Explore Aruba’s Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is an ideal location for seeing Aruba’s magnificent landscapes and learning about the island’s history and culture. The park is home to many diverse plant and animal species, as well as various historic sites that represent the island’s past. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the island and learn about how the locals used to live on this Caribbean island. We have a large range of various Aruba vacation rentals for you to pick from, each with its own unique décor, style, and amenities.

About Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is located in the northern part of Aruba and is home to one of the island’s most scenic areas, Arikok Natural Bridge. The park was established in 1990, with a total area of 10 square miles (26 km²). Since its opening, it has become a popular tourist attraction for both locals as well as travelers from all over the world.

Arikok National Park is a great place to explore on foot. The park offers several different hiking trails which range from easy to difficult depending on your fitness level and the time you have available for exploring. If you have little time or would like to focus on one particular area then there are guided tours available too! The park is open from 8 AM – 5 PM daily, but there are no amenities in the park (no drinking water or bathrooms), so hike with caution and plan accordingly. Hikers should also note that there is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming in any of the pools within Arikok Natural Park is not recommended.

How do I explore Arikok?

Arikok’s trails are open to hikers and bikers, but you should know that the park is not an easy place for your average exerciser. The terrain can be quite rough, so bring water and a good pair of shoes, preferably with some grip on them. If you’re still curious about exploring Arikok on foot, there’s a map that shows all of the available trails at the entrance to the park.

Most people will want to explore Arikok by car or bicycle; parking is available at each trailhead. Most of these trails are gravel paths near sea level, so if you want a hike with views and elevation gain, try one of these hikes:

• The Donkey Trail Hike (1 hour)
• The Lagoon Hike (45 minutes)
• The Salt Pans Hike (1 hour 30 minutes)

Renting a 4×4 or booking a guided Jeep Tour is another alternative. The most popular excursion to experience the rough Aruban outback is the Natural Pool Safari. Step aboard an open-air vehicles for an exciting journey to the Natural Pool while taking in the breathtaking scenery!

10 things to see in Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is home to some of the most beautiful sights in Aruba. The park is divided into two parts: Arikok National Park and Arikok Natural Reserve. The first section has hiking trails that lead you through mangrove forests, along secluded beaches, and into the mountains. The second section features nature trails through the salt flats, which are perfect for bird watching or exploring on your own!

In addition to natural scenery, there are also historical sites within this park like:

1. The Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is one of Aruba’s most popular landmarks. If you’re planning a trip to Natural Bridge, you should be aware that the natural structure has fallen during recent storms. If you go there, stay away from the bridge, it’s very dangerous now! A chunk of this natural wonder collapsed in February 2019!

2. Quadiriki Cave

Where natives would escape from Spanish soldiers. If you want to see what Aruba was like thousands of years ago, visit the Quadiriki Cave. The cave has hundreds of different stalactites and stalagmites, as well as drawings from the Caquetio Indians.

With a little bit of hiking through the mountainside, you can get to this beautiful cave. You will be rewarded with a stunning view of Oranjestad below!

3. Fontein Cave

The source of fresh water for native Arawak Indians. Fontein Cave is a popular adventure in Arikok National Park. The cave is open to the public, but only a short trail leads to it. There’s an information board at the entrance explaining how local people used to live in Aruba. Fontein Cave is located along the main road through Arikok National Park, which makes it easy to find and visit during your visit.

4. Dos Playa

Dos Playas, or “Two Beaches,” is one of the most beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea from within Arikok National Park and is another popular spot for windsurfers, but it also attracts many other visitors. Aruba’s Leatherback Turtles come here to lay their eggs as well. Two beaches are separated by a sharp cliff. There is parking at the top of the cliff, and a stairway leads down to the sand.

The beach itself is a long stretch of sand with clear waters and calm conditions. However, the park is not without its dangers: strong winds are common; currents can be strong and unpredictable; waves can be high and dangerous (especially for inexperienced surfers); shallow water makes it difficult to get out of the surf in an emergency; slippery rocks make walking difficult; sharp coral can cut you if you’re not careful; dangerous animals may wander into the area. If you’re planning on visiting Dos Playa, be sure to check out these tips before heading out:

• Wear shoes that won’t slip on rocks or get stuck in coral when wading into the water
• Bring sunscreen with high SPF and reapply often because even though this beach has some shade from palm trees lining the shoreline there’s still plenty of sun exposure
• Watch your step as there are rocks everywhere from ankle level upwards that could cause injury if stepped on inappropriately

5. Moro Beach

Moro is known as “Little Aruba” because of a big rock near the water’s edge that is fashioned like the island of Aruba. The magnificent blue seas here pour into two bays on either side of the rock: Boca Keto and Boca Fluit. The beaches are calm and very clean, and they both give you the sense that you are alone in the world, enjoying your own private beach.

6. Conchi (The Natural Pool)

The Natural Pool, also known as Turtle Pen, has become one of Arikok National Park’s main attractions. It’s bordered by lava rock and harsh waters. Getting there can be difficult. The unexpected strong waves from Aruba’s north-east coast may quickly transform the pool from a tranquil and seemingly inviting spot to a harsh, almost threatening atmosphere before you even know it – especially if you climb the rocks facing the ocean! Always wear safe swimming shoes and keep a close watch on the rhythm of the approaching waves. After parking your vehicle nearby, you can only approach The Natural Pool using a 4×4 vehicle, an UTV, or by foot.

7. Hofi Shon Shoco

Hofi Shon Shoco is a kind of garden with native flora and fruiting trees and is located quite near the Visitors Center. This type of plant offers an excellent idea of frequent use in Aruba culture. There is also an adobe cottage where you may rest and watch the numerous types of birds that visit this location. Hofi Shon Shoco is a fantastic location to take your children.

8. Miralamar

Miralamar Hill is a short walk from the Visitor’s Centre. It’s a nice place to walk around and enjoy the view, the trails lead through an area covered with cactuses and desert plants such as prickly pears, aloe vera plants, agaves, and oleander trees. The ruins of the Miralamar Gold Mine Complex may be seen at the top. Long ago, gold was taken from gold ore, processed, and transported from here to the Balashi Gold Smelter.

9. Daimari

Arikok National Park’s northernmost point is Daimari Beach. It’s an ancient riverbed that has been hammered for centuries by the unrelenting ocean waves that have carved it into a bay over time. The ocean takes or delivers sand into the bay depending on rainfall. This is a continuous process. Daimari Beach is a beautiful place to explore; you can visit the gorgeous Rancho Daimari, a former coco plantation, and go horseback riding in the hills of the Arikok National Park.

10. Boca Prins and The Dunes of Boca Prins

Boca Prins, near the end of Rooi Prins, is a tiny bay that used to be considerably larger and deeper into Aruba’s mainland. It consists of mangroves and white sand beaches. The ever-present north-eastern trade winds shaped the Boca Prins Dunes. Water in the Boca Prins evaporated as a result of this natural force, and the amount of sand grew, even in a south-western direction. Any flora, as in any desert-like environment, has a difficult time thriving here.

At Casiola Aruba we ensure you and your family are truly having the vacation you always dreamed of! If you love nature and want to explore Aruba’s wilderness, Arikok Natural Park is the perfect place for you. You can hike along trails that lead through a unique mix of tropical forests, mangroves, and savannahs, as well as enjoy some of the most beautiful views in Aruba. We hope you enjoy exploring the beautiful landscape of Arikok National Park. It has something for everyone, from stunning views to ruins that show how Aruba’s past residents used to live. Check out our wide selection of Aruba vacation rentals with private pools and create everlasting memories.