Page 11 - AHATA

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local Tuesday 1 July 2025
Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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

Aruban snacks and where to find them

ORANJESTAD — Want to These two snacks are typi- While you’re at it, why not
taste something different cally found in all local snack accompany your snack
for a change? How about trucks, which can be found with a refreshing “batido”?
some Aruban snacks that all over the island, including Batidos are fruit shakes,
you can find all around the on the side of the main road typically made with added
island? Hop in your car, and that stretches from San milk for some creaminess.
go to these locations to find Nicolas to the Hotel Area. However, you can also ask
some of the most popular You can also find pastechis to hold the milk. Batidos are
and tasty snacks that are and krokets at local bak- commonly found in snack
beloved by our locals. eries and snack shops, like shops too. You may find
Bright Bakery in Piedra Plat, some batido shops next the
One of the staples of Aru- Huchada in Santa Cruz or flee markets downtown, or
ban cuisine and snacks is Pastechi House in the city if you’re on your way to San
the Pastechi. Pastechi is a center. These places may Nicolas, at Mauchi Smooth- However, there are a few
Caribbean fried pastry that also sell other snacks and ies and Juice Bar in Sava- spots where you can al- These vendors may also sell
is filled with cheese, meat, sandwiches too, perfect for neta (located at the side of most always find a coco- other delights, like the be-
chicken, veggies and on-the-road lunch break. the main road). nut/shaved ice vendor: loved coconut-based des-
sometimes even fish! Or per- 1. Right next to the sert “cocada” or peanuts.
haps you might want to try If you are looking for some- Red Anchor in San Nicolas, All in all, in Aruba, you can
a croquette, locally called thing a bit more fresh and on the way to Baby Beach. always find some place
a “kroket,” which is a crusty healthy, why not try some 2. Along the main to take a break and have
fried snack with typically a coconuts, or shaved ice road next to the airport a bite of something local,
meat and dough mix filling. from local vendors? These field. you maybe just might have
The Aruban kroket is based vendors carry their little 3. At the California to look for them!
on its Dutch counterpart, shop at the back of their Light House.
the “bitterbal”. truck, so they are ever- 4. At the Alto Vista Photo credit: wheninaruba.
moving around the island. Chapel. com