Caribbean Netherlands - Bonaire, Sint Eustatius & Saba
A practical guide to Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba for travelers planning a nature-focused Caribbean trip.
What is the Caribbean Netherlands?
The Caribbean Netherlands, also known as the BES islands, consists of three small Dutch islands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius (Statia) and Saba. They are special municipalities of the Netherlands, meaning they are fully part of the country but located in the southern Caribbean, about 800 to 900 km north of Venezuela. Unlike Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, which operate as autonomous countries within the Kingdom, the BES islands use the US dollar and follow Dutch law directly.
Together, the islands are known for world-class diving, volcanic landscapes and uncrowded nature, appealing to travelers who value reefs, hiking and quiet island life over large resorts and nightlife.
Flamingos in Bonaire
Where are the Caribbean Netherlands located?
The Caribbean Netherlands lie in the southern Caribbean, about 800 to 900 km north of Venezuela. Bonaire sits just 80 km off the Venezuelan coast, east of Curaçao, while Sint Eustatius and Saba are located much farther north, roughly 250 km east of Puerto Rico and about 40 km south of St. Maarten.
All three islands are of volcanic origin and surrounded by deep water and coral reefs. Bonaire’s volcanoes are ancient and heavily eroded, giving the island its flat, arid landscape, while Sint Eustatius is dominated by the dormant Quill volcano and Saba rises as a single steep volcanic peak straight from the sea. Each island has its own small airport, but most international travelers connect via Curaçao (CUR) for Bonaire and St. Maarten (SXM) for Sint Eustatius and Saba.
Why visit the Caribbean Netherlands
The Caribbean Netherlands offers a rare mix of world-class diving, volcanic landscapes and a calm, uncrowded atmosphere. Bonaire is known for some of the Caribbean’s easiest shore diving, with more than 85 marked sites and a fully protected marine park. Sint Eustatius and Saba add rainforest hikes, historic forts and dramatic volcanic terrain.
The Caribbean Netherlands does not have mass tourism infrastructure, which keeps development limited but preserves its natural environment.
Diving in Bonaire
Who the Caribbean Netherlands is best for
The Caribbean Netherlands is best suited to travelers who prioritize nature-focused travel over entertainment and resort amenities. It works especially well for experienced divers, hikers and independent travelers who enjoy a slower pace and simple island life.
It is less suitable for visitors seeking nightlife, large all-inclusive resorts, wide sandy beaches or family-oriented attractions. Travelers should also be comfortable with small planes, limited dining options and minimal infrastructure.
Skip the Caribbean Netherlands if you want nightlife, large resorts or family-focused attractions.
Best time to visit the Caribbean Netherlands
The Caribbean Netherlands has a warm tropical climate year round. December to April is the best time to visit, with dry, sunny weather and temperatures between 26 and 30 °C, ideal for diving, snorkeling and hiking across the islands. May to November is the wetter season, bringing short afternoon showers, lower prices and fewer visitors, while mornings are often clear.
December to April is the driest period in the Caribbean Netherlands, with 26 to 30 °C temperatures and the best conditions for diving and hiking.
The three islands explained + signature experiences
Bonaire
Bonaire is best known for world-class shore diving, with more than 85 marked sites, flamingos and arid desert landscapes. Diving access is directly from shore across the island, with protected reefs and minimal current.
Signature experience: Independent drive-and-dive access along the entire coastline.
Sint Eustatius (Statia)
Sint Eustatius combines colonial-era ruins with a lush volcanic interior dominated by The Quill. The island feels quiet and untouched, with a strong focus on history, hiking and protected marine life.
Signature experience: Hiking the Quill crater followed by wreck diving in protected marine park.
Saba
Saba is a steep volcanic island with no beaches and dramatic terrain rising straight from the sea. The island focuses on hiking, diving and village life, with limited development and no mass tourism.
Signature experience: Hiking Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Choose Bonaire for diving, Statia for history and nature and Saba for hiking. Many travelers combine two islands in one trip.
Where to stay on each island
Bonaire - Kralendijk and beachfront
Most visitors stay in dive resorts or apartments along the coast near Kralendijk. Many properties offer dive packages and direct access to shore entry points.
Best for: Divers and couples
Sint Eustatius - Oranjestad area
Accommodation is limited to small hotels and guesthouses in Upper or Lower Town. The area is compact and walkable to the harbor, dive shops and historic ruins.
Best for: History lovers and budget travelers
Saba - Windwardside and The Bottom
Stay in hillside cottages or boutique inns with volcano views. Properties are small, family-run and geared toward hikers and nature-focused stays.
Best for: Nature seekers and quiet escapes
Getting to the Caribbean Netherlands & traveling between islands
Most travelers fly into Bonaire (BON) or St. Maarten (SXM) first. From St. Maarten, Winair operates short flights to Saba (about 12 minutes) and Sint Eustatius (about 15 minutes). Bonaire has regular direct flights from the US and Europe.
Keep in mind that travel between the islands is limited and requires planning. Flights and the Makana Ferry operate only a few times per week.
Most visitors fly into one island and stay there. Combining multiple islands requires careful planning.
Practical information
Currency - US dollar (USD) is used everywhere.
Language - Dutch is the official language.
Visa - No visa required for stays up to 90 days for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and many other countries.
Safety - Considered among the safer Caribbean destinations, with low crime levels and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Power - 127 V / 50 Hz, with American-style plugs (Type A/B).
Internet - Reliable 4G and 5G coverage, plus free Wi-Fi in most hotels.
Health - No special vaccines required; tap water is safe on Bonaire and Saba, while bottled water is recommended on Sint Eustatius.
BES islands vs. Aruba, Curaçao & French Caribbean
Feature | Caribbean Netherlands (BES) | Aruba, Curaçao & French Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
Crowds | Very low, even in high season | Busy, especially during peak months |
Beaches | Limited; more rocky shores (Bonaire has some sandy beaches) | Long white sand beaches are common |
Diving | World-class shore diving | Good diving, mostly boat-based |
Nightlife | Quiet bars and early evenings | Clubs, casinos and active nightlife |
Resorts | Small boutique hotels and eco-lodges | Large resorts and all-inclusives |
Prices | Moderate | Higher in Aruba and Curaçao; similar in Martinique |
Overall vibe | Nature-focused and peaceful | Social, beach-oriented and lively |
Best for | Divers, hikers and quiet travelers | Beach lovers, nightlife seekers and families |
FAQ Caribbean Netherlands
Planning tips & itineraries
How long to stay
Seven to ten days works best for visiting one island or combining two. Visiting all three in one trip is possible but often feels rushed due to limited connections.
One island (7 days)
- Bonaire: Seven nights focused on shore diving and relaxed coastal stays
- Saba: Seven nights of hiking, nature and quiet village life
- Sint Eustatius: Seven nights exploring history, volcano trails and marine parks
Two island combinations (10 days)
- Bonaire (6 nights) + Saba (4 nights): Best mix of diving and hiking
- Bonaire (6 nights) + Sint Eustatius (4 nights): Strong blend of diving and history
All three islands (12–14 days)
Fly into Bonaire, continue to Sint Eustatius, then Saba and depart via St. Maarten. This route requires careful planning around limited flight schedules.
Booking tip
For travel between December and April, book flights and accommodation six to nine months in advance. Traveling between May and November offers more flexibility and rates that are often 30 to 50 percent lower.