Page 9 - AHATA

A4 LOCAL
Saturday 18 January 2025

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

ceive a wristband as proof of payment. Once
you’ve completed that, you are set!

If you decide to hike from the entrance of the
Arikok National Park, this is also possible: do
bring plenty of protective clothing and enough
water and food—it could take you up to three
hours to hike there!

However, when you eventually do get there, this pool is much easier to reach with any type
you will be greeted with crystal blue water sur- of vehicle, and there is no hiking needed. This
rounded by a natural rock formation that pro- spot has also become a regular stop for touring
(Oranjestad)—Amongst the countless beaches tects you from the wild waves on the other side. visitors.
surrounding the island that are well-known and Though the pool is located on the northern side
frequently visited, there are an additional two of the island (where the sea is largely rough and When you get there, maybe you won’t be able
“hidden” natural pools that are situated in the largely no suitable for swimming), the pool itself to spot the pool immediately, because you
northern coast of the island, two ideal stops in is very calm. It’s also relatively deep, and you will probably notice the moon-shaped lagoon
your tour itinerary. can climb up the rocks and jump in! where wild northern waves crash into each
other. Sounds scary, but if you look down on
Conchi (Natural Pool) Cave Pool your right, you’ll see a calm, crystal blue little
For many years, Conchi was the only natural This relatively new pool appeared just a few pool in the corner. To get there, you have to
pool that we had on the island. Located in the years ago, when a part of the dried up coral climb down some stairs. Be careful when climb-
Arikok National Park, near Boca Keto and the floor broke off and created a partition between ing down and follow the instructions of your tour
Daimari Ranch, Conchi—also known “Cura di the ocean and what is now the natural pool guide if you have one.
Turtuga (Turtle’s Cove) or just Natural Pool— that is hidden there. Because it’s still so new,
is reachable with any 4x4 vehicle or by foot if there is no official name for it, but most people And just like Conchi, this pool also has a jumping
you’re up for a long hike. However, since it is just call it the cave pool. spot, and a rope to climb back up the boulder.
part of the National Park, you must first get per-
mission from park management to enter. You Just like the Conchi, the new natural pool is situ- Picture of cave pool is credited
would have to purchase a day pass, and re- ated on the northern coast of Aruba. However, to RockaBeach Tours

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

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