The Dutch Antilles is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and are made up by five islands located in the Caribbean Sea.  The islands make up two isolated archipelagos some 900 kilometers from each other: divided by the meridian group of Barlovento which includes St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten and the septentrional group of Sotavento composed of Curacao and Bonaire.   The islands in general have a mountainous surface with a volcanic nature.
Although under the European administration which has determined its official Dutch language, English, Spanish and Papiamento are also spoken.  Papiamento is a mixture of Dutch, English, Spanish, Portuguese and African tongues.    Papiamento is a local creation adopted by diverse cultural influences received throughout the years.
With time each one of the islands has obtained a distinction of cultural legacy which have contributed to the nation and the strong predominance of its traditions and life style.
Nature gave these islands an incredible privilege.  Its geography not only allows one to share its territories with other nations in the region, but also share cities and important tourist destinations.  Curacao belongs to the meridian group of Sotavento and together with Bonaire is one of the most extensive islands with a surface of 448 km2 and 60 km from the Venezuelan coasts.
Willemstad is an important city, as well as the capital and the main political center when it was a colony.  The city conserves a unique heritage, colonial Dutch style buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries, architectural relics that have lasted up until today and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  The city is divided in two by the Santa Anna bay, from which you can recognize two prompt sectors: La Punda and Otrabana.  Among some of the sites of interest to visit are: the Amsterdam Fortress, the Curacao Aquarium, and Postal Museum among others.  For all you nature and adventure lovers you have the San Christoffel National Park and the Rif Recreation area. 
The island has some 38 beaches which offers divers options for water sports.  It also has internationally famous diving sties thanks to its coral reefs that are protected as Submarine National Park. 
If you love sports you can also enjoy a golf course, tennis or any other of your choice.  Curacao is a marvellous destination that combines business travel, congresses and incentives, recreation, cruises together with a modern hotel infrastructure and first rate services.
Bonaire has an extension of 288 km2 and is located some 140 km from Aruba.  It is the less populated of the five islands, but also the most rural and attracts mainly nature lovers.  Its capital is Kralendijk which means “Little Bonaire” and it is famous for the J.A. Abraham Boulevard, Harborside Commercial Center, Oranje Fountain among others. Towards the south of the island you may find the salt plains, Bonaire Marine Park with its coral reefs, Wilemstoren’s oldest lighthouse and Sorobon and Boca Cai beaches.  In the northern area you will find incredible attractions like the Rincon mansions, Barcadera cave, the Seroe salt lake and the Washington National Park, popular for its tropical desert terrain with some 5 thousand hectares.  On the island a visitor can perceive one of the largest biological diversity marine floors in the Caribbean, internationally recognized and one of the most popular areas for diving sport.  Eco-tourism programs are organized on a daily basis which includes water sports installations which are also promoted by the island’s hotels. 
St. Eustatius is one of the less extensive islands with a surface of 21 km2 and it belongs to the Barlovento meridian group together with St. Maarte and Saba.  The capital city of Statia as the locals call it is Orangestad, where most of the island’s population is located.  It does not have much cultural attractions but was blessed by nature.  Its architecture is characterized by its beauty represented by the Dutch style, and you can appreciate it in Ft. Oranje with its impressive cannons that point towards the sea; the St. Eustatius Historic Foundation that is home to historic samples form the 16th century.   It is worth mentioning one of the oldest synagogues in the Antilles, Honen Dalin which was constructed in 1739 and which is currently in ruins but is a historic heritage in the zone.  The island offers a variety of opportunities to satisfy your curiosity and delight.  You can lodge in its attractive and comfortable hotels, surrounded by incredibly beautify gardens with paradise like landscapes that can be a dream for many.  Its restaurants, with first class services offer a variety and delicious local cuisine.   In St. Eustatius you can practice your favourite sports as this region has enough capacities to satisfy your preferences.
The island of Saba bursts into the Caribbean like a dream in paradise.  It is the smallest island of the five that make up the Dutch Antilles with a surface of 13 km2 and it is located some 45 kilometers southwest of St. Maarten.
Saba is divided into four small towns:  Windwarside, its capital; The Bottom, St. John´s and Hell´s Gate.  Its airport is well known for its runway which is the smallest in the world with some 400 meter in length.  It is a peaceful island with practically no discotheques or casinos, but with lodging for those that want to rest as well as restaurants and bars to enjoy and meet interesting people.
It is a very mountainous territory and example of this, is the famous Mount Scenery volcano 880 meters high, considered the highest mountain in the Dutch kingdom. The island is an oasis for those nature lovers, famous for its marvellous tropical jungle with a variety of uncommon flora and fauna.  The “Saba Conservation Foundation” has prepared interesting routes that you can enjoy.  Despite the absence of beaches, there are many spectacular alternatives for those that prefer water sports.  There are many places for diving around the island, approximately 30 marked sites with floats.   The coast and sea that surrounds the island is part of the Saba Marine Park.  The submarine world is totally virgin, protected and conserved. In reference to culture, there are parties that are held where you can dance salsa and other Caribbean dances.  The Saba carnival is held in July and is an unforgettable experience. 
The island of St. Maarte is found 310 kilometer east of Puerto Rico and 56 kilometer from its neighboring St. Eustatius.  It shares its territory with St. Martin, belonging to the French Antilles.  St. Maarten with a surface of 34 km2 offers an excellent tourism infrastructure with hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos, as well as diverse sites uniting history with the island.
In Phillipsburg, its capital you can visit the Justice Palace, the Botanical Gardens, museums, etc.  Its surroundings offers you beaches like: Great Bay, Dawn Beach to the city’s northeast; Guana Beach; Bahia Simpson, to the east of the island; Cupecoy which among others is ideal for those that practice any sport mainly water sports.
For those that prefer eco-tourism you can walk along the Loterie Farm, while in the French sector at the foothold of the Paraiso hill you will find the island’s highest elevation.   And for those that prefer golf we recommend Bahia Mullet.  It is an excellent option for those that want a different vacation with culture, games, fun and its warm waters.  The Dutch Antilles assures you an unforgettable experience full of adventures, culture and a variety of options in an atmosphere awarded by the Caribbean and European hospitality.