Page 12 - AHATA

a8 local
Monday 28 July 2025

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

(Oranjestad)—Amongst the count- tle’s Cove) or just Natural Pool—is water and food—it could take you
less beaches surrounding the is- reachable with any 4x4 vehicle up to three hours to hike there!
land that are well-known and fre- or by foot if you’re up for a long
quently visited, there are an addi- hike. However, since it is part of However, when you eventually do
tional two “hidden” natural pools the National Park, you must first get there, you will be greeted with
that are situated in the northern get permission from park manage- crystal blue water surrounded by
coast of the island, two ideal stops ment to enter. You would have to a natural rock formation that pro-
in your tour itinerary. purchase a day pass, and receive tects you from the wild waves on
a wristband as proof of payment. the other side. Though the pool
Conchi (Natural Pool) Once you’ve completed that, you is located on the northern side of
For many years, Conchi was the are set! the island (where the sea is largely
only natural pool that we had on rough and largely no suitable for visitors.
the island. Located in the Arikok If you decide to hike from the en- swimming), the pool itself is very
National Park, near Boca Keto trance of the Arikok National Park, calm. It’s also relatively deep, and When you get there, maybe you
and the Daimari Ranch, Conchi— this is also possible: do bring plenty you can climb up the rocks and won’t be able to spot the pool im-
also known “Cura di Turtuga (Tur- of protective clothing and enough jump in! mediately, because you will prob-
ably notice the moon-shaped la-
Cave Pool goon where wild northern waves
This relatively new pool appeared crash into each other. Sounds
just a few years ago, when a part scary, but if you look down on
of the dried up coral floor broke off your right, you’ll see a calm, crys-
and created a partition between tal blue little pool in the corner. To
the ocean and what is now the get there, you have to climb down
natural pool that is hidden there. some stairs. Be careful when climb-
Because it’s still so new, there is no ing down and follow the instruc-
official name for it, but most peo- tions of your tour guide if you have
ple just call it the cave pool. one.

Just like the Conchi, the new natu- And just like Conchi, this pool also
ral pool is situated on the northern has a jumping spot, and a rope to
coast of Aruba. However, this pool climb back up the boulder. q
is much easier to reach with any
type of vehicle, and there is no Picture of cave pool is credited to
hiking needed. This spot has also RockaBeach Tours
become a regular stop for touring

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