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LOCAL Tuesday 9 april 2024
Blackstone Beach

Named after its most recog- different—or if it’s opposite
nizable feature, the Black- day, visit the Blackstone
stone Beach almost rep- Beach. part of the island. your car and take a 1km vised to swim in the water,
resents the opposite of the hike towards Blackstone as the current is very strong
typical Aruban beaches. Blackstone Beach shows Located further east to the Beach. and can easily stray you
For one, it has black sand the more natural side of Natural Bridge and Andi- This beach forms part of the further in the wild ocean.
and is covered in black Aruba: the stones that cov- curi Beach, the Blackstone Arikok National Park and is However, you can still en-
smooth stones. Secondly, it er the beaches and the Beach is relatively easy therefore a site that is pre- joy a spectacular view of
lies on the northern side of shape of it has been craft- to access. Once you get served. This is why it is also the stones and the northern
the island, away from the ed for thousand years via passed the Ayo Rock For- relatively untouched by ocean that stretches out
white sandy beaches of in volcanic eruptions, coral mation, take the Andicuri commercial influences. De- in front of the beach and
the southern region. So, if reef movements and wave road leading up to Andicuri spite being called a beach, take a picture with your
you feel up for something activity of the rural northern Beach. There, you can park do note that it is not ad- friends or family!q

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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