Sailing between the Leeward Islands of the Dutch Caribbean — Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao — promises a unique journey where varied scenery, cultural richness and pristine waters come together at every anchorage. Whether you are passionate about diving, a nature lover, searching for cultural experiences or simply looking to relax on an isolated beach, each island has its own character and a wide range of activities: snorkeling, sailing, hiking, historical visits, nightlife and lazy days in the sun.
With short passages between islands, steady winds and secure anchorages, this itinerary appeals as much to seasoned sailors as to those looking for their first Caribbean loop.
Sailing in the Dutch Caribbean: Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire
General navigation overview in the Dutch Caribbean
Sailing between Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba offers an unforgettable Caribbean experience, with islands close to one another (20 to 60 nautical miles), ideal for short and pleasant crossings. Marine life enthusiasts will be delighted at every stop, with incredible reefs and crystal-clear waters — Bonaire being a true underwater legend.
Regular trade winds ensure stable sailing conditions all year long. Although summers are hotter and more humid, each island offers the perfect blend of culture, nature and watersports for a memorable itinerary, whether you follow Curaçao → Bonaire → Aruba or the reverse loop.
Curaçao
Curaçao is an island of a thousand colors and discoveries, where the colonial charm of Willemstad — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — meets secret beaches and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving. Wander through pastel-colored streets, visit museums dedicated to maritime history or local culture, and explore former plantation houses scattered across the island. Nature lovers can hike through the national park or climb Christoffelberg for breathtaking panoramic views.
With protected harbors, calm waters, steady trade winds and a lively cultural and nightlife scene, Curaçao offers a unique mix of adventure, relaxation and discovery — ideal for anyone seeking the authentic soul of the Caribbean.
Anchorage 1: Santa Krus – Natural beauty in the North
Santa Cruz is one of those bays where you arrive for a night… and end up wanting to stay much longer. Nestled between two vegetation-covered cliffs, this cove offers reliable sand holding, deep-blue water and a rare calm, often shared with only one or two boats. Life here follows nature’s rhythm: fish circling the wreck at the southern entrance, turtles occasionally seen while snorkeling, and that incredible light transforming the bay at sunset. Easy access to the Blue Room — a cathedral-like marine grotto — makes Santa Cruz a unique, sensory-rich stop.
On shore, the atmosphere remains just as authentic. A small local restaurant run by the charismatic Captain Goodlife serves fresh fish with your feet in the sand, and fishermen sometimes approach in small boats to sell their daily catch. No provisioning, no services… just the essentials: a peaceful beach, a few palapas for shade, a trail leading to the cave, and sheltered waters where you’ll want to linger. Santa Cruz is a natural interlude on the way to Aruba, Panama or Colombia — simple, beautiful and profoundly soothing.
Anchorage 2: Kabrietenberg – Maximum protection and relative calm
Kabrietenberg is one of the calmest and safest anchorages in Spanish Water. Protected by the Kabrietenberg hill, the bay remains almost still, offering excellent mud holding and rare tranquility. Space is limited, preserving the peaceful atmosphere, with just a bit of activity on Sundays when local boats go by. The water is green but full of life, and many sailors leave their boat here for weeks.
Practically speaking, there’s a dinghy dock near The Pier, where bus 6A takes you to Willemstad. Free shuttles run to supermarkets, and local services make the stay comfortable despite the feeling of isolation. Note: this is a regulated zone requiring an anchoring permit and clearance with the authorities. Kabrietenberg is perfect for taking a break, working in peace or waiting for a weather window in a truly serene environment.
Anchorage 3: Klein Curaçao – A MUST STOP on the way to Bonaire
Klein Curaçao is an essential stop on the route to Bonaire: a tiny island off Curaçao’s southeast coast offering an unforgettable experience. Its turquoise waters, pristine beach and wild landscapes create a postcard setting. The island invites exploration: snorkeling around wrecks, diving, walking along its white sands and enjoying breathtaking sunsets. Access from Curaçao is easy, and once day-trip boats leave, the island returns to full tranquility.
Although the anchorage is exposed — with shifting sand patches and depths sometimes different from charts — Klein Curaçao remains a magical daytime stop, ideal for relaxing, exploring and capturing memorable moments. The rolling swell makes overnight stays less comfortable, but for a daytime break en route to Bonaire, it’s a natural paradise not to be missed.
Bonaire
Bonaire is a natural paradise for sea and diving lovers, with clear shallow waters, some of the best-preserved reefs in the Caribbean and world-class windsurf spots at Lac Bay. The island, wilder and quieter than its neighbors, invites exploration of mangroves, salt pans home to flamingos, the Washington Slagbaai nature park filled with iguanas and endemic parrots, or the uninhabited Klein Bonaire for an idyllic beach day.
Between diving, snorkeling, sailing and land excursions, Bonaire blends pristine nature, watersports and tranquility, offering an authentic, revitalizing Caribbean experience.
Anchorage 1: Bonaire Buoys – Expensive but ideal
The Bonaire Buoys system offers exceptional mooring conditions to discover the island’s natural wonders. Famous for clear waters, spectacular reefs and abundant marine life, it lets you dive directly from your boat or access many dive sites around the island. Protected marine areas, beautiful landscapes and proximity to the national park make this anchorage essential for nature and diving lovers — despite its relatively high cost.
The mooring buoys provide optimal safety, especially for boats under 60 ft, with a convenient dinghy dock and easy access to local dive operators. Anchoring is strictly forbidden, and you should be aware of limitations such as no Starlink and expensive local SIM cards. Despite these constraints, Bonaire Buoys remains the best choice to fully enjoy the island’s underwater treasures in comfort and peace.
Marina 1: Harbour Village Marina – For longer stays
Harbour Village Marina is an ideal base for exploring Bonaire, known for its safety and friendly staff. The marina offers a calm, intimate setting, perfect for families or cruisers in transit. Well-maintained docks, clean facilities and strong security reassure visitors, while the staff is notably helpful — often beyond official hours. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes the stay pleasant despite the distance from town.
Reaching shops often requires a bike or car. Although overall costs are high, Harbour Village is a reliable, comfortable marina — perfect for those seeking safety, tranquility and a good starting point to explore Bonaire.
Aruba — if the mood strikes!
Aruba is the ultimate beach island, famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters perfect for swimming, kitesurfing and diving. Around Oranjestad, all-inclusive resorts and upscale hotels offer comfortable stays, while the east coast is wilder, home to Arikok National Park with volcanic landscapes, endemic cacti and rare birds. Boat or submarine excursions, hikes, birdwatching, horse-riding and lively nightlife provide a full range of activities for families, couples and active travelers — always with the charm of Caribbean sunshine and ideal sailing waters. Anchorages are limited, but Surfside Beach is a great stop to visit the capital.
Anchorage: Surfside Beach – Well-protected and ideal for visiting town
The Surfside Beach anchorage is perfectly located to enjoy Aruba, close to the town center and airport, with easy access to shops, restaurants and the beach. Those who enjoy vibrant urban life will appreciate the proximity to lively bars, watersports activities and tourist services — plus the convenience of welcoming friends flying in. The water remains generally calm thanks to good protection from swell, and steady trade winds bring refreshing ventilation onboard.
The sandy bottom, with rocky and grassy patches, sometimes requires a bit of maneuvering to find good holding, but 2–10 m depths suit most boats. Access ashore is simple via tender docks near the port or Pinchos Bar. Despite nightlife, traffic noise and airport activity, Surfside Beach remains Aruba’s most convenient and central anchorage — perfect for combining water activities, provisioning and enjoying the island’s lively atmosphere.
Whether you are drawn to Bonaire’s underwater world, Curaçao’s vibrant colors or Aruba’s warm energy, this itinerary offers a timeless Caribbean escape. And before you set sail, remember to save this itinerary to your favorites in the Navily app — a simple way to keep your best navigation ideas close at hand.
