Sights to See in the Paradise Island of Aruba

Just because Aruba is home to the most beautiful stretch of pure white sand surrounded by calm, clear waters doesn’t mean that Aruba is all about its beaches.

On the contrary, Aruba has much to offer for the traveler who desires adventures other than water and sand activities. There are many, many places to enjoy for the more passive sightseer. Most of these places will make the long travel to this island nation very much worth it.

Spelunking -

Aruba is home to hundreds of natural caves. Past the island nation’s coastline are a series of rock formations housing these wonders of nature, some of which extend to as much as 100 feet deep. These caves have been around for thousands of year. Stagmatites are cleanly preserved. Millions of bats have inhabited these recesses as well.

There’s one cave appropriately named the Tunnel of Love, the Huliba Cave, because of its heart-shaped entrance. This may be nature’s way of warning would-be spelunkers, as one should possess a strong heart is he is to traverse the cave’s 300 feet passageway.

The Fontein Cave is most probably the most noteworthy of Aruba’s offerings, mainly because of the illustrations left behind by the Arawak Indians on the ceilings of this spot.

The (New) Natural Bridge -

Aruba’s most majestic natural structure, one which has always been associated with the island nation throughout the 21st century, is the Natural Bridge. This awesome arch, crafted by the sea’s waves from rock formations along the shoreline, stood 25 feet tall and hung over Aruba’s more turbulent waters.

Sadly, the Natural Bridge was destroyed in 2005 by the same waves that created it.

But people, especially new visitors to Aruba, still wonder about the Natural Bridge. Fortunately, similar arch-like structures exist in Aruba. Though they are smaller in size, they are currently competing for tourists’ attention so that they lay claim to the title of the new Natural Bridge.

The Natural Pool -

The Cura di Tortuga is a natural pool created by rock formations and hardened volcanic lava which continuously traps sea water within a pond-like enclave. The Natural Pool is a favorite destination for tourists who’d rather swim in safer, shallower and more enclosed areas rather than the open seas beyond the coastline.

To get to the Natural Pool, one must traverse through what can be considered as the island nation’s roughest terrain. Yes, you can reach it on foot, but it will be quite difficult. Horses and ATVs can be rented to help make the travel easier.

The splendid experience that will be provided by the Cura di Tortuga will be worth it, however.

Arikok Park -

Culture lovers can choose to send their time exploring the Arikok Park, a protected area that occupies 18% of the island’s land.

Arikok Park houses a variety of historical sites like reconstructions of primitive homes and preserved rock drawings of the early settlers. Arikok Park also has hilltops that will provide the most beautiful view of Aruba.