BES Islands Culture |

A Different Caribbean

March is a rewarding time to discover the culture of the BES islands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Each island has its own character, shaped by Indigenous heritage, African traditions, European history and a strong connection with the sea. Together, they offer a more personal experience than a typical beach holiday.

The weather is generally warm and fairly dry, making it comfortable to explore villages, historic sites and natural landscapes. You can spend the morning learning about island history, enjoy a relaxed local lunch, and finish the day watching the sun set over the Caribbean.

Caribbean Holidays, BES Islands Culture, Traditional Bonairean houses, colourful murals and a local market with crafts and food in Kralendijk

Bonaire Traditions

Bonaire’s culture can be seen in its bright buildings, friendly communities and lively music. In Kralendijk, take time to wander beyond the waterfront and look for local crafts, island dishes and small galleries. The town is easy to explore at a gentle pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee or a chat.

Food is an important part of Bonairean life. Look out for dishes influenced by the island’s African, Latin American and Dutch connections, including stews, fresh seafood and locally prepared snacks. March is also a good month to ask about community events, traditional dancing and music performances, which bring visitors closer to everyday island life.

Caribbean Holidays, BES Islands Culture, Historic Fort Oranje overlooking the Caribbean Sea on Sint Eustatius, with old stone walls and tropical vegetation

History on Statia

Sint Eustatius, often known as Statia, is ideal for travellers who enjoy history. Oranjestad has a remarkable collection of ruins, old warehouses and colonial buildings, while Fort Oranje offers wide views across the harbour and sea. Walking through the historic area gives you a real sense of the island’s former importance as a trading centre.

Visit the island’s museums and archaeological sites to learn how different communities contributed to Statia’s story. The pace is unhurried, and local guides can add detail that you might miss when exploring alone. March’s pleasant conditions make it especially enjoyable to combine cultural walks with a visit to the coast.

Caribbean Holidays, BES Islands Culture, Colourful steep village on Saba with stone houses, green hills and cloud-covered Mount Scenery in the background

Saba’s Island Spirit

Saba is small, mountainous and wonderfully distinctive. The island’s villages are connected by steep roads and footpaths, with tidy stone houses, wooden shutters and gardens filled with tropical plants. Windwardside is a lovely place to browse small shops and learn about Saba’s craft traditions.

Saban life has long been connected to the sea, sailing and self-reliance. Local museums explain the island’s maritime past, while a walk through the villages reveals a quiet community proud of its identity. If you enjoy combining culture with nature, March is a superb time to explore Saba’s trails before relaxing with a home-style meal.

Caribbean Holidays, BES Islands Culture, Visitors enjoying local food and live Caribbean music at an outdoor cultural gathering in the BES islands at sunset

Plan a Cultural Escape

A March holiday in the BES islands is best planned with a little flexibility. Ferry and flight connections between the islands can vary, so check schedules early if you hope to visit more than one. Staying several nights on each island allows you to enjoy local life rather than simply ticking off attractions.

Choose Bonaire for accessible culture and lively island scenes, Statia for layered history, or Saba for mountain villages and a close-knit atmosphere. Whichever you choose, you will find warm hospitality, fascinating stories and a Caribbean experience that feels genuine and memorable.