Saba Tourist Places to Visit in Saba, Netherlands Antilles, America

Saba Tourist Places to Visit in Saba, Netherlands Antilles, America

Saba is an island as well as the smallest special municipality of the Netherlands geographically positioned between 17°38′ N latitude and 63°14′ W longitude. The Bottom is the capital and largest city of Saba. Saba houses A.M. Edwards Medical Center and Saba University School of Medicine which is one of the major universities in the Caribbean.

 

Geography of Saba:

Saba is spread over an area of 13 sq. km and the main settlements of Saba are The Bottom, Hell’s Gate, St. Johns and Windwardside.

 

History of Saba:

It is believed that, the name Saba may be derived from the Arabic language. Saba was sighted by Christopher Columbus on 13th November 1493 and later British landed in 1632, later French claimed it in 1635 and finally Dutch took the full control of Saba in 1816. Saba became a special municipality of the Netherlands when Netherlands Antilles was dissolved on 10th October 2010.

 

Connectivity to Saba:

Saba is served by only airport on the island, Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport which is catered by Winair (regular flights to Sint Eustatius, Saint Maarten and charter flights to Anguilla) and Anguilla Air Services (charter flights to Anguilla only). JEYA is situated around 7 km away from capital city, The Bottom. Taxis are available at the airport.

Dawn II (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) and The Edge (Wednesday to Sunday) are the major boat operators between Saba and Saint Martin.

The major car rentals in Saba include:

  • Caja’s Car Rental
  • Morgan’s Car Rental

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Saba:

The culture of Saba is inherited from Dutch, Scottish, and African. Dutch is the official language and English is widely communicated language all around the island.

Saba houses numerous standard shops with branded and latest products. The famous food corners in Saba are:

  • Tropic’s Cafe
  • Bistro del Mare
  • Restaurant Eden
  • Swinging Doors
  • Scout’s Place Restaurant & Bar

 

Things to do in Saba:

  • Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Hiking

 

Places of interest in Saba:

Mount Scenery:

The Mount Scenery is the highest point on both Saba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands sited at an elevation of 887 meters. It is clearly visible from Windwardside, a town in Saba. Morning is the best time of the day to hike up.

 

Saba National Marine Park:

The Saba National Marine Park covers an area of around 5 square miles with a wide range of fish species such as the Atlantic blue tang, black durgon, barracuda and parrotfish. Tourists can also spot stingrays, Octopus and turtles in the park. Visitors are needed to pay $5 as an entrance fee.

 

Saba Government House:

The Saba Government House is one of the major landmarks in Saba. It was established in the pleasant area, backed by large trees, and the outer structure of the house looks very nice.

 

Other places of interest near Saba:

  • Diamond Rock
  • Tent Reef Wall
  • Twilight Zone
  • The Bottom
  • Tide Pools at Flat Point
  • Hell’s Gate
  • Hell’s Gate Community Center
  • Holy Rosary Church
  • Shark Shoal
  • Torrens Point
  • Hole in the Corner
  • Christ Church
  • Harry L. Johnson Museum

 

Best time to visit Saba:

From December to April will be the ideal time to visit Saba.

 

Accommodation options in Saba:

Due to the visit of around 25,000 tourists every year, there are plenty of inns, hotels and rental cottages established all round the island for visitors convenience. A list of the major hotels in Saba includes:

  • Juliana’s Hotel
  • Shearwater Resort
  • The Cottage Club
  • Scout’s Place Hotel
  • Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel
  • The Gate House
  • Cranston’s Antique Inn
  • Queen’s Gardens Resort
  • El Momo Cottages
  • Ecolodge Rendez-Vous
  • Mountain Spring Villas
  • Scout’s Place
  • Cottage Club

Tourist Places to Visit in Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles, America

Tourist Places to Visit in Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles, America

Philipsburg is a town as well as the seat of Sint Maarten, one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is home to Princess Juliana International Airport and a well constructed seaport as well. The Front Street is the prominent shopping street of Philipsburg.

 

Geography of Philipsburg:

Philipsburg is sited between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond positioned geographically at 18.0237° N 63.0458° W.

 

History of Philipsburg:

Arawak people were the first settlers of Sint Maarten and Christopher Columbus visited the island on 11th November 1493. A Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, John Philips was the founder of Philipsburg in 1763. Fort Amsterdam and Fort Willem are the two major historical identities of Philipsburg.

 

Connectivity to Philipsburg:

Princess Juliana International Airport is one of the main airports of Caribbean Dutch islands located around 10 km away from the major town of Sint Maarten, Philipsburg.  It has a wide network with connection to most of the major European, North American and Caribbean destinations.

The major cites connected with PJIA include Paris, Atlanta, New York, Miami, Boston, Amsterdam, Montréal, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Toronto.

Buses are common in the town, travelling all around the island. Car is cheap and simple way to get around and taxis are always available at the airport stand.

 

Food and Culture in Philipsburg:

The best option to different product shopping in a single place is Front Street located in the centre of the town. Philipsburg is famous for jewelry items.

The famous restaurants in Philipsburg are listed here below:

  • La Sucriere
  • Honky Tonk Bar
  • Le Petite Cafe
  • Au Petit Cafe
  • The Green House

 

Things to do in Philipsburg:

  • Harley Motorcycles Tour
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming
  • Diving
  • Shopping
  • Boardwalk

 

Places of interest in Philipsburg:

Fort Amsterdam:

Fort Amsterdam is a historical fort, constructed by the Dutch in 1631. It houses numerous rusting 19th century cannon and also tourists can spot Brown Pelicans in the fort. It is worth to visit.

 

Maho Beach:

Maho Beach is noted for nearness with Princess Juliana International Airport. Here tourists can see flying flights from short distance from the land and also can take pictures of flights. Be careful when taking photos because sometimes flights fly very close to land.

 

Butterfly Farm:

Located in Carter D’Orleans, the Butterfly Farm of Sint Maarten is home to hundreds of colorful butterflies. It is an ideal spot for nature and insect lovers and is open from 9AM-3PM. The entrance fee is $12.

 

Other places of interest in and around Philipsburg include:

  • Fort Willem
  • Mullet Bay
  • Loterie Farm
  • Kid Connect
  • Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
  • Little Bay Beach
  • Great Bay Beach
  • Frontstreet
  • Dawn Beach
  • Maarten Zoo
  • Maarten Museum
  • Philipsburg Courthouse
  • Wathey Square
  • Guana Bay Beach

 

Best time to visit Philipsburg:

From May to June and from November to mid December is the ideal time to travel Philipsburg.

 

Accommodation options in Philipsburg:

Philipsburg is packed with world class casinos, spas and resorts with the latest styles of facial and body treatments and entertainment activities. Budget hotels charge around $100, mid range-$150+ and splurge- above $200. A list of prominent hotels in Philipsburg includes:

  • Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse
  • Tamarind Hotel
  • L’Esperance Hotel
  • Holland House Beach Hotel
  • Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
  • Belair Beach Hotel
  • Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino
  • Sea Palace Hotel
  • Seaview Hotel & Casino
  • Horizon View Beach Hotel
  • Princess Port de Plaisance Resort and Casino
  • Joshua Rose Guest House
  • New Seabreeze Hotel
  • George’s Guest House
  • Villas on Great Bay

Places to Visit in Kralendijk, Netherlands Antilles, America

Places to Visit in Kralendijk, Netherlands Antilles, America

Kralendijk is the capital city of Bonaire, an island as well as a special municipality of the Netherlands. It is home to the main port of the island and is famous for its marvelous beaches, different entertainment options and numerous historical monuments. Kralendijk is geographically placed between 12.1507° N latitude and 68.2767° W longitude.

 

History of Kralendijk:

Kralendijk houses many colonial buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, Fort Oranje is the major one which was initially constructed in 1639 to protect major harbor of Bonaire. There were English settlements established next to fort with name Playa in 1810 and it was conquered by the Dutch who renamed as Kralendijk in 1840. The Divi Bonaire Hotel is one of the historical identities of Kralendijk.

 

Connectivity to Kralendijk:

Kralendijk has its own airport, Flamingo International Airport served by many prominent airlines namely the United Airlines, Tiara Air, Insel Air, Delta Air Lines, Arkefly and Divi Divi Air with direct flights to Curaçao, Miami, Amsterdam, Houston, Aruba, Las Piedras, Newark and Houston.

There is no public bus service in Kralendijk but car and taxis are serving the requirement of transportation.

Tourists can hire taxi almost everywhere on the island including airport and city center. Bicycle and scooter are other modes of transportation. Water taxi services are available from the Kralendijk port in neighboring beautiful Klein Bonaire Island.

 

Food and Shopping in Kralendijk:

Kaya Grandi is the main shopping street of Kralendijk housing many 19th and 20th century shops with a variety of products including handicrafts, perfumes and cotton clothes. Kralendijk also houses many bookstores and departmental stores.

The prominent food corners in Kralendijk are listed here below:

  • Gio’s Gelateria & Caffe
  • Between 2 buns
  • Pasa Bon Pizza
  • Wil’s Tropical Grill
  • Donna & Giorgio

 

Things to do in Kralendijk:

  • Snorkeling
  • Diving
  • Visiting historical sites
  • Shopping

 

Places of interest in Kralendijk:

World War II Monument:

The World War II Monument was constructed to commemorate Bonaireans who died during the Second World War. Construction is unique and a must watch.

 

Wilhelmina Park:

Wilhelmina Park is located in the pleasant environment offering different activities including recreation options for children. It was named in the honor of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.

 

Protestant Church:

Protestant Church was built in 1847 for Dutch people who lived in Bonaire and in 1868 church tower was added.

 

Van Walbeeck Monument:

The Van Walbeeck Monument commemorates the 300th anniversary of the first governor of the Netherlands Antilles, Johannes van Walbeeck. It was built in 1934.

 

Museo Boneriano:

The Museo Boneriano exhibits the different artifacts, mainly related to the history and culture of Bonaire.

 

Other places of interest near Kralendijk are:

  • Eleanor Roosevelt Monument
  • Welcome Seat
  • Customs Building
  • Fort Oranje
  • Government Office Building
  • Betico Croes Monument
  • Bernardus Church
  • Plaza Fraternan di Tilburg
  • Former St. Franciscus Covent
  • Public Beach
  • Cultural Park Mangazina di Rei
  • Bari Reef
  • Bonaire Kiteschool
  • Rooi Lamoenchi
  • Coral Casino Bonaire
  • Instituto Folklore Bonaire

 

Best time to visit Kralendijk:

The months of October and November will be best time to enjoy different water sport activities in Kralendijk.

 

Accommodation options in Kralendijk:

Kralendijk is home to several prominent accommodation centers, Plaza Resort Bonaire is the major one located at J A Abraham Boulevard offering different water sport activities such as snorkeling and windsurfing at on-site PADI dive center and charges US$190-300 per night. A list of the major hotels and resorts in Kralendijk is as follows:

  • Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino
  • Buddy Dive
  • Sand Dollar Condominium Resort
  • Sorobon Beach Resort
  • Hotel Restaurant Rochaline
  • Eden Beach Resort
  • Plaza Resort Bonaire
  • Hotel Bonaire Inn
  • Casa Atman
  • Oasis Guesthouse
  • Landhuis Wanapa
  • Tropical Inn Bonaire
  • Club Laman Caribe
  • Port Bonaire Resort
  • Caribbean Court Bonaire

Tourist Places to Visit in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, America

Tourist Places to Visit in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, America

Curacao is an island and one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean. The country of Curacao is made up of major island, Curacao and another uninhabited island, Klein Curacao. Willemstad is the capital and largest city, Netherlands Antillean guilder is the currency and Dutch, Papiamentu and English are the official languages of Curacao.

 

Geography of Curacao:

Curacao is placed in the southern portion of the Caribbean Sea at the coordinates of 12°11′ N 69°00′ W. It spans a total area of 444 sq. km.

 

History of Curacao:

There are two theories about the origin of name Curacao, one theory claims that, Curacao was derived from the Portuguese word ‘Coracao’ (heart) and another theory states that, Curacao was the name of the native community of Curacao.

Curacao was one of the five islands that form Netherlands Antilles which was dissolved on 10th October 2010, when Curacao became the constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands along with Sint Maarten.

 

How to reach Curacao?

The airport of Curacao Hato International Airport is placed around 13 km away from the capital city, Willemstad. HIA operates scheduled flights from and to major North American cities including Toronto, Miami and Amsterdam in Netherlands and most of the Caribbean destinations.

Curaçao Mega Pier is the major Cruise ship landing point of the island and tourists can hire taxi, scooters, bike and car at any of the local travel agencies of Curacao. Buses are also helpful.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Curacao:

Roman Catholic forms 85% population of Curacao, followed by other communities including Hindus and Muslims. Bulawaya dance is a typical dance style and Krioyo is a major local cuisine of Curacao.

The capital city, Willemstad holds most of the major and modern shopping centers of Curacao and list of the prominent restaurants in Curacao include:

  • On y va picnic
  • Seaside Terrace
  • Oceans Restaurant
  • Old Dutch Cafe
  • Bistro le Clochard

 

Things to do in Curacao:

  • Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Boat tour

 

Places of interest in Curacao:

Curacao Maritime Museum:

Maritime Museum of Curacao holds more than 500 years old ship models, navigation equipment and nautical charts related to Curacao’s maritime history. It also conducts guided tours every Wednesday and Saturdays afternoon. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Tuesday to Saturday.

 

Christoffel National Park:

Christoffel National Park is at the West Point of the island, maintained by Carmabi Foundation. It is home to the highest point in Curacao, Mount Christoffel (1292 feet) and Boca Grandi, which is an Indian cave where the Arawak Indians left many beautiful paintings.

 

Curacao Sea Aquarium:

Curacao Sea Aquarium is a prime attraction of Curacao offering different activities, especially the dolphin interaction. Advance booking is offered and price may vary on the activities chosen by the tourists.

 

Other places of interest near Curacao are listed below:

  • Playa Jeremi
  • Playa Porto Mari
  • Habitat Beach
  • Mambo Beach
  • Mikve’ Israel Emmanuel Synagogue
  • Klein Curacao
  • Playa Kalki
  • Playa Grote Kenapa
  • Playa Kleine Kenapa
  • Fort Nassau
  • Fort Amsterdam
  • Hato Caves
  • Shete Boka National Park
  • Christoffel National Park

 

Best time to visit Curacao:

From January to September (dry season) is the best time to visit Curacao to explore beaches and national parks.

 

Accommodation options in Curacao:

Curacao is an attractive island with numerous striking beaches, water sport centers and historical structures. It is also famous for its world class resorts, casinos, spas and hotels. Here is the list of major hotels and resorts in Curacao:

  • Hotel Pelikaan & Casino
  • Curacao Airport Hotel
  • Clarion Hotel & Suites Curacao
  • Howard Johnson Inn Hotel & Casino
  • Howard Johnson Curacao Plaza Hotel & Casino
  • Veneto Holiday Beach Hotel
  • Plaza Hotel Curacao
  • WAVE Hotel & Cafe
  • Otrobanda Hotel and Casino
  • San Marco Hotel and Casino
  • Trupial Inn
  • Sunscape Curacao Resort Spa & Casino
  • Hotel ‘t Klooster
  • Hilton Curacao
  • Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club
scroll to top