Natural Pool, Noord: Address, Phone Number, Natural Pool Reviews: 4.5/5
Natural Pool
Natural Pool
4.5
About
A "conchi" or swimmable pool nestled amidst massive rocks on the northeast coast of Aruba.
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1 within 3 miles
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22 within 6 miles
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Geologic Formations
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,856 reviews
Excellent
1,913
Very good
599
Average
261
Poor
55
Terrible
28
Taylor M
New York City, NY15 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
I HIGHLY recommend going with a guide / tour unless you are very experienced with off-roading. It is not easy to get to. From where you park there is a long staircase down to the natural pool. It’s somewhat difficult if you have mobility issues (uneven steps, etc).
At the pool itself you can leave a towel , etc on some rocks but there is no formal place to leave anything. I recommend leaving what you can in the car.
To enter the pool itself you need to climb over a lot of slippery rocks. Definitely wear tevas or water shoes.
Within the pool there are lots of fish to see. I recommend snorkels or goggles.
The pool is deep in the middle and the swimming was not easy. This is not for young kids. A wave came in when I was there and threw a girl outside of the pool (she was ok).
I liked going with a tour because they would advise if it was too dangerous to swim. I recommend ABC tours if you choose a tour.
At the pool itself you can leave a towel , etc on some rocks but there is no formal place to leave anything. I recommend leaving what you can in the car.
To enter the pool itself you need to climb over a lot of slippery rocks. Definitely wear tevas or water shoes.
Within the pool there are lots of fish to see. I recommend snorkels or goggles.
The pool is deep in the middle and the swimming was not easy. This is not for young kids. A wave came in when I was there and threw a girl outside of the pool (she was ok).
I liked going with a tour because they would advise if it was too dangerous to swim. I recommend ABC tours if you choose a tour.
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aaron S
Lebanon, PA3 contributions
Dec 2020
Conchi is really beautiful and difficult to get to which helps limit the number of tourists. My husband owned a Jeep a few years ago and had experience doing some off-roading and the drive to Conchi was still super intimidating. We definitely appreciated going at our own pace and being able to spend as much time as we wanted swimming in the natural pool. Be aware that it's not easy to access the actual natural pool--you have to climb over a bunch of sharp, slippery rocks, so you probably want water shoes with good tread on them to do this.
It takes more than an hour round trip from the Arikok Visitor Center to drive, walk to the natural pool, swim, and drive back, so give yourself plenty of time.
It takes more than an hour round trip from the Arikok Visitor Center to drive, walk to the natural pool, swim, and drive back, so give yourself plenty of time.
Written January 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Petra B
Budapest, Hungary68 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Especialy for this place we rented a jeep (hard top: because the sun would burn your little head!) 4*4 for 350 dollars for 48hours (concierge said its a cheap one -well, ok!) , so we went for the national park (the pool is in the area of the park, thats the only road which goes there), we bought tickets for the park, so we started to drive and it was just crazy. The road is not a road at all…way too much little and big rocks everywhere, every monent i thought we gonna stuck somewhere. I drove there, my man drove back, we both lost kilos for sure during that drive. In the meanwhile organized huge mega jeeps rushed next to us (we drove 5 miles/h !) with a huge smile, like hey we are smart and you are nooot! And thats right, we were not smart at all, because nobody told us its a huge mistake (of course rentals were happy for the profit but the hotel concierge could do better). So you my friend, be smart, ask your hotel about an organized jeep tour to the pool so you save some nerves, time, money. The pool: its full of fishes (bring your scuba stuff), fishes wont bite you, they are very friendly, come close to you. The pool pretty slippery, everybody left the begs at the entrance of the pool otherwise it can get wet. Unique experience, it is a “must” in Aruba.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roger L
Sucre, Bolivia13 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Please don’t use the short hike from Daimari without first paying for admission at the NP office and getting the yellow wrist band. There is now a ranger stationed at the pool who’s job it is to check for that, and we saw him be badly verbally abused by a tourist for disallowing him from entering from Daimari without a band. The ranger, who was a really good guy, was very upset for having been harangued (with profanity) and threatened for doing his job.
The pool was a little disappointing, to be honest, after having done a lot of snorkeling elsewhere. Just a novelty, and probably only good with a lower tide.
The pool was a little disappointing, to be honest, after having done a lot of snorkeling elsewhere. Just a novelty, and probably only good with a lower tide.
Written February 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
paxa
Washington DC, DC6,329 contributions
Jan 2020
We came here on a jeep tour and got here in mid afternoon. The place was totally packed with a line over the slippery rocks to get into the pool and the pool itself was like a bowl of wonton soup, filled with people all bumping into each other. No doubt this would be a nice place to visit and swim when less crowded but as it was it was not pleasant. So choose you timing more carefully, morning is probably better and if you could avoid being here at the same time as large group tours. From the parking lot there are about 90 steps growing down to the rocky beach. Best to wear water shoes - would make it much easier getting in and out of the pool on the slippery rocks.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Darren N
Locust Grove, GA157 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
It’s a really great experience but I would really recommend taking a tour because it’s really rough roads. You will need to be an experienced off roader. Just looking at the trails, it’s probably easy to get lost.
Hit up ABC tours because we had an aMaxing time with them and ask for uncle Johnny.
Hit up ABC tours because we had an aMaxing time with them and ask for uncle Johnny.
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Krzysztof K
Wroclaw, Poland27 contributions
Aug 2021
Really beautiful place. The experience is unforgettable. You can enjoy a snorkeling surrounded by the rocks. 4x4 car is a must to get there. I recommend taking an organized trip, for example we had a trip with ABC Tours.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
matt01010404
Rockville Centre, NY13 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
This place was awesome. If you have difficulty walking or getting around it would be tough to get up and down from the lot. We went early which was great as it was mostly Empty. By the time we left there was around 25-30 people there or just getting there. Bumpy ride for sure, a little nerve wracking after reading stuff but it was fine. We rented the “Islander” Jeep from top drive and it made it. I would have gone back again if we had the keep longer. Enter the park through the arikok gate, pay, and it’s easy to follow the “road”. Water shoes help a lot. Goggle for the kids if they want.
Written March 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Elle H
5 contributions
Nov 2020
My husband I did not rent a 4 x 4 vehicle but we wanted to visit the Conchi Natural Pool without buying a tour so we hiked from the Arikok Visitor Center to the pool and back! We are decent hikers and this hike was tougher than expected. There were some hills to climb and it was very rocky. We wore hiking/water sandals (TEVAs) which may have been part of the difficulty instead of closed toed shoes. We had a cloudy day which was perfect for hiking in the heat, I'm sure it would have been more difficult with the sun beating down on us. Bring plenty of water and snorkeling gear to swim in the pool! Aruba was not crowded in general due to COVID but we were the ONLY ones on the hike to and from the pool, taking about 1.5 hours each way. There were others at the pool who drove to a closer area and also others on horseback tours. The pool was small but had some pretty fish and the lifeguard was very friendly and helpful at showing us the leg of a hidden octopus.
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Batman45
Wesley Chapel, FL55 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
This is a wonderful spot that’s not filled with tourists. Hard to get too which means it’s un spoilt. Wooden ladder to access the pool. Would not recommend if you have any back issues, knee issues or anything else that may hamper you from jumping 6 feet into a shallow sand bottom pool. The coral rocks are quite slippery and have to be negotiated in and out. That being said it’s a very beautiful spot.
Written December 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Telma
Lisbon, Portugal12 contributions
Hi,
We are going to Aruba next September and would love to visit the Natural Pool. How do you recommend we visit it? Should we go with a tour? Which tour do you suggest?
Thanks a lot for your help
S1PRADA
Cali, Valle, Colombia283 contributions
Hi, certainly to take a tour is the best way. Getting there is almost impossible if you are not a local. I believe whichever tour is available is perfect, as long as they include a stop of at least 1 hour there
David H
Cincinnati, OH2 contributions
Do any of the small ATV (one or two seaters) go to Natural Pool? All of the ones I'm researching go to the "Cave Pool" which is different. A little annoying, they try to make it sound and look like they are going to natural pool by using the photo of natural pool but saying cave pool or "cave natural pool."
Thanks!
Dan B
Southbury, CT1 contribution
I’m planning on vacation to Aruba in 2 weeks. How many guest do you fit in one Jeep because of COVID???
With a hyundai accent is ok go to Damari Ranch and park there to hike to the natural pool, Any one gives me an idea. I just like to know the road to Damari Ranch is very rough or not.
Thank you
niels v
Santos, SP910 contributions
We parked the car just at the foot of the stone road up to Sero Arikok. There is a wooden sign Conchi, this is where the trail starts from that point. We left the car there. We hiked up and down following the red wooden posts. Not visible at all times, but when you know the lay of the park you know more or less the direction. Bring water along, the best is a Camelbak with water bladder. Good shoes, sunburn and protection for your neck. If you hike a lot it should be no problem, but water is a must. It took us approx 1,5 hour to get there. Take the same trail back! 14.698 steps, 80 floors in total.
sheff29
Long Island, NY329 contributions
Do you realize that feeding fish bread is an environmental hazard? Thought you were concerned since you mentioned the impact an atv can have. Google it, bread is bad.
Christina R
Friend, NE348 contributions
You should not feed anything on land or sea anything..its great to see all the new animals and fish. But unless you fully understand the animals digestion system then do not feed them. I travel and drive alot. And see this very often with animals on land and in sea. And it is a no no! There are always signs do not feed they are there for a reason!!
T.Brundage
3 contributions
Hello, I'm visiting Aruba in the fall for my honeymoon. I hear the natural pool is a must see. I have a couple of questions:
1. How bad is the drive there? I've had some experience driving in rocky terrain quite a bit no problem but obviously i dont do it for a living lol
2. Who has the best jeep rentals in terms of cost and quality? I'm sure an ATV or utv is probably the way to go but I'm not sure if it'll be in the budget. The Jeep would be our daily driver down there as well.
Dan M
8 contributions
I'd say there's no way you can make it safely from the park entrance without a Jeep or ATV/UTV. We were there this spring, and opted to hike from Daimari Beach. A 2WD Kia Sportage will get you there, and that's a cheap rental at the airport. Not sure about a car. Google Earth Trekkers for Daimari Beach to Natural Pool instruction. The write up there is spot-on. Internet access is almost non-existent on that route, so I'd recommend saving the instructions for offline use along the way.
Once you can see the horse ranch at the top of the hill, PARK! You can't make it down that hill without a serious machine.
This hike is absolutely beautiful, and the pool is pretty cool. The whole family enjoyed the experience. Have a great trip!
Nathalie Robert
Joliette, Canada
Est-ce loin et comment s’y rendre et y’a t’il un coup d’entrée
SibaritaConcepcion
Concepcion, Chile936 contributions
Hola es recomendable ir en tour con agencia , está dentro de parque nacional, no es tan cercano ni fácil de llegar por cuenta propia.
Idealmente ir en UTV.
Saludos y buena aventura.
Sol C
1 contribution
Hola! Con qué empresa contrataste la excursion? Recomendas alguna en particular? gracias!
Susanne T
3 contributions
Hi, Susanne. What would you like to know about this attraction? Hi, I'd like to know how difficult it is to get around the island on your own (Jeep). Would you recommend a tour guide?
BeckyC2385
Endicott, NY100 contributions
If you are in to extreme driving and exploration, go ahead and rent a AWD or 4WD SUV and get a park map. But if you are not a very strong driver I would highly suggest getting a guided tour. The roads are not maintained at all in the National Park and we saw several people abandon their vehicles to walk instead of driving. In my honest opinion, save yourself the trepidation and hire a guided tour.
If we already have a jeep rented can we drive ourselves out there ? or can we only hike it as a visitor ?
thanks
ChuckerAtl
ATL19 contributions
Cars and even "regular jeeps" really don't cut it. The RUTS are way too deep in a lot of places. You can park at the gate entrance. there is the main gate and there is a smaller, lesser known gate about a mile away down a "dirt road." We hiked and had no problems at all. If you get caught by rain, it will not be good. No place to duck under...
Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Pool
- We recommend booking Natural Pool tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 14 Natural Pool tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Natural Pool:
- Natural Pool & Indian Cave Jeep Safari (From $104.94)
- Natural Pool, Cliff Jumping & North Coast explorer by UTV (From $291.50)
- Island Ultimate Jeep Safari in Aruba (From $126.14)
- Natural Pool Off-Road Safari (From $79.00)
- Aruba UTV Tours - New Natural Cave Pool with Cliff Jumping (From $121.80)
- Hotels near Natural Pool:
- (5.12 mi) Paradera Park Aruba
- (4.96 mi) Aruba Bed & Beach
- (8.48 mi) Modern Hotel Aruba
- (7.30 mi) Wonders Boutique Hotel
- (8.27 mi) Carinas Studio Apartments
- Restaurants near Natural Pool:
- (7.19 mi) Fred Royal Aruba
- (7.37 mi) Aquarius
- (7.39 mi) L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House
- (7.30 mi) 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill
- (7.27 mi) Fresco