Unique Family Fun in the ABCs- Ultimate Family Vacations magazine

UNIQUE FAMILY FUN IN THE

ABCs.

The ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao – are three neighbouring Dutch Caribbean gems guaranteeing plenty of fun in the sun and sand for families year-round. Each island also has unique attractions that set them apart for excellent adventures.

By Sue Campbell

Aruba

Bonaire

PORT OF BONAIRE

PALM BEACH

DONKEY SANCTUARY ©SUE CAMPBELL

LEARNING TO WINDSURF ©SUE CAMPBELL

BON SEA, SEMI-SUBMARINE ©SUE CAMPBELL

When I first brought my daughter to Aruba, I took her to De Palm Island because that’s the only place you can snorkel with gigantic neon blue parrotfish that seriously look like animated characters! The island has all kinds of family fun activities – zip lines, air jumpers, banana boat rides, waterparks; and extra cost activities such as Sea Trek, an underwater helmet walk for ages eight and up. But for me, seeing the unique ever-smiling parrotfish is worth the day pass all on its own. Snorkel equipment is included.

Aruba also has cool creature experiences beyond the beaches.

The Butterfly Farm is one of them – multiple species of subtropical winged delights flitting free around a tropical garden will thrill all ages. Philip’s Animal Garden, a rescue haven for unwanted animals, also has some unexpected critters like kangaroos, camels, monkeys, deer, even caimans.

Also unexpected is Aruba’s Ostrich Farm. Though non-native to Aruba, these African birds are right at home in the island’s arid interior. Children will also enjoy interacting with four-legged friends at The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, a refuge for these animals that run wild on this island.

Well known among the scuba world as one of the best shore diving places in the world, Bonaire is also a snorkeller’s haven for all ages. There is also the Bon Sea, a little red semi-submarine that looks like something out of a storybook, so that you need not even swim to see the vast array of colourful tropical fish.

conditions at Lac Bay. I can testify to that fact since I was shamed into getting up on my very first try since two toddlers went whizzing by me on their little boards while still wearing diapers! This island has produced world champion windsurfers and Jibe City instructors are very well-equipped to work with children, while older kids will also enjoy exciting kite boarding lessons there.

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Few people realize that Bonaire is also one the best places on the planet to learn to windsurf due to the ideal

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Curacao SHARKS IN NATURAL POOL AT CURAÇAO SEA AQUARIUM

Countless great up-close encounters with marine life for families await at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium – dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, and on my visit there with my daughter, we even hand-fed sharks. And it’s very educational, too. But the option to dive 1,000 feet below to see colourful coral and sea creatures up close without even getting wet is an once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Children 10 years and older can join their family in the unique mini-submarine called Curasub at Substation Curaçao.

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COLOURFUL WILLEMSTAD, CAPITAL OF CURAÇAO

EXPLORING ON AQUAFARIS ©SUE CAMPBELL

Another unique underwater adventure you’ll find on Curaçao is Aquafari. Bizarre-looking scooter-type vehicles are outfitted with air-supplied helmets, so you can ride around below the waves while simply breathing normally; it’s surreal. The minimum age for Aquafari is 10 years.