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LOCAL Thursday 13 July 2023

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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

Aruba to me

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Complete the sentence: Aruba to me is ……. Eduardo and Ada Sotomayor from San Juan,
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your best moments alive? Please do note: By for the last 35 years with my kids, my parents, my
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