Michelle Fortner's Caribbean Discovery: Snorkeling the ABC Islands
I've sent countless clients to the Caribbean over the years, but I'd never explored the ABC islands myself. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao had always intrigued me, sitting there at the southernmost edge of the Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. When I started planning a multigenerational trip for my family (my husband, our two kids, and my mom), I knew this was my chance to finally experience these islands firsthand.
We booked the Carnival Horizon, and I was immediately curious about what set these islands apart from the more familiar Caribbean destinations. My family needed something special. My husband and kids had never traveled outside of the Americas, and I wanted to give them something that felt genuinely different without the long-haul flight to Europe or beyond.
The Turquoise That Stopped Us in Our Tracks
What I wasn't prepared for was just how incredible the snorkeling would be at all three islands. We're a snorkeling family, and we've done our fair share of Caribbean waters. But the ABC islands delivered something extraordinary. At each stop, the water was this crazy, intense turquoise blue that you have to see to believe. We snorkeled at all three destinations, and each one offered something wonderful. The clarity, the marine life, the ease of access, it all came together perfectly.
And then there were the islands themselves. Walking through the streets, I was struck by something I hadn't fully anticipated: the Dutch influence everywhere. Pink and pastel buildings lined the waterfront. The architecture, the signage, even the general atmosphere felt distinctly European in a way I'd never experienced in the Caribbean. Usually when you visit Caribbean islands, you notice British or American influences. Here, it was unmistakably Dutch, and that gave the trip an unexpected cultural dimension that fascinated all of us.
Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Here's something I wish I'd known before we arrived. When we reached the resorts hoping to grab day passes and enjoy the amenities, we discovered they were already sold out. We could still access the beaches and snorkel (which was fantastic), but we missed out on the full resort experience. Now I tell every client: if you want a resort day during your port stop, book it in advance through the ship or a service like Shore Excursions. Don't assume you can just walk up and get in.
I also discovered a little money-saving trick in Aruba. Instead of waiting in the long taxi and Uber lines at the port, we hopped on the city bus. Public transit took us right to some gorgeous beaches, and it was easy, affordable, and honestly kind of fun. I always love finding ways to skip the tourist crowds and save a few dollars in the process.
Who Should Book This Trip
This itinerary works beautifully for almost any traveler. Families? Absolutely. We had three generations traveling together, and everyone found something to love. Couples looking for romance? The pastel streets and stunning waters deliver. Solo travelers wanting adventure? The snorkeling alone is worth the trip. The only caveat I'd mention is the sea days. Because the ABC islands sit so far south (nearly to Venezuela), you'll have more days at sea than a typical Caribbean cruise. If you prefer hitting a new port every day, this might not be your ideal itinerary. But if you enjoy sea days and don't mind the journey being part of the adventure, this is a fantastic choice.
What I carry with me now is more than just beautiful memories. I understand this destination in a way I never could have from a brochure. I know what it feels like to step off the ship and encounter Dutch culture in the middle of the Caribbean. I know which beaches are worth the bus ride and why booking excursions ahead matters. When clients ask me about the ABC islands now, I don't just recommend them. I share my own story, my family's reactions, the details that made this trip unforgettable. And honestly? I can't wait to send more families there to discover it for themselves.