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Aruba is famous for the beautiful beaches, colourful population, and diverse exotic tours. And among these masterpieces, it is possible to find a fairly interesting attraction – Conchi Natural Pool, or Natural Pool or Cura di Tortuga as locals call it This rather remote pool is located in the rocky northeast of Aruba and exploring it will be interesting both for fans of extreme leisure and for ordinary tourists. In this post, I’ll share all the information I was able to gather to make your visit to Conchi Natural Pool easier.
Introduction to Conchi Natural Pool
The recreational swimming site namely the Conchi Natural Pool is a formation of volcanic rocks that has provided a corner in the coast of Aruba that provides a natural pool surrounded by rocks. Seas from the Caribbean Sea break against a rocks in the pool producing fresh and clean water. The Conchi Natural Pool is a more secluded site, different from numerous touristed beaches on Aruba; it offers a great place to swim and to stay calm.
The History and Significance of Conchi Natural Pool
The pool had volcanic roots based on the fact that the Aruba island had prehistoric volcanic activity which created most of the rough geographical features of the island. The natural basin of the cove was shaped by waves throughout centuries making it a perfect hidden swimming pool. The name Conchi is translated as “bowl” in the local language – Papiamento, which reflects the description of this cave’s appearance.
Apart from the geological fact it has a cultural value as well. This arboreal species is found in the Arikok National Park which is a terrestrial park situated in nearly 20% of Aruba’s island area. Arikok has many interesting and historical indigenously, including petroglyphs and cairns across the park. Main attraction of the park is Conchi Natural Pool, which waits tourists from all over the world who desire to lose something in the wild of Aruba.
How to Get to Conchi Natural Pool
It is considered a celebration getting to Conchi, as it is so beautiful! The Natural Pool being situated in Arikok National Park which is in the a rather secluded area of rocky terrains, one has to make certain consideration. There are two primary ways to access the pool:
- 4×4 Vehicle: The easiest way is to hire a 4 wd car or go with a tour group on jeep tours services. And although the trail to Conchi is full of switchbacks, rugged with rocks and uneven, it is accessible only with the off-road vehicles. In a 4×4 vehicle, you can drive to the pool with some rough terrains that will make one marvel on the park that mimics the desert.
- Hiking: For the audience with thirst for thrill there is the hiking trail that takes hikers to the pool. The hike lasts for about 1. On foot, it will take approximately 5 hours to get to Corvallis from other major cities while by car it will take about 2 hours drive each way assuming that you are stopping frequently to take photos. It is never a boring experience since there is an added bonus of enjoying wonderful sceneries of the coastline and Sandy desert, wild life among others. It is recommended that you take water and sunscreen with you if you desire to go hiking.
Best Time to Visit
Probably the optimum time to swim at Conchi Natural Pool is during Aruba’s dry season which is from January to September. This is a summer time when the weather is fine and warm as the day for most of the outdoor activities. But even during the months when the rain is expected to fall in Aruba which are between October to December, it can be said that the rainfall is still low and one can still get to spend time at the pool.
In order to reduce contact with numerous people, one can visit at morning hours or mid/late afternoon. The Natural Pool is not large enough so if you want to get more out of the place then try to come at the right time when it is not crowded with a lot of people. Week days too, are preferable over the week ends and are also less crowded mostly all day than over the week ends.
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What to Expect at Conchi Natural Pool
When you get to Conchi the first thing you see is clear blue water and sharp black volcanic rocks. The water body is not very deep thus appropriate for swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing. In the water you’ll see a lot of tropical fish, especially if you swim with masks and flippers.
The water fountains formed by the waves which splash against the rocks make it a natural entertainment and at times splashes into the tub. It is calm to which one can go and sit, but he/she must be careful as the waves are slippery and so are the rocks.
To make it clear, some things that one might overlooking if planning the day include the fact that at the pool there is no place for wash rooms, eating places, or shelters. In order to attend such a program, one should be prepared to carry along some water, sometime snacks and most importantly shades.
Other Attractions Nearby
While Conchi is the main attraction, Arikok National Park offers plenty of other things to see and do. Here are a few other highlights:
- Fontein Cave: Fontein Cave which lies nearby the Natural Pool contains paintings of the Arawak Indians. It becomes an interesting site for learning more about indigenous Aruba.
- Guadirikiri Cave: A second well known cave existent in the region is Quadirikiri, which has two natural chambers with lighting from skylights. It is one of the most recommended travel destinations to those people who passion about easy trek hunting.
- Dos Playa Beach: Approximately 5 kilometers from Conchi is Dos Playa which is considered as a stunning and isolated beach that is famous for the high waves and vast strip of sand. It is an ideal place for a picnic or a rest after swimming besides it has benches where one can sit and relax.
Conclusion
Vistor’s experience at Conchi Natural Pool can be described as a special and memorable journey which provides the visitors with the adventures of Aruba. No matter if you decide to ride a 4×4 or take a trek on Arikok National Park, it’s still commendable to get to this hidden gem. There you will be able to relax and contemplate the beauty of the nature in this quite and charming place which offers a possibility to swim and snorkel.
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FAQs
1. Is Conchi Natural Pool safe for swimming?
Yes, it is safe to swim in the pool depending with the time of the year and the structure around the pool including the rocks and the occasional waves.
2. Can I visit the Natural Pool without a 4×4 vehicle?
Yes, but still, you will need to trek to the pool. The trail is about a 1. It is a 5-2 hours hike to and from the camping site.
3. Is there an entrance fee to visit Conchi?
Yes, there are a small entrance fee to get into the Arikok National Park because the pool is situated in the park..