Overview

The Netherlands Antilles were previously referred to as the Dutch Antilles, West Indies, or the Netherlands West Indies. It consists of two groups of islands in the Caribbean Sea and is part of the Lesser Antilles. Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Saba are the major islands that are located to the southeast of the Virgin Islands off of the Venezuelan coast. The islands, with a tropical climate and warm weather all round the year, are very popular tourist destinations.

Activities & Attractions

There are several different activities and attractions that are available to people who are visiting the Netherlands Antilles. The most popular tourist attraction is the beach, with its calm and crystal clear waters. Some beaches even charge an admission fee for entry. There are great opportunities for water activities such as fishing, diving, and snorkeling. Lac Baii in Sorobon is an attractive peninsula with steady waters.

Guided tours are available to the Hato Caves on the island. Once a coral reef, you can now see limestone droppings that have formed stalagmites and stalactites, fresh water pools, and waterfalls here. Ostrich Farm, Sea Aquarium, Fort Amsterdam, and Queen Emma Bridge are other popular tourist destinations that you can visit.

There are plenty of sports activities for all age groups in the island. You can try scuba diving, mountain biking, and windsurfing if you feel very adventurous. There are also relaxed activities like jeep safaris, sea kayaking and horseback riding that you can try out.

You can also join the sightseeing tours that take you to the famous tourist spots on the island. There are so many things to do on the island that there is bound to be something for the whole family.

Lodging

There are several different options that are available when it comes to lodging in the Netherlands Antilles. Perhaps the most popular of all is the luxury resorts and villas that are available throughout the islands. There are also a few other options that are available such as budget hotels, motels as well as private villas that you can stay in. Harbour Village Beach Club, Queen's Garden Resort, Hilton Curacao, and Curacao Marriott Beach and Resort are some of the well known hotels in the island.

Transportation

Most visitors to the Netherlands Antilles use the public transportation opportunities that are available. It is usually much easier to use the occasional bus or taxi when needed rather than spend money on a rental vehicle. Walking is also a popular option as most places of interest are easily accessible from most resorts and hotels.