Arikok National Park is a unique and important part of Aruba’s natural and cultural heritage. The park is home to a variety of natural attractions, including stunning beaches, rugged landscapes, and ancient limestone caves. There are endless things to do in Arikok National Park, from taking a dip in the Natural Pool to exploring the Arawak cave drawings on the walls of Fontein Cave. The National Park offers visitors a chance to experience the untouched beauty of Aruba and learn about the island’s history.
About Arikok National Park:
Arikok National Park was established as a protected area in 2000 and covers nearly 20% of the island. The park boasts a diverse terrain of cacti-filled landscapes, limestone cliffs, and rugged coastline. The main attractions of the park include large, unique formations and natural wonders. Inside of the National Park, visitors can explore large rock formations, dark caves, and secluded beaches. The park is also home to a variety of plants and animals, including cacti, aloe plants, wild goats, and lizards.
Location: Northeastern region of Aruba
Attractions: Conchi Natural Pool, Boca Prins, Fontein and Quadirikiri Caves, Sero Jamanota
Cost: Admission is $15 for adults and free for children
Hours: Open from 8am to 4pm daily
Website: For more information about Arikok National Park, visit https://www.arubanationalpark.org/
How To Get To Arikok National Park:
The easiest way to get to Arikok National Park is to rent a car. The park is a 30 minute drive from Noord and 15 minutes from Oranjestad. A sedan or small car will help you explore about half of the park, but I highly recommend renting a 4WD vehicle to visit the northern coast.
There are also several options for ATV Tours or Jeep Safari Tours which will guide you through the remote, unspoiled attractions in the park.
You can also explore the park by hiking or biking.
Things To Do In Arikok National Park:
There are so many things to do in Arikok National Park, from exploring the limestone caves to relaxing on one of the many secluded beaches.
HIKING IN ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK
Arikok National Park has several hiking trails with views of the island’s coastline, beaches, and cacti-filled terrain. Hiking in the park is the best way to experience the authentic, remote areas of Aruba and see all the island has to offer.
- Coastal Trail: The Coastal Trail hikes along the coast of Arikok National Park, passing several rugged beaches and the natural pool.
- Daimari Beach is a small, secluded beach in the most northern point of the park. The hike to Daimari is moderate with rocky terrain and exposed sunlight.
- Twenty minutes south of Daimari Beach you’ll find Boca Keto, a white sand beach that is isolated and empty. In the middle of the bay, there is a giant rock known as Moro, which offers adrenaline seekers the chance to cliff jump into the ocean!
- Conchi Natural Pool is the third stop on the Coastal Trail. This hidden oasis is a crystal clear pool surrounded by stunning rock formations that create a natural barrier between the ocean and the small cove.
- Conchi Trail: Another way to reach the Natural Pool is the Conchi Trail, which is a 6 mile out and back trail with rocky terrain. The Conchi Trail connects to the Coastal Trail, offering hikers a chance to explore more of the park’s coastline.
- Dos Playa Trail: This 5 mile loop takes you to Dos Playa, a double beach known to have the best surfing in Aruba. Dos Playa is the perfect destination for visitor’s searching for a secluded white sand beach.
- Rooi Tambu Trail: Rooi Tambu hikes along a dry gully, with geological formations to explore along the trek. The trail also leads to Dos Playa, and intersects with Rooi Prins trail to create a loop.
- Miralamar: The Miralamar Trail is a shorter, easier hike that brings you to the ruins of the 20th century Miralamar Gold Mine Complex.
- Sero Jamanota: Sero Jamanota is the highest point in Aruba at 617 feet. Located just past the entrance of the park, this semi-steep trail is lined with cacti and fauna. From Sero Jamanota’s summit you can see greenery and rolling hills reaching to the southern coast of Aruba.
- Sero Arikok: Sero Arikok is the second highest point in Aruba, and offers hikers unparalleled, 360 degree views of the island. The trail is rocky and features the island’s infamous Fofoti trees.
PRO TIP: If you’re heading to Arikok National Park to hike, don’t forget to pack water shoes to swim in the natural pools and snorkel gear to explore the untouched marine life!
Fontein Cave + Quadirikiri Cave
Arikok National Park is home to two naturally formed limestone caves, Fontein Cave and Quadirikiri Cave. Fontein Cave is home to a variety of ancient pictographs, which were created by the Arawak people who once inhabited the island. Quadirikiri Cave is a larger cave with two chambers with overhead openings that allow sunlight into the cave.
Boca Prins Beach + Dunes
Boca Prins is a secluded beach located on the northeastern coast of Aruba. The beach is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, windswept waves, and rolling sand dunes. You can walk along the coast of Boca Prins to watch as the waves crash upon the rocky terrain. After exploring the coast, climb down the stairs to relax on the white, sandy beachfront.
Final Thoughts
Arikok National Park is a beautiful and unique place that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Aruba. The park is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the island’s history and culture. Whether you’re looking for a hike or an adventurous exploration of the park’s caves, Arikok National Park has something to offer everyone.
