Netherlands Antilles Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Netherlands Antilles, including must-visit places, activities to do, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Comprehensive Travel Guide to Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands Antilles is a beautiful Caribbean country that consists of five islands. The country has a rich cultural history, breathtaking natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Netherlands Antilles, this comprehensive travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan the perfect vacation.

Introduction to Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands Antilles is a former Dutch colony that consists of five islands - Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. The country is located in the Caribbean and is a popular tourist destination due to its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The official language of the country is Dutch, but English and Spanish are also widely spoken.

List of Places to Visit in Netherlands Antilles

There are plenty of places to visit in Netherlands Antilles, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Curacao Museum
  • Kura Hulanda Museum
  • Fort Amsterdam
  • Queen Emma Bridge
  • Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue

Natural Attractions of Netherlands Antilles: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Christoffel National Park
  • Klein Bonaire
  • Mount Scenery
  • Sint Maarten Nature Reserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands Antilles is a great destination for adventure seekers. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Netherlands Antilles are:

  • Brandaris Trail, Bonaire
  • Hiking Trail to Mount Scenery, Saba
  • Christoffel Park Hiking Trails, Curacao

Best Things to Do in Netherlands Antilles: Activities and Tours

If you’re visiting Netherlands Antilles, make sure to try out these activities:

  • Scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Sailing boat tours
  • Watersports activities
  • Drive around the island

Week-Long Itinerary for Netherlands Antilles

Day 1: Arrival and exploration of Sint Maarten;

Day 2: Day trip to Saint Barts;

Day 3: Hit the beach in Curacao;

Day 4: Discover the historical landmarks of Bonaire;

Day 5: Enjoy nature in Saba;

Day 6: Explore the street market in Philipsburg;

Day 7: Departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Netherlands Antilles

Must-Try Dishes

  • Keshi Yena - traditional stuffed cheese dish
  • Stobá - a stew made from goat, beef, or chicken
  • Funchi - cornmeal dish
  • Bakbanaan - deep-fried plantains
  • Pastechi - filled pastry

Local Beverages

  • Blue Curaçao - a sweet, blue liquor made from the dried peels of the laraha fruit
  • Ponche Crema - a creamy liqueur flavored with vanilla and rum
  • Amstel Bright - a local beer

Where to Stay in Netherlands Antilles: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Some of the best places to stay in Netherlands Antilles are:

  • Baoase Luxury Resort, Curacao
  • The Plaza Hotel, Bonaire
  • Holland House Beach Hotel, Sint Maarten
  • Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel, Saba

What to Buy in Netherlands Antilles: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products that you can buy in Netherlands Antilles are:

  • Dutch Stroopwafels
  • Curaçao Liqueur
  • Saba Lace
  • Bonaire Salt
  • Maho Beach Souvenirs

Local Culture and Customs of Netherlands Antilles

Netherland Antilles is a melting pot of different cultures – Dutch and Afro-Caribbean.

Best Time to Visit Netherlands Antilles

The best time to visit Netherlands Antilles is between December and April when the weather is warm and dry.

Do’s and Don’ts of Netherlands Antilles

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Learn some basic Dutch and Papiamento before visiting the country
  • Try the local cuisine

Don’t:

  • Do not litter
  • Do not smoke in public places
  • Do not touch or interfere with the wildlife

Safety and Health

Safety in Netherlands Antilles

Overall, Netherlands Antilles is a safe country, but tourists are advised to exercise caution, especially in isolated areas, and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Netherlands Antilles

No special vaccinations are needed to travel to Netherlands Antilles, but it’s always good to check with your doctor before traveling.

Getting to Netherlands Antilles: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Netherlands Antilles

  • Hato International Airport, Curacao
  • Flamingo International Airport, Bonaire
  • Princess Juliana International Airport, Sint Maarten

Other Options

  • Ferry: between Curacao and Bonaire

How to Get Around in Netherlands Antilles

  • Taxis
  • Car rentals
  • Buses and minivans

Where to Go Next from Netherlands Antilles: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Aruba
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago

Conclusion

Netherlands Antilles is a beautiful destination that offers tourists a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure activities. Plan your trip well-ahead and get ready to experience the best of what this beautiful country has to offer.