If you have seven days on Aruba, you can give a day or two to exploring the capital city of Oranjestad, then head to Bonaire for some serious diving and maybe experience Washington-Slaghaai National Park. The tropical desert environment supports flamingos, parrots and bright green iguanas in a park that covers most of the northern portion of island. Get away from the city crowds to relax and enjoy some pristine wildlife.
If you have a week or more on Bonaire and need a break from the diving scene, then consider a side trip to bustling Curacao. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Punta and Otrabanda are filled with vividly painted Dutch Colonial Architecture, according to LonelyPlanet.com. Stay overnight at the Kula Hulanda Resort and be sure to visit the Kura Hulanda Museum on slavery and Curacao culture.
If you have a week on Curacao and you've never been to the Historic Gold Mines, you may want to consider a side trip to Aruba. The family-owned Gold Mine Ranch offers tours on horseback of the Baby Natural Bridge as well mine ruins and sand dunes. For those less inclined to riding horses, the Quadiriki Caves in Arikok National Park feature ancient Arawak petroglyphs and paintings in chambers partially filled with sunlight. Admission to the caves is free, so you are on your own to enjoy them at your own pace.
