Representing a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise, the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) abound with pristine beaches and arrays of underwater vistas. Until 1986 Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao together with St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba made up the Netherlands Antilles. During that year, Aruba became independent, but to this day, remains part of the Dutch Kingdom. The government seat of the Netherlands Antilles is in Curaçao and controls Bonaire and the other three islands.