Set sail on a 9-day catamaran journey through the ABC Islands in September, riding steady trade winds, clear turquoise waters, and protected lees from Bonaire and Curaçao to an unforgettable finish in Aruba. Expect consistent easterly breezes, world-class snorkeling and diving, colorful Dutch-Caribbean towns, and dog-friendly beaches and waterfront dining. Learn more about the region’s background via the ABC Islands overview on Wikipedia and the reef-protecting rules of the Bonaire National Marine Park on Wikipedia.
Day 1: September 18, 2025 – Kralendijk, Bonaire
- Weather: E 14–18 kts trade winds; lee of island near town moorings is calmer.
- Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase: Sunrise 6:23 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM; Moon: Waning Crescent.
- Tides: Micro-tidal (approx. High ~0.4 ft / Low ~0.1 ft); negligible effect on anchoring.
- Recommended Route: Afternoon arrival (~4:00 PM). Short approach to Kralendijk mooring field; keep clear of the reef line and pick up an available yellow mooring. Plan a light shakedown before dusk.
- Anchorage: Kralendijk Mooring Field (Bonaire National Marine Park) – 12.153°N, -68.276°W; Seabed: coral/sand (mooring only, no anchoring). Mooring: Required; Protection: Good from E–SE trades, open to W. Dinghy: Easy landings at town piers. Services: Water/fuel via marinas, trash, provisioning, customs/immigration nearby. Guest buoys: Yes (first-come, fees apply).
- Food: Waterfront seafood and local fare (It Rains Fishes; lionfish specials at casual grills). International and vegan/vegetarian-friendly options are available around the main promenade; patios generally dog-friendly—confirm on arrival.
- Activities:
– Local markets/shopping: Stroll Kaya Grandi for crafts and dive shops.
– Sunset anchorages: Golden-hour views over the Kralendijk waterfront.
– Snorkeling/Diving: Easy dinghy ride to Bari Reef or Front Porch.
– Beach Days: Te Amo Beach near the airport for a quick dip (dog-friendly on leash, avoid turtle nesting areas).
– Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Calm lee near moorings—launch off the transom.
- Fishing/Spearing: Spearfishing prohibited in Bonaire; lionfish culling requires local permits. Light trolling beyond the reef edge is fine; observe marine park boundaries.
Day 2: September 19, 2025 – Kralendijk, Bonaire (Klein Bonaire by day)
- Weather: E 12–16 kts; calm morning, moderate afternoon breeze.
- Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase: Sunrise 6:23 AM, Sunset 6:29 PM; Moon: Waning Crescent.
- Tides: Micro-tidal (approx. High ~0.4 ft / Low ~0.1 ft); minimal current influence.
- Recommended Route: Day trip to Klein Bonaire (2–3 NM). Use park day-use dive moorings on the west side for snorkeling/drift dives; return to Kralendijk mooring before dusk to avoid lee shore night entries.
- Anchorage: Overnight on Kralendijk Mooring Field – 12.153°N, -68.276°W; Mooring only. Protection: Good E–SE; Dinghy: Easy landing in town. Services: Groceries, ice, water via marina; Guest buoys: Yes.
- Food: Local creole and seafood grills; poke and salad bars for vegan/vegetarian options. Outdoor terraces typically welcome dogs.
- Activities:
– Snorkeling/Diving: Klein Bonaire’s No Name Beach and Sampler drift—exceptional visibility.
– Beach Days: Powder-sand strand at No Name Beach (day-use only; pack in/out).
– Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Flatwater laps inside the lee after returning.
– Historical Sites: Fort Oranje and waterfront cannons in Kralendijk.
– Local markets/shopping: Evening gelato and craft stands along the promenade.
- Fishing/Spearing: No spearfishing. Consider late-afternoon trolling outside the park (deep drop-offs west of Klein Bonaire).
Day 3: September 20, 2025 – Spanish Water, Curaçao
- Weather: ENE 15–20 kts; accelerated trades in open water, lighter inside the lagoon.
- Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase: Sunrise 6:23 AM, Sunset 6:29 PM; Moon: Near New Moon.
- Tides: Micro-tidal (approx. High ~0.4 ft / Low ~0.1 ft); negligible inside lagoon.
- Recommended Route: Kralendijk to Spanish Water (~40 NM). Depart early for an E-to-W beam/broad reach along Bonaire’s and Curaçao’s lees. Enter Spanish Water via buoyed channel; motor to designated anchoring zones.
- Anchorage: Spanish Water – 12.070°N, -68.861°W; Seabed: sand/mud. Anchor: Yes (4.3 ft draft ideal). Protection: Excellent all-round; gusts funnel in squalls. Dinghy: Public docks and marina landings. Services: Water/fuel via marinas, groceries (nearby), laundry, repairs. Guest buoys: Typically N/A—free-anchor in permitted areas.
- Food: Waterside dining in Caracasbaai/Spanish Water area—fresh seafood, grills, and international menus. Veg-forward bowls and salads available; many patios are dog-friendly.
- Activities:
– Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Perfect flatwater inside the lagoon.
– Local markets/shopping: Provision at Vreugdenhil/nearby shops.
– Sunset anchorages: Quiet sunset inside sheltered bays.
– Snorkeling/Diving: Short hop to Tugboat Reef and Directors Bay.
– Beach Days: Caracas Bay Beach for a swim with the pup (leash; avoid dive zones).
– Hiking: Fort Beekenburg trail and coastal lookout.
- Fishing/Spearing: Spearfishing is restricted; visitors generally not permitted. Trolling along the drop-off E of Curaçao for mahi/bonito is productive.
Day 4: September 21, 2025 – Caracasbaai, Curaçao
- Weather: ENE 14–18 kts; slight acceleration near points; lee flattening within the bay.
- Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase: Sunrise 6:23 AM, Sunset 6:28 PM; Moon: New Moon.
- Tides: Micro-tidal (approx. High ~0.4 ft / Low ~0.1 ft); plan dinghy beach landings with minimal surge.
- Recommended Route: Short move from Spanish Water to Caracasbaai/Tugboat (3–4 NM). Anchor in sand patches, avoiding dive moorings. Position for easy dinghy runs to Tugboat Reef and Directors Bay.
- Anchorage: Caracasbaai – 12.069°N, -68.889°W; Seabed: sand with scattered rock. Anchor: Yes. Protection: Good from E trades; open to N/W swell. Dinghy: Small pier at Tugboat Beach; beach landings are straightforward. Services: Beach shacks, dive operators. Guest buoys: Dive moorings not for overnight anchoring.
- Food: Casual bayfront grills (fresh catch, grilled plantains) and international menus; salads and veg plates common. Outdoor decks welcome dogs; bring water for your pet.
- Activities:
– Snorkeling/Diving: Tugboat Reef, pilings, and wall at Directors Bay.
– Historical Sites: Fort Beekenburg and WWII gun emplacements.
– Beach Days: Swim/relax along Caracas Bay.
– Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Early-morning glassy conditions inside the bay.
– Sunset anchorages: Dramatic golden hour against the headlands.
- Fishing/Spearing: No spearfishing. Jigging near the bay mouth for small pelagics (watch dive flags and boat channels).
Day 5: September 22, 2025 – Willemstad (Schottegat), Curaçao
- Weather: E 12–17 kts; lighter inside the harbor complex.
- Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase: Sunrise 6:23 AM, Sunset 6:28 PM; Moon: Waxing Crescent.
- Tides: Micro-tidal (approx. High ~0.4 ft / Low ~0.1 ft); negligible in basin.
- Recommended Route: Short hop to Willemstad through Sint Annabaai when the Queen Emma Bridge opens; proceed to marina/assigned berth in Schottegat for a city night and shoreside reset.
- Anchorage: Curacao Marine (dock) – approx. 12.108°N, -68.926°W; Mooring vs anchor: Dock with shore power/water. Protection: Excellent all-around. Dinghy: Marina access. Services: Water, power, fuel, showers, chandlery, laundry. Guest buoys: N/A.
- Food: Explore Punda/Otrobanda: local creole at Plasa Bieu, modern international kitchens, seafood grills. Plenty of outdoor seating for dogs; carry waste bags and water.
- Activities:
– Historical Sites: Handelskade, Queen Emma Bridge, colorful street murals.
– Local markets/shopping: Floating Market area and Willemstad boutiques.
– Sunset anchorages: Evening skyline glow across Sint Annabaai.
– Snorkeling/Diving: Quick taxi/dinghy back to Directors Bay if desired.
– Hiking: Urban walking circuit across Punda and Otrobanda waterfronts.
- Fishing/Spearing: Offshore charters available from the harbor; private trolling best outside shipping lanes and reef entrances.
Day 6: September 23, 2025 – Klein Curaçao
- Weather: E 13–18 kts; low swell on W lee of the islet; some surge on the beach.
- Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase: Sunrise 6:23 AM, Sunset 6:27 PM; Moon: Waxing Crescent.
- Tides: Micro-tidal (approx. High ~0.4 ft / Low ~0.1 ft); mild shoreline surge—time dinghy landings between sets.
- Recommended Route: Willemstad to Klein Curaçao (~24 NM). Reach south-southeast, arriving by midday to anchor on the west side in sand with room to swing. Maintain an anchor watch in case of wind shifts.
- Anchorage: Klein Curaçao West Anchorage – 11.989°N, -68.640°W; Seabed: sand. Anchor: Yes. Protection: Moderate/poor—tenable in settled E trades; some swell. Dinghy: Beach landing near huts; avoid turtle nesting zones. Services: None—self-sufficient. Guest buoys: Typically none.
- Food: Onboard BBQ night with fresh seafood and grilled veggies; pack extra water/ice. Vegan/vegetarian sides: coconut rice, mango slaw.
- Activities:
– Snorkeling/Diving: Gentle lee-side reefs; look for turtles.
– Beach Days: Long white-sand strand—great for beachcombing (dogs on leash; avoid nesting areas).
– Hiking: Lighthouse and shipwreck remains along the east shore trail.
– Sunset anchorages: Big sky sunset over an empty horizon.
– Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Short coastal paddles in the lee.
- Fishing/Spearing: Trolling between Curaçao and Klein Curaçao (mahi/blackfin). No spearfishing; respect nearshore reefs.
Day 7: September 24, 2025 – Palm Beach Anchorage, Aruba
- Weather: E 15–20 kts; fast downwind/beam reach from Klein Curaçao; lighter in Aruba’s lee.
- Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase: Sunrise 6:23 AM, Sunset 6:26 PM; Moon: Waxing Crescent.
- Tides: Micro-tidal (approx. High ~0.4 ft / Low ~0.1 ft); slight set along the shore.
- Recommended Route: Klein Curaçao to Aruba Palm Beach (~55–65 NM depending on start point). Pre-dawn or first-light departure for a daytime arrival. Keep a safe offing from the NW coast, then curve into Palm Beach in settled weather.
- Anchorage: Palm Beach (designated anchorage in settled conditions) – 12.586°N, -70.043°W; Seabed: sand with coral patches. Anchor: Yes (check current local rules). Protection: Good from E trades in lee; exposed to N/W swell and traffic wake. Dinghy: Beach landings near Fisherman’s Huts, mind swim zones. Services: Restaurants, shops, beach rentals ashore. Guest buoys: None.
- Food: Beachside seafood grills and international spots; smoothie/vegan bowl stands for plant-based cravings. Many outdoor venues along the strip are dog-friendly—confirm on site.
- Activities:
– Beach Days: Palm Beach and neighboring Hadicurari for kite/windsurf scene.
– Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Sheltered morning water near the anchorage.
– Snorkeling/Diving: Short dinghy to the Antilla wreck (Malmok area).
– Local markets/shopping: Palm Beach Plaza and night kiosks.
– Sunset anchorages: Iconic Aruba sunset over the high-rise skyline.
- Fishing/Spearing: No spearfishing in Aruba. Try high-speed trolling along the shelf edge S of the island; watch for traffic lanes.
Day 8: September 25, 2025 – Oranjestad, Aruba
- Weather: E 12–16 kts; calm inside the harbor.
- Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase: Sunrise 6:24 AM, Sunset 6:25 PM; Moon: Waxing Crescent.
- Tides: Micro-tidal (approx. High ~0.4 ft / Low ~0.1 ft); negligible in marina basin.
- Recommended Route: Short coastal move to Oranjestad. Coordinate arrival with port control and proceed to Renaissance Marina for secure mooring/dockage, water, and shore power.
- Anchorage: Renaissance Marina (dock) – 12.517°N, -70.035°W; Mooring vs anchor: Dock. Protection: Full. Dinghy: Marina facilities and nearby waterfront. Services: Water, power, fuel, showers, laundry, customs/immigration. Guest buoys: N/A.
- Food: Harborfront eateries with local seafood, wood-fired grills, and international menus; salads and veg-forward plates common. Outdoor terraces are typically dog-friendly; confirm water bowls are available.
- Activities:
– Historical Sites: Fort Zoutman/King Willem III Tower and pastel Dutch architecture.
– Local markets/shopping: Renaissance Marketplace and Caya G. F. Betico Croes boutiques.
– Beach Days: Linear Park waterfront strolls; quick taxi to Surfside Beach (dog-friendly on leash).
– Sunset anchorages: Golden-hour harbor views from the promenade.
– Snorkeling/Diving: Pedernales wreck by short run with local operators.
- Fishing/Spearing: Arrange an inshore charter or troll the south coast shelf at first light; comply with harbor traffic separations.
Day 9: September 26, 2025 – Oranjestad, Aruba (Departure)
- Weather: E 12–16 kts; typical fair conditions for short local sails or repositioning.
- Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase: Sunrise 6:24 AM, Sunset 6:25 PM; Moon: Waxing Crescent.
- Tides: Micro-tidal (approx. High ~0.4 ft / Low ~0.1 ft); negligible for dock lines—set fenders for wake.
- Recommended Route: Final provisioning and checkout. Optional morning sail north toward Arashi for a last swim before returning to Oranjestad for disembarkation and formalities.
- Anchorage: Renaissance Marina (dock) – 12.517°N, -70.035°W; Secure berth for handover. Services: Water, power, fuel and waste pump-out available.
- Food: Brunch ashore: seafood and international plates; smoothie bars and veggie-forward cafés easy to find near the marina. Terraces commonly dog-friendly.
- Activities:
– Local markets/shopping: Last-minute gifts at Renaissance Marketplace.
– Beach Days: Quick dip at Surfside pre-flight.
– Hiking: Early morning Hooiberg stair climb with your dog (carry water; avoid midday heat).
– Sunset anchorages: Enjoy a final harbor sunset before departure.
- Fishing/Spearing: Pack gear dry; no spearfishing. If time allows, dawn troll just outside the harbor approaches with caution and VHF monitoring.
