Page 11 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Monday 7 august 2023

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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