Page 13 - AHATA

a8 local
Tuesday 19 december 2023

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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