Windsurfing Holidays In Dutch Antilles
Windsurfing in the Dutch Antilles is a unique experience; as one might expect from a country set in the crystal waters of the Caribbean, the natural beauty here is overwhelming. Pink feathered flamingos, emerald green mangroves and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. But what sets this location apart from all the others is the lifestyle. Pure, simple and unspoiled. You won't find any congested high-rise hotels on the horizon, no exhaust belching buses filled with frantic tourists lining up for a photo-op and no motorboats in a frenzied race to nowhere. Instead, this is a place where you'll become overwhelmed by all the things windsurfers live for. The Dutch Antilles have a tropical climate, with warm weather all year round and are world renowned for its excellent conditions for windsurfing and consistently rated among the best windsurf locations in the world.
Average temperature for the ABCs year-round is a perfect 28°C (82°F). High noon is a bit warmer and at night it can get breezy, but mostly you’ll be fine in shorts and T-shirt. The islands are fairly dry, averaging a little over 1in (2.5cm) of rain per month. Much of this falls from September to early December. The islands usually miss the Caribbean hurricane season, although a couple passed to the north in 2007 and dumped a lot of water. As always, when you go depends on how cold you are. If you just have to warm up December to April, then you can join the crowds during high season. Otherwise, the islands are more accessible and rates much cheaper other times of the year. The high season for cruise ships runs October to April. Outside of these times the port towns can be almost sleepy.
You can pay for just about everything in US dollars on the ABCs. Sometimes you will get change back in US currency, other times you will receive it in Aruba florins (Afl) or Netherlands Antillean guilders (NAf or ANG) on Bonaire and Curaçao. The Netherlands Antilles Guilder is tied to the US Dollar. Most ATMs on Aruba and Curaçao let you withdraw currency in US dollars. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Most major currencies, including US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros, are easily exchanged. ATMs are located around the island. In Netherlands Antilles travellers checks are accepted by all banks and most hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, you are advised to take travellers checks in U.S. dollars.
Top regions in dutch-antilles
Bonaire, and its small sister island Klien Bonaire, is one of three islands in the Caribbean making up the Dutch Antilles or ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) and is one of the least tourist-developed and visited of the islands, yet both on land and under the sea, one of the Caribbean's most striking. It is located just north of Venezuela, south of the hurricane belt offering a year-round stable climate. Apart from being a fantastic windsurf and wingfoiing location Bonaire also offers world-class diving so makes for an ideal windsurf / dive combination holiday.
The island of Bonaire offers a friendly environment for all visitors. Couples can enjoy each other's company, even if one likes to sail and the other likes to enjoy the beach. And it is the ideal place for a family holiday. Children can also begin the lessons when they are four years old! Bonaire is one of the best flat water and easiest windsurf destinations in the world! There is a stunningly beautiful flat water lagoon, wind for 8 months of the year and a newly renovated hotel directly on the windsurfing beach (Sorobon Beach Resort). For UK travellers, there is no direct flight, but the slightly longer flight route via Amsterdam or Paris is a small price to pay for such a great destination. Also, Bonaire is not as expensive as many other Caribbean Islands, with the general cost of living being more in line with the UK.
Best for - improver (10/10), Beginner (10/10), Intermediate (10/10), waves (8/10)
Saint Martin is a lovely little island of luscious rolling hills, beautiful beaches and warm seas situated on the boarders of the Greater and Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Being just 95 km² it is the smallest land in the world to be shared by 2 different nations – and harmoniously for nearly 350 years. The Dutch Saint Maarten (St Martin) occupies around one third of the island and is dominated by duty-free shopping, casinos and cruise ship tourism. The French Saint Martin, where our sports centres and hotels are, has an emphasis on nature, relaxation, elegance, luxury, pristine beaches and fine cuisine.
As well as windsurfing and kitesurfing, St Martin offers a wide choice of other activities both on and off the water. The waves are great for traditional surfing and Stand Up Surfing (SUP), with conditions suitable for beginners and advanced. The centre has it's own catamaran which will sail out to the surf spots, saving precious energy, and allowing friend and families to relax, take pictures, and get a close up view of the action. Wake boarding and waterskiing can be arranged for light wind days, along with parasailing for a real adrenaline rush. On land activities include Trekking/Hiking, Quad Biking, Horse Riding, 18 Hole Golf Course, Mountain Biking, and Parachuting.
Best for - improver (7/10), Beginner (7/10), Intermediate (9/10), Foiling (9/10)
Aruba is situated in the heart of the southern Caribbean, just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It is 19 miles long and 6 miles across, at its widest point, with an area of approximately 70 square miles. Aruba is a great windsurfing holiday destination for all levels of windsurfer. With perfect learning spots where you will find buttery flat, shallow water, up to the challenging wave spots.
Aruba is a stunning island, with picturesque beaches, and renowned friendly locals. What's more is this small island is blessed with year round reliable trade winds, making it an awesome, and beautiful windsurf holiday destination.