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LOCAL Saturday 18 November 2023

Aruba’s Bocas: home to the rarest fossil reefs on the planet!

(Oranjestad)—If you’ve cial period. fossilized coral reefs at the
been to the northern coast University of Aruba. Their
of Aruba already, you’ve On May 30 2023, geosci- focus for their research in-
probably noticed how the entists, Dr. Patrick Boyden cluded studying the health
ground differs entirely from from the Marum research and formation patterns of
the sandy beaches on the faculty at the University of these coral reefs, and to
southern part of the island. Bremen, Prof. dr. Alessio investigate how these reefs
These hard surfaces, with Rovere from the Ca' Fosc- have responded and can
sharp bumps and holes ari University of Venice and respond to fluctuating sea
are actually fossilized coral Prof. dr. Gianfranco Scic- levels or extreme weather,
reefs, of which its growth chitano, from the University like hurricanes and tsuna-
and changes can be of Bari Aldo Moro, present- mis.
traced back to the last gla- ed their research on these put things into perspective. This research is also im-
Through underwater and The ground on which we portant for the future of
land surveillance, and 3D have walked many times coral reefs on the island.
models of the reefs, they in the northern part of the By studying rising sea lev-
were able to narrow down island hold such rich history, els and climate impact on
when these formations history that dates back to these coral reefs, we are
started to take place. They a time that most of us can- able to take concrete ac-
were also able to track the not even imagine. As the tion in protecting and pre-
fluctuation of sea levels scientists themselves have serving our coral reefs. So, if
during the past hundred or pointed out, these fossilized you are ever visiting one of
even thousands of years, reefs on the windward side the bocas or driving along
and the effects that this are truly an incredible and the northern part of the is-
fluctuation has had on the rare remnant of geologi- land, please be conscious
coral reefs of the windward cal history, as they provide to help protect our natural
side of Aruba. a clear view of how these historical remnant. Oh, and
reefs have formed. wear (coral-friendly) sun-
These findings can certainly screen! q

Aruba’s most family-friendly beaches

(Oranjestad)—One of the biggest concerns that the Pos Chiquito city. Though there are several one of the best beaches for your children to play
parents have when travelling with their children stairs on the sides of the beach cliff leading you and build sand castles.
is a guarantee of their safety and healthy enjoy- down, the best spot for families to hang out is
ment. Therefore, we thought it would be a great across the bridge, passed the mangrove trees Boca Catalina in Malmok
help to travelling parents to list off some the most near the entrance sign. Here, there are small and Boca Catalina is a small bay beach near the
family-friendly beaches around the island. big palapas, perfect for big and small families to Malmok beach area further down the hotel areas.
set up their belongings. In this area, the shore is Though it may not be a very sandy beach, it is
Baby Beach in San Nicolas also shallow, falling right around your knee be- relatively quiet and tranquil. This is a great place
Baby Beach is one Aruba’s most popular and fore slowly getting deeper: perfect for kids to for family to lay down a big blanket and have
visited beaches, and for good reason: This sandy safely play. a little picnic. This is also one of the best places
and quiet lagoon is a great place for parents to to snorkel, as this area is filled with little fish and
sit back and relax while their children play in the Eagle Beach/Palm Beach in the hotel area corals, even close to the shore.
shallow shores of the beach. Beside the relaxing Yet another highly popular beach site, Eagle Beach
atmosphere, there are also several services that and Palm Beach is where most of our visitors go Palm Island
may accommodate your stay, like a parking lot, to tan, swim or play in the white sand. Because Ok, this one is technically not a beach, but a
sun tent rentals, chairs, bathrooms and a snack they are near the low-rise and high-rise hotel ar- must-visit attraction for family fun. This small water
bar right at the far left of the beach. eas, these beaches are the most accessible for park oasis is located further down the Mangel
visitors on foot. These beaches also offer many Halto Beach and is reachable by boat. This water
Mangel Halto in Pos Chiquito palapas free to use, but you can also rent chairs park offers 6 hours of fun activities, food, drinks,
Mangel Halto is situated in the back streets of and tents. Much like Baby Beach, these sites are and a chance to see pink flamingoes up close!q