The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) have a tropical steppe climate characterized by warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and dryness. The year-round average temperature is around 27-30°C, with daytime temperatures ranging from 28-34°C and a pleasant cooling to 24-26°C at night. The climate has two seasons: a dry season from January to September and a rainy season from October to December, during which short, heavy showers occur. Annual rainfall is only 500-600 mm.
Constant trade winds from the east provide a pleasant coolness, making the heat feel less intense. The islands receive more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, with sea temperatures remaining around 26-29°C year-round—ideal for swimming and water sports. Although the islands are located in the Caribbean, they lie just outside the hurricane belt. As a result, they are rarely affected by hurricanes, although tropical storms can occasionally impact them.
Aerial view of Curacao. Only forests and cacti
Vegetation on the islands consists mainly of cacti, shrubs, and succulents, which are well-suited to the dry climate. This makes the ABC Islands a popular destination for those who enjoy sunny, warm surroundings with minimal rainfall and a low chance of extreme weather conditions.
Aruba
- Surface area: 180 km²
- Comparison with the Netherlands: Slightly smaller than Texel (approx. 463 km²), but comparable in size to Schouwen-Duiveland (488 km²).
- US comparison: Roughly comparable to the city of Washington, D.C. (177 km²).
- Status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands: Aruba is an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It has its own government and parliament and manages its domestic affairs independently.
- In 2023, Aruba had a population of 106,277. Since 1960, the population has increased from 54,608 to this number. The forecast for 2050 is a decrease to 94,185 inhabitants.
- Aruba receives more than 1.2 million overnight tourists and hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers annually, with continued growth in recent years. In total, the number of visitors reaches around 2 million.
- Aruba has a variety of supermarkets offering both local and international products. The main supermarkets on the island are
Super Food Plaza, Bubali 141-A, Oranjestad click here for a photo report of the fresh produce department
Super Food Plaza is one of the largest supermarkets in Aruba, offering a wide range of fresh produce, meat, dairy, and international brands. The store has a strong Dutch influence and features a bakery, a delicatessen department, and a separate liquor store. There are also several other shops and eateries within the plaza. The supermarket is managed by a passionate team of experienced professionals with deep roots in the Aruban grocery industry. 
Ling & Sons Food Market, Schotlandstraat 41, Oranjestad click here for a photo report of the fresh produce section
Ling & Sons is a popular supermarket offering a wide range of products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood, and international delicacies. Known for its American produce, the store has its own bakery, deli, and an extensive selection of wines and spirits. In recent years, Ling & Sons has grown into one of the largest supermarkets in Aruba, attracting both locals and tourists. Ling & Sons Supermarket was originally founded by the Ling family, local entrepreneurs of Chinese descent. In 2005, the supermarket was acquired by Gerard van den Tweel, a Dutch entrepreneur, who further expanded and professionalized it. Van den Tweel sold the supermarket to Jamaican businessman Gassan Elias Azan in 2018. 
PriceSmart, Avenida Milio Croes 103, Oranjestad click here for the photo report of the fresh produce department
PriceSmart is a membership-based wholesaler similar to Costco, where customers can buy in bulk at discounted prices. The range includes food, electronics, household items, and more. A membership is required for purchases.
Van den Tweel Supermarket is a well-known name in the ABC Islands, and Aruba is also home to this supermarket. It offers an upscale shopping experience with a wide range of high-quality products and international brands. Here are some key points about Van den Tweel Supermarket in Aruba:
Bonaire
- Surface area: 288 km²
- Comparison Netherlands: Almost twice the size of Texel (463 km²).
- Comparison US: Similar in size to the island of Martha's Vineyard (267 km²) in Massachusetts.
- Status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands: Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands, also known as a public body. It is directly part of the Netherlands and, together with St. Eustatius and Saba, is referred to as the Caribbean Netherlands.
- On 1 January 2024, Bonaire had over 25,000 inhabitants. In 2011, it was fewer than 16,000, indicating significant growth.
- Bonaire receives between 150,000 and 170,000 overnight tourists annually, with several hundred thousand cruise passengers in addition. These numbers can vary due to factors such as global economic conditions and travel restrictions.
Several supermarkets operate in Bonaire, each with its own history and ownership structure. Here is an overview of some prominent supermarkets and their owners:
- Van den Tweel Supermarket, see Curaçao
- Warehouse Bonaire (click here for a photo report of the fresh produce department)
Also founded by Gerard van den Tweel, Warehouse Bonaire, along with the other supermarkets, was transferred to Gassan Elias Azan and Alfabet Holding Inc. in May 2018. - Bondigro Supermarket (click here for a photo report of the fresh produce department)
Founded in 2014, Bondigro was acquired on 1 August 2023 by Bonaire Discount Grocery B.V., a subsidiary of Sapias Holding B.V., which is already active in Bonaire's hospitality sector. - In addition to these larger supermarkets, there are numerous smaller convenience stores and kiosks on Bonaire, often owned by local entrepreneurs or families. The ownership structure of these shops varies and is usually less documented.
Curaçao
- Surface area: 444 km²
- Comparison Netherlands: Similar in size to the province of Utrecht (approx. 450 km²).
- US comparison: Roughly the same size as the island of Kauai in Hawaii (552 km²).
Status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands: Curaçao: Like Aruba, Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its own government and parliament. - Curaçao: In 2023, Curaçao had 153,946 inhabitants. In 1960, there were 124,826. This number is expected to rise to 166,060 by 2050.
- The total forecast for 2024 is 700,000 overnight tourists and 800,000 cruise passengers, bringing the total number of tourists to 1.5 million. This growth is partly due to the expansion of air connections and the opening of new accommodations, making
- Curaçao is more attractive to a wider audience. The increase in tourism has a significant impact on the local economy and underscores the importance of the sector for the island.
Curaçao offers a diverse range of supermarkets offering both local and international products. Here is an overview of some of the prominent supermarkets on the island:
Van den Tweel Supermarket Aruba & Curaçao, Eagle, Oranjestad. click here for a photo report of the fresh produce department
Van den Tweel is known for its high-quality products, including fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, and delicacies. The store offers many imports from the Netherlands and Europe, making it popular among Dutch expats and tourists. Van den Tweel targets a slightly higher market segment compared to other supermarkets such as Super Food or Ling & Sons. The product range is similar to what you would find in a large Albert Heijn store in the Netherlands, which makes it particularly appealing for those seeking specific products from home. In May 2018, Dutch entrepreneur Gerard van den Tweel sold his supermarkets in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao to Jamaican businessman Gassan Elias Azan.
Centrum Supermarket, Mahaai, and Piscadera click here for a photo report of the fresh produce department
Centrum Supermarket is renowned for its extensive selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and dairy products. The supermarket is also known for its in-house bakery and a wide variety of international products. Centrum Supermarket is a family-owned business that has been serving the people of Curaçao for over 100 years.
Mangusa Hypermarket, Rio Canario, and Veeris click here for a photo report of the fresh produce department
As one of the largest supermarkets in Curaçao, Mangusa offers a wide range of local and international products at competitive prices. The hypermarket also features its own bakery and butcher section. Mangusa Supermarkets was founded and is managed by the Gonçalves family. Belmira Sousa de Lira, the matriarch of the family, played a key role in the development of Mangusa supermarkets as they are today.
Carrefour Market, Sambil Shopping Mall click here for a photo report of the fresh produce section
Carrefour offers a wide range of international products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and fish. The supermarket is known for its high quality and diverse selection. Carrefour is a global supermarket chain with locations worldwide. The Curaçao branch operates under the Carrefour franchise model, though the identity of the local franchise holder is not publicly disclosed.
Floating Market
Curaçao's Floating Market (for more photos) is a unique open-air market in Willemstad, located on Sha Caprileskade in the Punda district. This market is known for the colorful boats of Venezuelan traders docked along the quay. Fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, and spices are sold daily from these boats, creating a lively and authentic Caribbean atmosphere. The Floating Market is not only an important trading center for locals but also a popular attraction for tourists, who come to experience the freshness of the produce, the vibrant sight of the boats, and the cultural dynamism. Despite challenges in recent years, such as a decline in Venezuelan traders due to political and economic difficulties, the Floating Market remains an iconic part of Curaçao and a place that reflects the strong historical and cultural ties between the island and Venezuela.