Page 18 - AHATA

a8 local
Saturday 10 May 2025

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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

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