By Evelyn Kelly, PhD
Looking for a glimpse of Dutch heritage in the Caribbean? Just off the coast of Venezuela and below the hurricane belt, the “ABC” islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—offer sun-drenched beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture rooted in their Dutch colonial past.
A is for Aruba
Aruba’s desert-like terrain is dotted with more cacti than you can count. If you’re ever lost, look for the iconic divi-divi tree—nature’s compass, always pointing southwest. Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, mirrors Amsterdam’s Dutch charm, with pastel buildings featuring gabled roofs topped by ornate flourishes.
Still a Dutch colony, Aruba follows Dutch law—sometimes in surprising ways. Local guides explain that legal quirks here can be unsettling to outsiders. For example, if an intruder enters your home and you harm them, you might be charged with assault. Lock them inside without alerting police within two hours, and you could face kidnapping charges. Drinking and driving? Technically legal. These differences make understanding local law essential.
The mysterious 2005 disappearance of American student Natalie Holloway highlighted the complexities of Aruba’s legal system and brought international scrutiny to the island.
Related: Armchair Adventures: Beautiful Savannah
B is for Bonaire
Of the three islands, Bonaire stands out for its quiet beauty and natural wonders. Though now a special municipality of the Netherlands, its colonial roots run deep. Originally dismissed by the Spanish as uninhabitable, the island later became valuable for livestock and salt production. Today, one of its most popular attractions is a wild donkey sanctuary—remnants of animals once used for labor.
The island’s oldest village, Rincon, was built inland to avoid pirates. Homes here are surrounded by cactus fences—effective and very local. In Bonaire’s capital, Kralendijk, you’ll find pink salt flats that once sustained the island’s economy. These vivid salt pans—colored by high salinity and microorganisms—are still harvested today, and the tiny pink slave huts built for salt workers remain as historical markers.
The native language, Papiamento, is a fascinating blend of African, Portuguese, Dutch, English, and Spanish—a linguistic patchwork reflecting centuries of cultural exchange.
C is for Curaçao
Known as “the island of healing,” Curaçao earned its name when abandoned scurvy-ridden sailors recovered by eating local fruits rich in vitamin C. But not all its history is so benevolent.
Curaçao played a central role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. European ships arrived with weapons, exchanged them for enslaved people in Africa, and traded those captives in the Caribbean for sugar, tobacco, and cocoa—resources sent back to Europe.
Today, Curaçao’s colonial architecture, thriving arts scene, and colorful waterfront make it a popular destination, despite its painful past.
Smart Tip
While these islands are welcoming and beautiful, remember: their legal systems differ from what many travelers expect. Before you visit, take time to learn the local laws and customs. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.
With her daughter Natalie, Evelyn Kelly, PhD is co-author of the best-selling book “Have a Love Affair with Travel.”
