Sights in Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Washington-Slagbaai National Park
Covering the northwest portion of the island and comprising almost 20% of the land, Washington-Slagbaai National Park is a great place to explore. Roads are rough and all-but-impassable after a rain, but are well worth the effort. The terrain is mostly tropical desert, and there is a proliferation of cacti and birds. Entrance is about 5km (3mi) from Rincon.
Look for flamingos in the lowlands and parrots perched on shrubs near Pos di Mangel. Large bright green iguanas are just one of the many reptile species you might spot. You'll also see lingering evidence of the aloe plantation and goat ranch that used to be here - don't run over any wild descendants of the latter.
reviewed
-
Christoffel National Park
This large park was pieced together in the 1970s from three former plantations. You can drive through much of it (choose between the coastal route or the mountain drive), but the best way to see the park is via its short trails passing through rogue stands of mahogany, limestone terraces and Amerindian petroglyphs.
Connoisseurs of Baroque architecture can admire the landhuisen (land houses) of the old plantations, one of which houses the Savonet Museum, with exhibits on the island's natural and human history. You can also hike to the top of Mt Christoffel, which has a view of Bonaire on clear days.
Entry to the park is steep, so it's worth getting up early and making a da…
reviewed
-
Jewish Cultural Historical Museum
Since 1651 the oldest continuously operating Jewish congregation in the western hemisphere has attended the Mikvé Israel Emanuel Synagogue. You can visit the synagogue and its sand-covered floors as well as the adjacent Jewish Cultural Historical Museum. Items from the long history of the congregation are displayed; the building dates to 1732.
reviewed
-
Bonaire Museum
A bit out from the center of Kralendijk, the Bonaire Museum is in an 1885 house filled with folklore displays including artifacts of the Caiquetio Indians, Bonaire's inhabitants when the Spanish arrived. Look for the detailed paintings of local mythology by Winifred Dania and Bonaire's impressive seashell collection.
reviewed
-
Historic Gold Mills
Aruba's name is derived from the red gold (oro ruba) that was discovered in the centre of the island in the early 19th century. The subsequent gold rush saw the development of mines at Bushiribana on Aruba's northern coast and a gold mill in Balashi on the southwestern shore; both of which can still be visited today.
reviewed
-
Museum Kura Hulanda
One of the best museums in the Caribbean, Museum Kura Hulanda is part of the sensational hotel of the same name and is inside 19th-century slave quarters. Thoroughly engaging exhibits document the slave trade from West Africa to the Americas, along with sections on voodoo, Mesopotamia and the origin of mankind.
reviewed
-
California Lighthouse
This lighthouse is named after the nearby off-shore wreck, the California, the ship infamous for not responding to an SOS from the Titanic. The grounds around it offer beautiful views of Aruba's western coastline and the beach and ocean below are good for dune and sea surfing.
reviewed
-
Flamingo Sanctuary
Although the flamingo sanctuary is off-limits to tourists, lucky visitors with a strong pair of binoculars can witness the comings and goings of Bonaire's most beloved guests. For other flamingo-viewing spots, head to the Willemstoren lighthouse at the southern tip of the island.
reviewed
-
Aruba Numismatic Museum
The Aruba Numismatic Museum doesn't just have displays of Aruba's unusual currency past and present (at one time a coin shortage forced locals to cut up coins like pies), but it also has over 40,000 items used as money worldwide from the 3rd century BC to the present.
reviewed
-
The Butterfly Farm
For an ethereal experience, spend a morning flitting with drunken butterflies. Adults and children alike will walk away feeling like veritable butterfly-ologists on expertly guided tours that cover biology, conservation and fun facts.
reviewed
Advertisement
