Page 13 - AHATA

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local Thursday 19 June 2025
Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

tion showcases and builds stress enough to go, see for
awareness of Aruba’s birds yourself. The island has the
and other native flora and most beautiful beaches but
fauna. You may have seen a it is also worthwhile to go be-
‘pink cloud’ lately at the Bub- yond this and get an idea
ali or Spanish Lagoon Wet- of our entire island. Lately
lands areas? It’s most likely to there is a discussion going
be Roseate Spoonbills (Ajaia on about the effect certain
ST. CRUZ — The national park journey of the islands past coriacea) heads back to sea ajaja) or ‘Chucharon Cora’ activities have on our na-
Arikok comprises almost 18 offering unique geological, after laying her eggs, while as they are known in Papia- ture, for example the ATV
% of the island. Its rugged cultural and historical sites. another nest laid 2 months mento. This unusual looking vehicles cause a lot of dust,
terrain, desert-like hills filled These can all be enjoyed ago by the same female bird forages in shallow mud- noise and leave tire tracks.
with tall cacti, breathtaking and explored either on your hatches. A very rare occur- dy water while sweeping its Animals live in these areas
coastline and protected lo- own or during guided tours. A rence of daytime nesting flattened bill from side to side where the vehicles run, of-
cal flora and fauna welcome wide variety of educational and hatching. Sea turtles to catch small fish, crustae- ten with high speed and with
you to be explored. There is and informative programs prefer nesting in the cool and ceans and other aquatic detrimental consequences
numerous wildlife to discover and fun activities is available. dark hours of the night. And invertebrates. The Roseate to flora and fauna. Motor-
like for example the sea tur- Did you know that four of hatchlings usually wait for the Spoonbill remains an un- ized vehicles are forbidden
tle who lays his eggs on the the in total seven species cue of cooling surface sand common sight as they are to drive on the sand dunes
park’s beaches. There are of sea turtle lay their eggs before emerging. vulnerable to degradation of in the Northern part of the
more places on the island on Aruba's beaches? In the feeding and nesting habitats island and all beaches in
that are a preserved area national park, a Least Tern Bubali Magic (Wetlands). (Source: arikok Aruba are forbidden for any
like the Bubali Plas which is (Sternula antillarum) keeps a This beautiful close-up image national park) motorized vehicle. Treasure
a bird sanctuary. strict eye on a very special of the pink bird is courtesy our island to enjoy it like you
event taking place below of Michiel Oversteegen of The aforementioned is just do: as a tropical and natural
The national park Arikok on the beach: a majestic the Aruba Birdlife Conserva- a part of what Aruba’s na- paradise. We truly appreci-
takes you on a memorable Leatherback (Dermochelys tion. This important founda- ture has to offer. We cannot ate it!q

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

of protective clothing and It’s also relatively deep, visitors.
enough water and food—it and you can climb up the
could take you up to three rocks and jump in! When you get there, may-
hours to hike there! be you won’t be able to
Cave Pool spot the pool immediately,
However, when you even- This relatively new pool ap- because you will probably
tually do get there, you peared just a few years notice the moon-shaped
will be greeted with crystal ago, when a part of the lagoon where wild northern
(Oranjestad)—Amongst di Turtuga (Turtle’s Cove) or blue water surrounded by dried up coral floor broke waves crash into each oth-
the countless beaches sur- just Natural Pool—is reach- a natural rock formation off and created a partition er. Sounds scary, but if you
rounding the island that are able with any 4x4 vehicle that protects you from the between the ocean and look down on your right,
well-known and frequently or by foot if you’re up for a wild waves on the other what is now the natural you’ll see a calm, crystal
visited, there are an addi- long hike. However, since it side. Though the pool is lo- pool that is hidden there. blue little pool in the cor-
tional two “hidden” natural is part of the National Park, cated on the northern side Because it’s still so new, ner. To get there, you have
pools that are situated in you must first get permission of the island (where the sea there is no official name for to climb down some stairs.
the northern coast of the is- from park management to is largely rough and largely it, but most people just call Be careful when climbing
land, two ideal stops in your enter. You would have to no suitable for swimming), it the cave pool. down and follow the in-
tour itinerary. purchase a day pass, and the pool itself is very calm. structions of your tour guide
receive a wristband as Just like the Conchi, the if you have one.
Conchi (Natural Pool) proof of payment. Once new natural pool is situated
For many years, Conchi you’ve completed that, on the northern coast of And just like Conchi, this
was the only natural pool you are set! Aruba. However, this pool is pool also has a jumping
that we had on the island. much easier to reach with spot, and a rope to climb
Located in the Arikok Na- If you decide to hike from any type of vehicle, and back up the boulder. q
tional Park, near Boca Keto the entrance of the Arikok there is no hiking needed.
and the Daimari Ranch, National Park, this is also This spot has also become Picture of cave pool is cred-
Conchi—also known “Cura possible: do bring plenty a regular stop for touring ited to RockaBeach Tours