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Arikok & the Wild North
Aruba’s rugged side: desert hills, caves with ancient drawings, the Natural Pool and a wave-battered coastline
Aruba’s rugged side: desert hills, caves with ancient drawings, the Natural Pool and a wave-battered coastline
Known locally as Conchi, this pool is sheltered from the sea by volcanic rocks. It is reached only by 4WD, on horseback or on foot over a rough track.
Check sea conditions; waves can wash over the rocks.
Photo: alljengi, CC BY-SA 2.0
This cave preserves red-brown drawings made by the island’s Indigenous inhabitants, alongside stalactites and later graffiti.
Do not touch the drawings.
Photo: EgorovaSvetlana, CC BY-SA 4.0
Two chambers lit by natural holes in the roof, home to a colony of bats.
Photo: Oogstweg, CC BY-SA 4.0
Wave-cut limestone, coves such as Dos Playa and the Boca Prins dunes line the windward shore. The famous Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005, but smaller arches remain.
Swimming is dangerous here because of strong currents.
Photo: Misty Johnson, CC BY 2.0
Outside the park on the north coast, this small yellow chapel stands on the site of the island’s first Catholic church, founded in 1750; the present building dates from 1952.
Photo: Musicfan1077, CC BY-SA 4.0
There are few places to eat inside the park; bring water and snacks. Small restaurants in Santa Cruz and San Nicolas serve local dishes such as keshi yena and fried fish.
Baby Beach and Rodger’s Beach in the south have beach bars.
The park’s main entrance is near Santa Cruz, about 20 minutes from Oranjestad. A 4WD vehicle or a guided jeep tour is needed for the Natural Pool and the coast; regular cars can reach the visitor centre and some caves.
Park rangers collect an entry fee for non-residents. All visitors must complete Aruba’s online ED card before travel, which includes a US$20 sustainability fee for air arrivals. Many nationalities, including EU, UK, US and Canadian citizens, do not need a visa. Check current rules before you travel.
Aruba uses the Aruban florin (AWG), pegged to the US dollar; US dollars and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Aruba is one of the more expensive Caribbean islands.
Prices are approximate.
Caves, coast and the Natural Pool.
Start early at the visitor centre, visit Fontein and Quadirikiri caves, drive or hike to the Natural Pool, and stop at Boca Prins. Finish at Alto Vista Chapel.
Start early; there is little shade in the park.
Many tracks need a high-clearance 4WD.
Do not swim on the north coast except in sheltered spots like the Natural Pool.
Bring plenty of water.
Quick answers for planning time in Arikok and the Wild North.
By 4WD, on horseback or on a guided tour; the track is rough.
Yes, non-residents pay a park fee.
Generally no; currents are dangerous.
It collapsed in 2005.
Early in the morning, any time of year.
Papiamento and Dutch are official, but English and Spanish are widely spoken.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Aruba travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.