© Curacao Tourist Board

Explore the ABC Islands

The ABC Islands, of the Leeward Antilles, are made up of three islands; Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. They lie in the Dutch Caribbean, in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. Each island has a handful of dive centres and dive resorts which will help divers have an exciting diving holiday in these clear, flourishing waters. If divers prefer spending their diving holiday on a liveaboard, there are also a number of those that visit this region. The islands all have a range of marine environments and a high abundance of things to see. Some of the highlights include a high number of wrecks accessible to divers of all levels, vibrant coral reefs made up of corals of all shapes, sizes and colours, a plethora of marine fauna including many schools of fish, seagrass and rocky topography. What heightens the experience of diving here is the calm, clear waters which range between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The warm, tropical climate here also means warm air temperatures all year round. Whether divers want to increase their diving skills by taking dive courses, get their hearts pumping while diving into history in some of the many wrecks, or float overtop the many healthy reefs, it is all possible here.

Top Regions to Explore

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Dive Activity

Diving in the ABC Islands

The ABC Islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao – offer exceptional diving experiences with a blend of wrecks, shore dives, and vibrant marine life. Bonaire is renowned for its easy-access shore dives, with sites like 1000 Steps offering stunning coral gardens and turtles. Wreck enthusiasts will find the Hilma Hooker in Bonaire a must-see, resting at a depth accessible to divers of varied skill levels.

Aruba's Antilla Wreck is one of the largest in the Caribbean, perfect for exploration. Curaçao provides a mix of shore and boat dives, with notable sites like Mushroom Forest featuring unique coral formations. The islands also offer night diving experiences, revealing nocturnal sea creatures and bioluminescence. Dive travelers can enjoy both shore and liveaboard options, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring a memorable underwater adventure.

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Dive Sites

The best Months to Dive in the ABC Islands

The ABC Islands offer excellent diving conditions throughout the year. The water temperatures range from a warm 26°C to 28°C/79°F to 82°F, ensuring comfortable dives in all seasons. Visibility is typically exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters/about 100 feet, which enhances the underwater experience, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and coral reefs.

Weather conditions are generally favorable for diving year-round, with trade winds providing a pleasant breeze. However, during the hurricane season from June to November, the islands may experience increased winds and stronger currents, though they are outside the hurricane belt and rarely directly affected. Divers should be mindful of these factors, but overall, the ABC Islands remain a top choice for consistent and enjoyable diving experiences any time of the year.

Top Wildlife Sightings in the ABC Islands

The ABC Islands are renowned for their vibrant marine biodiversity, making them a haven for divers. Common reef fish include parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, often seen flitting among the coral gardens. Bonaire is noted for its protected marine park, offering frequent sightings of barracudas and groupers. Seasonal highlights vary across the islands. From May to September, divers might spot sea turtles near nesting sites, particularly around Bonaire. Shark sightings, including reef and nurse sharks, are more common in deeper waters, mainly around Curaçao. Rays, such as the spotted eagle ray, can be encountered year-round, with increased activity during warmer months.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

20k Sightings
J
1.6k
F
1.5k
M
1.9k
A
1.5k
M
1.5k
J
1.4k
J
2k
A
2k
S
1.7k
O
1.6k
N
1.8k
D
1.9k
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

12k Sightings
J
755
F
765
M
1k
A
938
M
768
J
890
J
1.3k
A
1.2k
S
972
O
913
N
1k
D
1k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

9.9k Sightings
J
703
F
663
M
946
A
646
M
665
J
545
J
897
A
1k
S
898
O
838
N
1k
D
998

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

4k Sightings
J
263
F
212
M
451
A
174
M
364
J
373
J
349
A
358
S
421
O
274
N
326
D
421
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

3.2k Sightings
J
245
F
208
M
272
A
262
M
233
J
269
J
328
A
361
S
212
O
255
N
260
D
266

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

2.3k Sightings
J
172
F
96
M
166
A
157
M
158
J
152
J
217
A
290
S
225
O
195
N
246
D
242

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray

1.8k Sightings
J
94
F
129
M
203
A
170
M
149
J
194
J
160
A
204
S
122
O
129
N
131
D
160
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

770 Sightings
J
65
F
38
M
30
A
67
M
92
J
68
J
112
A
53
S
85
O
78
N
50
D
32

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

22k Sightings
J
1.5k
F
1.4k
M
2.1k
A
1.5k
M
1.5k
J
1.8k
J
2.3k
A
2.3k
S
2k
O
1.8k
N
1.9k
D
2.1k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

16k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1k
M
1.5k
A
1.1k
M
1.1k
J
1.3k
J
1.7k
A
1.7k
S
1.5k
O
1.3k
N
1.5k
D
1.6k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

16k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.1k
M
1.5k
A
1.1k
M
1.2k
J
1.2k
J
1.7k
A
1.6k
S
1.5k
O
1.2k
N
1.4k
D
1.6k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

16k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1.1k
M
1.3k
A
1.1k
M
980
J
1.2k
J
1.7k
A
1.7k
S
1.3k
O
1.2k
N
1.4k
D
1.5k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

12k Sightings
J
766
F
655
M
1.1k
A
667
M
876
J
931
J
1.2k
A
1.2k
S
1k
O
897
N
987
D
1.2k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

11k Sightings
J
765
F
622
M
1.1k
A
702
M
762
J
779
J
1k
A
1.2k
S
1.1k
O
902
N
913
D
1k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

10k Sightings
J
683
F
650
M
976
A
790
M
758
J
781
J
1.1k
A
1k
S
868
O
782
N
926
D
932

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

8.9k Sightings
J
585
F
628
M
933
A
587
M
746
J
636
J
825
A
834
S
828
O
658
N
818
D
787

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

Tarpon

Tarpon

8.5k Sightings
J
428
F
464
M
637
A
587
M
624
J
651
J
1k
A
934
S
895
O
846
N
752
D
651

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

7.7k Sightings
J
547
F
499
M
772
A
512
M
535
J
580
J
737
A
776
S
727
O
640
N
598
D
753

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

7.1k Sightings
J
491
F
444
M
797
A
431
M
550
J
584
J
672
A
669
S
766
O
507
N
481
D
726

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

7k Sightings
J
475
F
383
M
740
A
444
M
511
J
576
J
701
A
763
S
765
O
484
N
501
D
641

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

6.5k Sightings
J
354
F
300
M
695
A
425
M
547
J
571
J
569
A
717
S
671
O
492
N
585
D
608

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

5.9k Sightings
J
388
F
327
M
640
A
327
M
471
J
422
J
495
A
630
S
645
O
483
N
517
D
549

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish

4.8k Sightings
J
420
F
328
M
634
A
334
M
304
J
322
J
435
A
540
S
429
O
226
N
384
D
417

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

4k Sightings
J
240
F
269
M
461
A
332
M
312
J
261
J
396
A
455
S
328
O
273
N
325
D
337

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

3.6k Sightings
J
297
F
196
M
364
A
285
M
201
J
338
J
359
A
240
S
380
O
177
N
207
D
522

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

3.5k Sightings
J
187
F
174
M
347
A
145
M
224
J
291
J
378
A
395
S
387
O
334
N
292
D
364

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

3.2k Sightings
J
104
F
179
M
181
A
264
M
330
J
289
J
318
A
517
S
361
O
201
N
272
D
222

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

3.2k Sightings
J
216
F
163
M
211
A
175
M
142
J
175
J
266
A
415
S
495
O
392
N
272
D
301

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

3.2k Sightings
J
194
F
222
M
414
A
277
M
172
J
293
J
314
A
326
S
293
O
245
N
153
D
277

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

Flounder

Flounder

3k Sightings
J
218
F
141
M
303
A
185
M
192
J
187
J
280
A
280
S
271
O
235
N
357
D
340
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse

2.4k Sightings
J
133
F
99
M
131
A
212
M
169
J
229
J
332
A
243
S
206
O
206
N
240
D
191

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Cornetfish

Cornetfish

2.1k Sightings
J
154
F
129
M
189
A
246
M
157
J
164
J
149
A
313
S
190
O
104
N
167
D
145

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

2.1k Sightings
J
108
F
54
M
184
A
184
M
269
J
168
J
203
A
218
S
168
O
113
N
196
D
197

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Squid

Squid

1.8k Sightings
J
84
F
84
M
104
A
85
M
133
J
205
J
314
A
303
S
182
O
90
N
128
D
109

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Garfish

Garfish

1.7k Sightings
J
166
F
102
M
127
A
134
M
132
J
171
J
187
A
215
S
156
O
120
N
87
D
113

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

1.6k Sightings
J
116
F
65
M
174
A
45
M
149
J
154
J
167
A
224
S
171
O
128
N
119
D
120

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

1.6k Sightings
J
129
F
85
M
113
A
125
M
94
J
132
J
184
A
158
S
129
O
150
N
136
D
160

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Sand Eel

Sand Eel

975 Sightings
J
79
F
43
M
65
A
44
M
30
J
76
J
124
A
117
S
112
O
90
N
96
D
99

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Snake Eel

Snake Eel

938 Sightings
J
118
F
63
M
64
A
67
M
50
J
36
J
97
A
143
S
84
O
93
N
77
D
46
Garibaldi Damselfish

Garibaldi Damselfish

621 Sightings
J
96
F
29
M
43
A
23
M
73
J
72
J
46
A
66
S
30
O
47
N
36
D
60

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

560 Sightings
J
45
F
17
M
14
A
36
M
42
J
67
J
52
A
38
S
98
O
29
N
51
D
71

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