Page 13 - HOH

Friday 10 OctOber 2025 LOCAL
A10

How Aruban beaches came to be!

Aruba’s beaches have developed faster. This is why the beaches in
over the span of thousands of years. the south—the areas with weaker
Waves crashing on the rocky forma- stream and shallower ocean floors—
tions along our coast line (which has sand that stretches for miles. In
consists mainly of coral reefs) have contrast, the northern area, where
started to wear and tear the reefs the stream is much stronger and the
over time, resulting in its gradual ocean floor is much deeper, there is
breakdown. Fish that feed off corals no sand present—they were swept
also contribute to this, one small bite away with the current!
at a time. Over the course of thou-
sands of years, as waves continue Why north deep, but south shallow?
to crash and fish continue to eat off Ah! Good question…and interesting
the corals, sand starts to accumulate phrasing.
around the area. However, wheth- Aruba is a continental island. The
er the sand stays there is another island actually forms part of South
question to be answered, and this is America, and the space between
where we highlight the biggest dif- Aruba and the South American con-
ference between the northern and tinent is simply referred to as land
southern coast of the island. that runs under the ocean. This is why
it gets gradually deeper in the south,
(Oranjestad)—We’ve talked about southern shores? Here are some fun The sand that accumulates around whereas the ocean floor in the north
the best beaches to visit on the is- facts about the development of Aru- a torn coral reef is swept away along runs steeply to the bottom.q
land before, but have you ever won- ban beaches. with the debris by the ocean stream.
dered how Aruba got its white, sandy However, in areas where it’s shal- Source: archival document provided
beaches, and why there’s a clear How did Aruba get its white, sandy low and the stream is weaker, the by the National Archive of Aruba
difference between the northern and beaches? sand tends to sick to the bottom (ANA).

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

The national park Arikok sweeping its flattened bill
comprises almost 18 % of from side to side to catch
the island. Its rugged ter- small fish, crustaeceans
rain, desert-like hills filled and other aquatic inverte-
with tall cacti, breathtaking brates. The Roseate Spoon-
coastline and protected bill remains an uncommon
local flora and fauna wel- sight as they are vulnerable
come you to be explored. to degradation of feeding
There is numerous wild- and nesting habitats (Wet-
life to discover like for ex- lands). (Source: arikok na-
ample the sea turtle who tional park)
lays his eggs on the park’s
beaches. There are more The affore mentioned is just
places on the island that a part of what Aruba’s na-
are a preserved area like ture has to offer. We can-
the Bubali Plas which is a not stress enough to go, see
bird sanctuary. for yourself. The island has
the most beautiful beach-
The national park Arikok es but it is also worthwhile
takes you on a memorable to go beyond this and get
journey of the island’s past an idea of our entire island.
offering unique geological, Lately there is a discussion
cultural and historical sites. going on about the effect
These can all be enjoyed is available. the national park, a Least Bubali Magic certain activities have on
and explored either on Tern (Sternula antillarum) This beautiful close-up im- our nature, for example the
your own or during guided Did you know that four of keeps a strict eye on a very age of the pink bird is cour- ATV vehicles cause a lot of
tours. A wide variety of ed- the in total seven species special event taking place tesy of Michiel Overstee- dust, noise and leave tire
ucational and informative of sea turtle lay their eggs below on the beach: a gen of the Aruba Birdlife tracks. Animals live in these
programs and fun activities on Aruba’s beaches? In majestic Leatherback (Der- Conservation. This impor- areas where the vehicles
mochelys coriacea) heads tant foundation showcases run, often with high speed
back to sea after laying and builds awareness of and with detrimental con-
her eggs, while another Aruba’s birds and other na- sequences to flora and fau-
nest laid 2 months ago by tive flora and fauna. You na. Motorized vehicles are
the same female hatches. may have seen a ‘pink forbidden to drive on the
A very rare occurrence cloud’ lately at the Bubali sand dunes in the Northern
of daytime nesting and or Spanish Lagoon Wet- part of the island and all
hatching. Sea turtles pre- lands areas? It’s most likely beaches in Aruba are for-
fer nesting in the cool and to be Roseate Spoonbills bidden for any motorized
dark hours of the night. And (Ajaia ajaja) or ‘Chucharon vehicle. Treasure our island
hatchlings usually wait for Cora’ as they are known in to enjoy it like you do: as a
the cue of cooling surface Papiamento. This unusual tropical and natural para-
sand before emerging. looking bird forages in shal- dise. We truly appreciate
low muddy water while it!q