Although Aruba is mainly known for its beaches and other fun activities, there are also easy and family hikes on the island where you can see natural pools, rock arches and desert landscapes in the Arikok National Park.
Don’t expect anything breathtaking like the scenery you might see in the US national parks, but hiking in Aruba can still be a good way to escape the crowds and enjoy the coast while burning a few calories.
This is our guide to some of the best hikes in Aruba! If you have any other favorites, let me know in the comments at the end of the blog post.
1. Natural Swimming Pool Conchi
The Conchi Natural Pool is one of the most famous places in the Arikok National Park. It is a magnificent turquoise tidal basin where you can swim, surrounded by a rock wall that protects you from the breaking waves.
There are several ways to get to the natural pool. Most people take a Jeep tour, but you can also walk there from the Arikok Visitor Center.
On the way you can see goats and lizards and other interesting things, and the main gain is to swim in the natural pool at the end of the trail.
This is a long and exposed hike that can be very hot. I would recommend buying your park pass the day before so that you can start the hike no after than 6 am. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and more water than you think.
2. Daimari at the Conchi Natural Pool
Another way to get to the Conchi Natural Pool is to take a hike from Daimari Bay. I like this route superior because it is a little easier and most of the time is spent along the coast.
On the way, you will also pass by Boca Keto, a rugged twin beach with a unique rock formation called “Klein Aruba” (Miniature Aruba), because from above it looks like a smaller version of The Island of Aruba!
This was our favorite hike in Arikok National Park, and we didn’t see a single person the whole time.
Don’t forget to wear a hat and sunscreen and bring plenty of water. This is the most remote part of the island, so you don’t want to have any problems here.
You have to park at the top of the hill in front of Rancho Daimari because the road is very crisscrossed with Giant potholes.
3. Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge
Aruba is home to several rocky bridges formed by marine erosion over the years, and the most popular is the natural Andicuri Bay Bridge, which is now visited by many day trips.
However, the best rock bridge in Aruba is a little more difficult to find and is not really visited by tours yet. I am talking about the Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge, located on the southern corner of the Island Of Aruba.
The Seroe Colorado is an awesome bridge, and it almost looks like a photo frame for the ocean! You can visit it by driving to San Nicolas in your own vehicle, then taking a short (but delicate) 10-minute hike on the rocks.
The path leading to this natural bridge is not marked and the path is a bit treacherous, with sharp rocks and a steep descent. I would only recommend it to kick-proof people with good shoes, but it’s worth it!