily a diver and want to dedicate most of your trip to underwater adventures, ending with Aruba's resort luxuries.
Curaçao First: If you're interested in culture and history, setting the stage for beach-focused time in Aruba.
Visiting Curaçao from Aruba
Day Trip Options
While possible, a Curaçao day trip from Aruba is rushed. You'll spend 5+ hours on travel (including airport time) leaving just 4-5 hours on the island. Better to plan at least 2 nights.
What to Do in Curaçao
Willemstad - The capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site with iconic pastel-colored buildings lining the harbor. Must-sees:
Queen Emma Bridge (floating pontoon bridge)
Handelskade waterfront
Punda and Otrobanda neighborhoods
Fort Amsterdam
Kura Hulanda Museum (African diaspora history)
Beaches - Curaçao has 35+ beaches, each unique:
Cas Abou - Stunning white sand, calm waters, restaurant
Grote Knip - Picture-perfect bay with cliffs
Playa Porto Mari - Excellent snorkeling, double reef
Mambo Beach - Urban beach with beach clubs and nightlife
Diving & Snorkeling - Curaçao's underwater world rivals Bonaire's:
Mushroom Forest - Unique coral formations
Tugboat wreck - Shallow wreck perfect for snorkeling
Superior Producer wreck - Advanced dive
House reef diving at many hotels
Christoffel National Park - Hike to Curaçao's highest point (1,227 feet) for panoramic views of all three ABC islands on clear days.
Hato Caves - Limestone caves with impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and historical petroglyphs.
Nightlife - Willemstad offers the best nightlife in the ABCs with beach clubs, casinos, and live music venues.
Where to Stay in Curaçao
Budget: Pietermaai Boutique Hotel, Lodge Kura Hulanda
Mid-range: Scuba Lodge, Baoase Luxury Resort
Luxury: Avila Beach Hotel, Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort
Getting Around Curaçao
Rent a car ($40-70 per day). The island is larger than Aruba, and attractions are spread out. Public buses exist but are inconvenient for tourists.
Budget for Curaçao (per person per day)
Accommodation: $80-300
Meals: $40-80
Activities: $30-100
Transportation: $20-40
Total: $170-520
Visiting Bonaire from Aruba
Day Trip Reality
Bonaire day trips from Aruba are even less practical than Curaçao ones. Bonaire is about experiencing nature, particularly underwater, which requires time. Plan at least 2 nights, ideally 3-4.
What to Do in Bonaire
Diving & Snorkeling - This is THE reason to visit Bonaire:
86 named dive sites, most accessible from shore
Bonaire National Marine Park protects all coastal waters
Sites like 1,000 Steps, Salt Pier, and Karpata are world-famous
Unlimited shore diving from many resorts
Crystal-clear visibility year-round
Washington-Slaagbaai National Park - Wild, rugged landscape:
Flamingo spotting in salt pans
Secluded beaches like Wayaka and Playa Funchi
Hiking trails through arid landscape
Scenic coastal drives (4x4 recommended)
Kralendijk - Small, colorful capital town:
Waterfront promenade
Local restaurants and bars
Flamingo-shaped salt pans south of town
Small-town Caribbean charm
Donkey Sanctuary - Visit rescued donkeys roaming freely (free admission, donations welcome)
Lac Bay - Shallow lagoon perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Also excellent for kayaking through mangroves.
Klein Bonaire - Uninhabited island just offshore with pristine reefs. Water taxis run regularly ($25-30 roundtrip).
What Bonaire Isn't
Bonaire has minimal nightlife, shopping, or resort amenities. It's quiet, nature-focused, and perfect for people who want to escape commercialization. If you need nightlife or luxury shopping, this isn't your island.
Where to Stay in Bonaire
Most visitors choose dive resorts with house reefs:
Budget/Mid-range: Buddy Dive Resort, Coral Paradise Resort
Diving focus: Captain Don's Habitat, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort
Luxury: Harbor Village Beach Club, Harbour Village Marina & Residence
Getting Around Bonaire
Rent a pickup truck ($50-80 per day). You'll need it for reaching dive sites, carrying gear, and exploring the national park. Some roads require 4x4.
Budget for Bonaire (per person per day)
Accommodation: $100-250
Meals: $35-70
Diving (unlimited shore): $25-40 (tank rental/fills)
Transportation: $25-40
Total: $185-400
Sample Multi-Island Itineraries
7-Day ABC Sampler
Day 1-2: Arrive Aruba, explore northwestern beaches and Arikok
Day 3: Morning in Aruba, afternoon flight to Curaçao
Day 4-5: Curaçao (Willemstad, beaches, snorkeling)
Day 6: Morning Curaçao, afternoon flight to Bonaire
Day 7: Bonaire diving/snorkeling, return to Aruba
10-Day Island Hopper
Day 1-3: Aruba (beaches, Arikok, Oranjestad, sunset spots)
Day 4: Travel day to Curaçao
Day 5-7: Curaçao (Willemstad, beaches, Christoffel Park, diving)
Day 8: Travel day to Bonaire
Day 9-10: Bonaire (diving/snorkeling, Washington-Slaagbaai, Klein Bonaire)
14-Day Ultimate ABC Adventure
Day 1-5: Aruba (thorough exploration, water sports, relaxation)
Day 6: Travel to Curaçao
Day 7-10: Curaçao (Willemstad, multiple beaches, diving, nightlife, day trip to Westpunt)
Day 11: Travel to Bonaire
Day 12-14: Bonaire (extensive diving, national park, kayaking, donkey sanctuary)
Practical Considerations
Currency
All three islands use different currencies but accept US dollars:
Aruba: Aruban Florin (AWG)
Curaçao: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)
Bonaire: US Dollar (official)
Credit cards widely accepted everywhere. ATMs available on all islands.
Language
Aruba: Papiamento, Dutch, English, Spanish
Curaçao: Papiamento, Dutch, English
Bonaire: Papiamento, Dutch, English
English works fine for tourists on all three islands.
Packing for Three Islands
Since you'll be hopping between islands, pack smart:
Reef-safe sunscreen
Snorkel gear (save rental fees)
Light, quick-dry clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Water shoes
Light jacket for air-conditioned spaces
Underwater camera
Reusable water bottle
Day pack for excursions
Luggage Tips
Check baggage policies for interisland flights. Some carriers charge for checked bags on short hops. Consider traveling with carry-on only if possible.
Phones & Internet
Check if your phone plan covers all three islands or buy local SIM cards. WiFi is available at most hotels and restaurants.
Should You Island Hop?
Yes, if you:
Have 7+ days total
Want diverse experiences
Are comfortable with light planning and logistics
Enjoy seeing contrasts between destinations
Don't mind packing/unpacking
No, if you:
Have less than 5 days total
Prefer deep exploration of one place
Want maximum beach relaxation time
Are traveling with small children
Want to minimize logistics and stress
The Yellow Cunucu Advantage
Our location in Aruba makes us the perfect base for beginning or ending your ABC island adventure. Leave your extra luggage with us while island hopping, then return to familiar comfort. We can also help arrange interisland flights and provide insider tips for Curaçao and Bonaire.
Ready to explore all three ABC islands? Book your Aruba stay at Yellow Cunucu and let us help you plan the ultimate Caribbean island-hopping adventure!