Is it possible to travel by ferry from Curaçao or Aruba to Bonaire?

One of the most common questions among travelers visiting the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) is whether it is possible to travel by ferry between these islands. And although at first glance it seems logical, the short answer is no: there is currently no regular ferry service between Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.

Why are there no ferries between the islands?

Although these islands are relatively close geographically (for example, Bonaire is only 80 km from Curaçao), several factors prevent the existence of a regular ferry:

• Strong sea currents, which make safe and steady travel difficult.

• Lack of adequate port infrastructure for passenger and vehicle ferries.

• Low economic viability: studies have concluded that there is not enough demand to sustain a daily or regular ferry service.

• High operating costs, especially considering international safety and comfort standards.

So, how do you travel between the islands?

The only practical and available way to travel between Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao is by air. Several regional airlines operate routes between the islands:

• Divi Divi Air

• EZ Air

• E-Liner Airways

Flights are short (about 20 to 30 minutes), but the travel process is not as simple as getting on and off on the same day without formalities.

Can I come and go on the same day?

Technically yes, but it is not as simple or as fast as many believe, especially if you come from a Latin American country without previous experience in this type of travel. Although the islands belong to the same Kingdom of the Netherlands, each one has its own immigration control.

This means that the process to travel between them is like any international travel:

Requirements and procedures:

• You must check in at the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours in advance, even if it is a short flight.

• You must present your valid passport (only an identity card or national document is not accepted, as in flights within South America).

• You must fill out online immigration forms (such as the ED Card in Aruba or the Digital Immigration Card in Curaçao).

• You go through security and immigration controls both on departure and arrival.

• In some cases, if you change islands twice on the same day (e.g., Curaçao-Bonaire round trip), you may go through immigration control up to four times.

Is it worth going just for one day?

Unless you have a very specific reason, it is not recommended to make a round trip on the same day between islands. Although the flight is short, the total transfer time (check-in, migration, boarding, arrival and departure) can take between 3 and 5 hours each way.

Recommendations for first-time travelers

• Plan to stay at least one night on the island you are visiting.

• Always carry your passport.

• Check with your airline about immigration requirements before purchasing your flight.

• Check if you need to fill out online forms before traveling.

• Avoid short-notice itineraries, especially if you are connecting international flights.

Conclusion

Although the ABC islands are close to each other, travel between them is not like taking a bus between cities. There are no ferries, and flights require immigration procedures similar to any international travel. If you plan to visit more than one island, it is best to take it easy, spend at least one night on each, and always have your documents in order.

Do you want help planning your route between Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao? I can suggest you optimized itineraries with realistic timing.