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local Tuesday 21 OcTOber 2025
Aruba’s Bocas: home to the rarest fossil reefs on the planet!

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

Aruban snacks and where to find them

ORANJESTAD — Want to taste something dif- island, including on the side of the main road
ferent for a change? How about some Aruban that stretches from San Nicolas to the Hotel
snacks that you can find all around the island? Area. You can also find pastechis and krokets
Hop in your car, and go to these locations to at local bakeries and snack shops, like Bright
find some of the most popular and tasty snacks Bakery in Piedra Plat, Huchada in Santa Cruz or
that are beloved by our locals. Pastechi House in the city center. These places
may also sell other snacks and sandwiches too,
One of the staples of Aruban cuisine and snacks perfect for on-the-road lunch break.
is the Pastechi. Pastechi is a Caribbean fried
pastry that is filled with cheese, meat, chick- While you’re at it, why not accompany your
en, veggies and sometimes even fish! Or per- snack with a refreshing “batido”? Batidos are
haps you might want to try a croquette, locally fruit shakes, typically made with added milk for If you are looking for something a bit more fresh
called a “kroket,” which is a crusty fried snack some creaminess. However, you can also ask and healthy, why not try some coconuts, or
with typically a meat and dough mix filling. The to hold the milk. Batidos are commonly found shaved ice from local vendors? These vendors
Aruban kroket is based on its Dutch counter- in snack shops too. You may find some batido carry their little shop at the back of their truck,
part, the “bitterbal”. shops next the flee markets downtown, or if so they are ever-moving around the island.
you’re on your way to San Nicolas, at Mauchi However, there are a few spots where you can
These two snacks are typically found in all local Smoothies and Juice Bar in Savaneta (located almost always find a coconut/shaved ice ven-
snack trucks, which can be found all over the at the side of the main road). dor:
• Right next to the Red Anchor in San Nicolas,
on the way to Baby Beach.
• Along the main road next to the airport
field.
• At the California Light House.
• At the Alto Vista Chapel.

These vendors may also sell other delights, like
the beloved coconut-based dessert “cocada”
or peanuts. All in all, in Aruba, you can always
find some place to take a break and have a
bite of something local, you maybe just might
have to look for them!q
Photo credit: wheninaruba.com