Page 13 - AHATA

a8 local
Tuesday 25 June 2024
Visit the island’s hidden natural pools Aruba Tourism Authority

(Oranjestad)—Amongst Because it’s still so new, honored loyal visitors at
the countless beaches sur- there is no official name for
rounding the island that are it, but most people just call Marriott Aruba Surf Club!
well-known and frequently it the cave pool.
visited, there are an addi- Just like the Conchi, the
tional two “hidden” natural new natural pool is situated
pools that are situated in on the northern coast of
the northern coast of the is- Aruba. However, this pool is
land, two ideal stops in your much easier to reach with
tour itinerary. enough water and food—it any type of vehicle, and
could take you up to three there is no hiking needed.
Conchi (Natural Pool) hours to hike there! This spot has also become
For many years, Conchi However, when you even- a regular stop for touring
was the only natural pool tually do get there, you visitors.
that we had on the island. will be greeted with crystal When you get there, may-
Located in the Arikok Na- blue water surrounded by be you won’t be able to
tional Park, near Boca Keto a natural rock formation spot the pool immediately,
and the Daimari Ranch, that protects you from the because you will probably
Conchi—also known “Cura wild waves on the other notice the moon-shaped
di Turtuga (Turtle’s Cove) or side. Though the pool is lo- lagoon where wild northern
just Natural Pool—is reach- cated on the northern side waves crash into each oth-
able with any 4x4 vehicle of the island (where the sea er. Sounds scary, but if you
or by foot if you’re up for a is largely rough and largely look down on your right,
long hike. However, since it no suitable for swimming), you’ll see a calm, crystal
is part of the National Park, the pool itself is very calm. blue little pool in the cor-
you must first get permission It’s also relatively deep, ner. To get there, you have
from park management to and you can climb up the to climb down some stairs.
enter. You would have to rocks and jump in! Be careful when climbing
purchase a day pass, and down and follow the in-
receive a wristband as Cave Pool structions of your tour guide
proof of payment. Once This relatively new pool ap- if you have one. The Aruba Tourism Authority recently had the great plea-
you’ve completed that, peared just a few years And just like Conchi, this sure of recognizing Distinguished Visitors of Aruba. The
you are set! ago, when a part of the pool also has a jumping honorees were respectively honored with a certificate
If you decide to hike from dried up coral floor broke spot, and a rope to climb for their years of visits, loyalty, and love for the island of
the entrance of the Arikok off and created a partition back up the boulder. q Aruba.
National Park, this is also between the ocean and
possible: do bring plenty what is now the natural Picture of cave pool is cred- The honorary certification is presented on behalf of the
of protective clothing and pool that is hidden there. ited to RockaBeach Tours Minister of Tourism as a token of appreciation and to say
“Masha Danki” to guests who have visited Aruba 10, 20,
or 35 years or more consecutively.

The three levels of honor are as follows:
Distinguished Visitor (10>years consecutively visiting Aru-
ba)
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years consecutively visiting
Aruba)
Emerald Ambassador (35>years consecutively visiting
Aruba)

The honorees were:
Distinguished Visitors
Mr. Joseph & Mrs. Judith Nosal from Middletown Con-
necticut, United States.

Mr. Jorgino Willems representing the Aruba Tourism Au-
thority, and staff members of Marriott Aruba Surf Club
bestowed the certificate upon the honorees, presented
them with gifts, and thanked them for choosing Aruba as
their favorite vacation destination, as their home away
from home.

The top reasons for returning to Aruba provided by the
honorees were:
• Aruba’s Safety.
• Aruba’s beach.
• Aruba’s weather.
• “Aruba’s very beautiful”
• “Aruba’s Friendly Island”

On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Authority, we would like
to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the
honorees for their continued visits to the “One Happy
Island”.q