AHC08_Awesome Oasis

58 Nights

Attractions

Photos by Pierre Arsenault

Awesome Oasisby Jessica Percy

Venture off the beaten path to Aruba’s arid, rocky and rugged windward coast and you mighthappen upon what appears to be a mirage. But you aren’t hallucinating in the hot sun!

This is the Natural Pool – one of the island’s best-kept secret spots!

Locals call it “Cura di Tortuga”.Tortuga means turtle in Papiamento,the native language, and this natu-ral enclosure was once used to holdcaptured sea turtles before sale. (Seaturtles are now protected by law.)Today, this breathtaking lagoon holdsnothing but the promise of an awe-some adventure and schools ofcolorful fish.

Though there is a manmadestaircase carved into the stone, thesurrounding rocks are slippery andsharp (aqua shoes are highly recom-mended), as if Mother Nature wereprotecting one of her natural treas-ures! If you are up to the adventure,you will be rewarded with an experi-ence of a lifetime. The pool’s wateris warmer than the ocean’s, and itsslow churning motion is relaxing.Often, when the sea becomes rest-less, the pool can be turbulent withwildly crashing waves that sometimescover you in an unexpectedly cool,yet refreshingly exhilarating shower.Some days the pool is peacefully calmoffering superb snorkeling. Thrillseekers will enjoy leaping directly intothe basin from the craggy cliffs.

The Natural Pool is one of mostromantic and photogenic retreats onthe island and the views from itshighest point are magnificent. It canbe difficult to find however, and evenmore difficult to drive to, even in a4x4 vehicle, due to the surroundinglunar-like terrain. You are advisedto take a Jeep or horseback tour withexpert guides. Many visitors say thatthe wild bumpy ride to the pool isalmost as much fun as the actualswim, and the horseback tour is alsoan enjoyable, memorable journeythrough Aruba’s unique countryside.Either way, this secluded naturalwonder is well worth seeking out.Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen,refreshments… and, of course, yoursense of adventure! �

Ask your hotel information desk for available tours and excursions.