Netherland Antilles Vacation Travel Deals, Package Vacations, Hotels, Flights, Tours

The Netherlands Antilles, part of the Kingdom of Netherland, is located in the southern Caribbean Sea and is comprised of five islands: Bonaire and Curacao, both off the coast of Venezuela, and St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius, all southeast of the British Virgin Islands. The islands of Bonaire and Curacao, with their beautiful coral reefs, are referred to as the "Leeward Islands", while the remaining three are called the "Windward Islands", and contain more hills and volcanoes. All are very popular tourist destinations and offer diving, snorkeling, hiking, breathtaking scenery, and beautiful white sandy beaches for sunbathing and swimming. ...

[+] More

Although each of the islands has its own unique culture and attractions, all offer a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere and welcoming culture. The local cuisine of the islands is based on Caribbean Creole cuisine, but fast food and international dining is readily available. With the least population of any of the islands, much of Bonaire is a marine park preserve. The National Marine Park, circling the island, was established to preserve the coral reefs and local ecosystems. It is a favourite destination for those interested in scuba diving or snorkeling as its clear waters have a visibility that reaches up to 90 feet.

Curacao is the largest of the islands and, while offering sandy beaches and extremely clear water; its appeal rests largely on its shopping opportunities and heritage. Visitors come to relive its history and admire its 18th and 19th century architecture.

Lively nightlife, exciting casinos, duty-free shopping, sailing, and great beaches draw visitors to the Dutch Saint Maarten, in the southern half of the island.

The tiny island of Saba, only 13 square kilometers, contains four pristine villages and one dormant volcano rising some 3,000 feet out of the sea.

St. Eustatius beaches located on the west side of the island beckon swimmers and all interested in water activities, such as boating, sailing and snorkeling.

The Netherlands Antilles enjoys a tropical maritime climate. Annual precipitation averages 560 mm (22 inches) on the leeward group of islands and 1,000 mm (39 inches) on the windward group of islands. A short rainy season extends from October to January. The temperature ranges average from 24 degrees Celsius (76 degrees Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) all year.