Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba – The Caribbean Netherlands Gems

These three special municipalities of the Netherlands are tiny but spectacular island treasures in the Caribbean. Bonaire is a diver’s paradise, Sint Eustatius is rich in colonial history, and Saba is a volcanic wonder nicknamed “The Unspoiled Queen.”

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Altitude

• Bonaire: Mostly flat; highest point Brandaris Hill at 241 meters (791 ft).
• Sint Eustatius: Highest point Quill Volcano at 601 meters (1,972 ft).
• Saba: Mount Scenery at 887 meters (2,910 ft) — the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

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Distance from Airport / Railway Station

• Bonaire: Flamingo International Airport (BON) ~3 km to Kralendijk (5–10 min).
• Sint Eustatius: F.D. Roosevelt Airport (EUX) ~1.5 km to Oranjestad (5 min).
• Saba: Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) ~2 km to The Bottom (10 min).
• No railway systems on any of the islands.

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Best Time to Visit

• Year-round warm weather; peak season is December to April.
• May to November sees fewer tourists and occasional tropical storms.

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Top Attractions

• Bonaire: Bonaire National Marine Park, Salt Pans & Flamingo Sanctuary, Klein Bonaire island.
• Sint Eustatius: The Quill Volcano hike, Fort Oranje, Underwater Marine Park.
• Saba: Mount Scenery hiking trail, Ladder Bay, charming villages like Windwardside.

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Adventure Activities

• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling – All three islands offer pristine coral reefs.
• Hiking – Volcano trails in Statia and Saba.
• Kayaking & Sailing – Explore hidden coves and coastal waters.
• Birdwatching – Spot exotic Caribbean species.
• Photography – Dramatic coastlines and lush peaks.

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How to Reach

• By Air: Regional flights from Curaçao, St. Maarten, and Aruba.
• By Sea: Ferries from St. Maarten to Saba and Statia; boat access to Klein Bonaire.

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Ideal Trip Duration

• Bonaire: 4–6 days.
• Sint Eustatius: 2–3 days.
• Saba: 2–3 days.
• Combined trip: Around 8–10 days to enjoy all three.

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Final Thoughts

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are proof that small can be mighty. Whether you’re diving into vibrant reefs, hiking volcanic peaks, or wandering charming colonial streets, these islands offer Caribbean beauty without the crowds.