Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, also known as the "BES islands," comprise the trio of Dutch territories called the Caribbean Netherlands. Luring many nature lovers and eco-tourists, all three islands offer excellent opportunities for diving, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.
Bonaire, just off the north coast of Venezuela, near Curaçao and Aruba, is famous for its pioneering conservation efforts. Much of the island is protected, and its marine park offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean.
St. Eustatius, also known as "Statia," lies east of Puerto Rico and is home to a dormant volcano, the Quill. This tiny island's varied terrain includes rainforest, rocky beaches, and vibrant coral reefs with excellent opportunities for diving.
Northwest of St. Eustatius, Saba may be tiny at only 13 square kilometers, but the 887-meter peak of its volcano is the highest point in the Netherlands. Hiking is excellent on the slopes of the aptly named Mount Scenery, and the marine park offers some truly pristine dive sites.
Comments