Netherlands Antilles

The Netherlands Antilles currently consists of five Caribbean islands that form a state in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. These five islands are Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Curacao, and Bonaire. Due to a vote, the Netherlands Antilles is scheduled to be disbanded by the end of 2008. Curacao and Sint Maarten will gain autonomy. The other islands will be more directly administered by the Netherlands. The Netherlands Antilles is primarily noted for its excellent scenery and diving opportunities.

The towering island of Saba is dominated by the dormant volcano Mount Scenery, which rises nearly 3000 feet out of the water. Hiking and diving opportunities are very impressive, with the hike to the top of Mount Scenery and the Saba Marine Park being good choices.

Sint Eustatius is a sleepy and little touristed (for the Caribbean) island that is also known for outstanding diving. Fort Oranje gives you a view of past history.

Beautiful Bonaire is known for being one of the best diving spots in the Caribbean. The UNESCO World Heritage Bonaire Marine Park contains an amazing diversity of marine life. Above the water the Washington-Slagbaai National Park has an excellent array of reptiles and birds.

Curacao is by far the most populous of the islands and is home to the capital of Willemstad. In addition to the requisite diving highlights, Curacao is also home to many interesting museums focusing on such diverse topics as money, slavery, Jewish culture and history. There is also a fine sea aquarium (Curacao Sea Aquarium).

Sint Maarten is the Dutch side of the island which is also the French Saint Martin. On the Dutch side you can find some excellent beaches and the town of Philipsburg with its town and museum.

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Last edited Aug 31, 07 1:01 AM.

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1. Punda

(1 reviews)

Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles

One of the oldest parts of Willemstad, Punda was where the founding merchants set up shop. The area features duty-free shopping, a floating market, Fort Amsterdam and more. You can visit Punda as part of a walking..

2. Beach

(1 reviews)

Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles

The beach here is clean and convenient. Especially if you are coming off of a cruise ship. Taking the water taxi from the pier to the downtown pier is the best way to get here. You can walk (a mile or two away) or..

3. Daaibooi Beach

(1 reviews)

Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

Another one of the most beautiful beaches in Curacao

4. Hook's Hut

(1 reviews)

Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

All scuba dive rental, and at night the most romantic and idyllic restaurant at Curaçao. Enjoy your fantastic cocktails and meals while sitting on a table at the beach.

5. Kenepa

(1 reviews)

Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island!

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1. Grant's Tip on Philipsburg

Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles

It is a busy cruise ship port, so it is best to know ahead of time when the ships are in and avoid the city. A better option is Marigot on the French side of the island. For an odd experience, watch the planes land and take off over the beach just outside of Philipsburg.

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2. Andy's Tip on Windward Side

Windward Side, Netherlands Antilles

Windward Side is a gem lost in time! The island has just one round that circumnavigates the island, you can't get lost. Many of the islanders are descended from pirates. Take a walk to the highest point which takes you into the rainforest. If you complete the walk, you will receive a certificate in Windward Side which confirms you have climbed the highest point in the Dutch empire!

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3. Andy's Tip on Saba

Saba, Netherlands Antilles

Saba is a great day trip from St Marten. Usually a destination for divers, there is a spectacular walk to the peak of this extinct volcano which is now crested by rainforest. Look out for the small lizards which are particular to Saba, they have beautiful leopard markings. There are plenty of humming birds here too.

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4. Mathijs's Tip on Willemstad

Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles

If you want to have fun and party, come to Willemstad. Dutch Caribean. It is nice! Always nice wheater and lots of friendly people. I spent there 6 months and I think I am going back to experience it again ;).

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5. Christian's Tip on Willemstad

Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles

The city is alot of fun to go see with great shopping, bars and restaurants, but make sure you go in groups after dark. Some of the locals can be a bit shady after dark.

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6. Talitha's Tip on Boka Sami

Boka Sami, Netherlands Antilles

At the restaurant next to diving school Wederfoort you can have a marvellous view during sunset. It's a beautiful place.

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7. Nathan's Tip on Philipsburg

Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles

If you are into plane spotting, Maho Beach is the best place in the world to watch airplanes land.

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8. Michael's Tip on Philipsburg

Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles

While conch chowder is ubiquitus here, there are some genuinely good places. Near the main harbor there are eateries above the tourist shops serving good soup with a view.

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9. Simone's Tip on Bonaire

Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

very small, and just the beach again

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10. Liane's Tip on Philipsburg

Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles

St maarten has a good beach and one of the best places to shop duty free.for a spectacular view thou, I recommend Marigot, on the french side

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