Page 8 - AHATA

a8 local
Saturday 23 auguSt 2025

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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

Aruba’s first Ombudsman and what she can mean for you

(Oranjestad)—Last year Aruba even from abroad. You only have
marked a milestone with the intro- to provide a way for them to reach
duction of the first Ombudsman of you.
Aruba. Jurima Bryson, appointed on
October 1st 2024, is proud to repre- Because this is the first time Aruba
sent Aruba and is prepared to help has an Ombudsman, the bureau of-
both locals and tourists with their fice is still not in operation, but Om-
concerns. budsman Bryson assured that the
office will be open sometime in the
What is the role of the Ombudsman? second half of the year. In the mean
In a nutshell, the Ombudsman is the time, you can follow the bureau
middle man between you and gov- on Instagram and Facebook. “We
ernment or semi-government agen- provide almost daily information so
cies. This means that as a local or they can understand the role of the
as a visitor of Aruba, you can file a Ombudsman, what she can do for
complaint to the bureau of the Om- them and which kinds of complaints
budsman against government and they can submit.”
semi-government agencies.
Follow the ombudsman on Insta-
Already left the island? No problem. gram: @ombudsmanaruba and
The Ombudsman of Aruba can still Facebook: Ombudsman Arubaq
receive and handle your complaint