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ABC Island Hopping

ABC Island Hopping

Combine Curaçao with Aruba and Bonaire: who flies between the islands, what paperwork you need and routes that work.

Photo: Dronepicr, CC BY 3.0
  • AirlinesDivi Divi Air, Z Air, Winair
  • Flight timesRoughly 30–45 minutes per hop
  • FerryNo scheduled passenger ferry
  • Best orderFly long-haul into the island where you'll spend most time

Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao sit in a neat row off the Venezuelan coast, and combining two or all three is easier than many people expect. The islands feel surprisingly different: Curaçao for culture and coves, Aruba for wide resort beaches, Bonaire for diving and quiet. Here's how to make it work.

Getting between the islands

You fly. There is no scheduled passenger ferry, and the open-sea crossing is long and rough. Three regional airlines cover the routes in 2026:

  • Divi Divi Air: based on Curaçao, the most frequent service to Bonaire and several daily flights to Aruba, on small Twin Otter and Islander aircraft.
  • Z Air (formerly EZ Air): daily ABC flights on larger turboprops.
  • Winair: links the ABC islands with Sint Maarten a few times a week.

Compare schedules on Trip.com or Omio. Booking direct with the airline often makes changes easier.

Good to know: Regional airlines don't generally interline with the long-haul carriers, so a delayed island hop that makes you miss your flight home is your problem. Plan at least one night on Curaçao or Aruba before an intercontinental flight, and get travel insurance that covers missed connections.

Paperwork and fees

  • Curaçao: complete the Digital Immigration (DI) card before arrival, including when you return from a neighbouring island.
  • Aruba: the online ED card within a week of arrival, plus a US$20 sustainability fee for most visitors aged 8+.
  • Bonaire: a US$75 visitor entry tax (ages 13+), paid online, valid for return visits within a month.

Travel on a passport and check the rules for your nationality on each island's official site. Small aircraft have tight baggage limits; dive gear and big suitcases may cost extra.

Sample routes

  • 10 days, two islands: 7 nights Curaçao (split between Willemstad and the west), 3 nights Bonaire.
  • 14 days, all three: fly into Curaçao, 4 nights Bonaire, back to Curaçao for 6 nights, then 4 nights Aruba and fly home from Aruba if your airline allows an open-jaw ticket.

Spend at least three nights per island; two nights is mostly airport time. Curaçao sits in the middle, which makes it the natural hub. Read Aruba and Bonaire for the best of each, and our 7-day Curaçao itinerary for the main island. Hotels for each leg: Curaçao.

Practical tips

Check in early: small aircraft board on time and close the desk early. Pack a light day bag in case your main bag is moved to a later flight because of weight. Keep each island's entry confirmation on your phone and on paper.

Tours: ABC Island Hopping

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take a ferry between Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao?

No scheduled passenger ferry operates. Inter-island flights are the way to go.

Which ABC island is the best hub?

Curaçao, in the middle, has frequent flights to both neighbours and plenty of long-haul connections.

How far ahead should I book inter-island flights?

For holidays, especially late December, book weeks or months ahead; seats are limited on small aircraft.

ABC Island Hopping
Photo: Senor Luis Bertran, CC BY-SA 4.0

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