Dreamy! That is the word! What a delight it was to explore the Conchi Pools! I know that many take tours there. If one drives in by a jeep is the easier route. We chose to hike the 2.5 miles from the Rancho Parking area, which I prefer. Walking along the east coast, passing various beaches was well worth the effort. It gave me a sense of the landscape, which is truly extraordinary. The coastal trail offers views of a much rougher coast than the west coast. The coral cliffs were like no other. Another benefit to hiking in is that we were not on a timeline. We could enjoy the pools for as long or short as we wanted. To this end, there were periods of time that we had the pools to ourselves. That is where, “dreamy” comes in. It really doesn’t get much better than being alone, floating and snorkeling in such a natural treasure. After the main pool, I encourage you to do a bit of climbing a smaller pool that is like a hot tub! This area is part of the Arikok National Park. One can purchase a park pass from one of two locations (the visitor center or the south entrance). To get to the parking area, one needs to drive out of the park, and then back in. Things to bring: lots of drinking water for the hike, water shoes to make it easier, snorkel and mask to enjoy the sea life. If hiking, proper footwear is necessary (no flip-flops or flimsy sandals). Spending time both hiking into the Conchi Pool and luxuriating in the pools is a wonderful way to experience Aruba away from the concrete jungles of the resorts, condominiums and hotels.

I would recommend anyone who is healthy enough to walk down 20-40 stairs up and down should come here. This was absolutely gorgeous and been my favorite thing to do in Aruba. If you do not have a 4x4 car you will not be able to drive yourself and will need to take a tour or utv tour. Apple Maps took us to the wrong spot when looking up the natural pool, make sure to look up Arikok visitor center and they will give you a map of how to get to the natural pool!

This is a neat spot. Almost impossible to find on your own. Do not recommended getting there on your own. No maps and no signs to help you as well as the GPS took us everywhere except the road to the pool. Once there it was fun but pay the tour operators and bit the bullet.

Tough ride (no UTVs & certainly no regular cars or SUVs! Only high clearance 4 x 4 like Jeep). At least 45 min very bumpy ride to & same back. But worth it to see the cool natural pool (water splashing from rocks!). Good snorkeling. But beware of the ride & plan enough time (some parts of the road nit clearly marked too). Enter via Arikok.

This natural pool is within Arakok National Park and only accessible by an off road vehicle or horseback. Keep in mind you need a 4x4, $15/pp to get in to the park, and ascend and descend about 97 steps. I recommend a sport shoe such as tevas or at least a water shoe. The rocks are slippery.

We rented a Jeep so we could make the drive. When we got to the pool there were a couple groups in the pool. So it was crowded but after about 30 minutes the groups left and we had it to ourselves for over and hour. It was great. There was a park employee there the whole time.

Great experience once you are in the pool. If your guide has fish food and they throw it in and you have snorkel gear the fish are amazing to see. Different colours and sizes. I would just note though if you are older or have any back/walking issues maybe sit this one as they drive towards it from the national park is crazy. We had two children nearly vomiting due to the road. Also when you get there the walk to the pool is down quite a bit of steps and is steep in time. Lastly into the pool it is very slippery with algae so you really have to concentrate to get in and get out.

The Conchi natural pool and the surrounding area are gorgeous! As others have mentioned, you definitely need 4-wheel drive and to know how to use it. The “road” to Conchi is about 5 km. It is very rocky and steep in many places but it is a superb adventure!! When you arrive, it is well worth it! There are many steps (some rock, some concrete) leading down to the beach-type area (not swimmable) and then you have to climb over rocks to get into the pool. The water is gorgeous. Wear water shoes with good tread. When we were there, the ocean was crashing all around the surrounding rocks and over them into the pool. It’s incredible! Bring lots of water and snacks to refuel during this fantastic experience!