Arikok National Park National Park

Address: Arikok National Park, Aruba

Hours: Daily

Arikok National Park is a protected natural area on the island of Aruba, created to conserve the island’s terrestrial and coastal ecosystems and cultural sites. It was formally designated as a national park in 2000 and covers a large portion of the island’s interior and eastern coastline.

The park was established by the Aruban authorities at the turn of the 21st century to protect natural vegetation, wildlife and archaeological sites. Since its creation it has been managed to allow regulated visitor access while conserving fragile coastal and cave environments.

The park occupies the eastern and central portions of Aruba, covering a wide area of the island’s interior and east coast; it is accessible from the main road network and from coastal access points along the island’s eastern shore.

• Size and establishment: Covers about 34 square kilometres, roughly one-fifth of Aruba’s land area and established as a protected area in 2000.
• Terrain and access: Terrain ranges from coastal cliffs and small beaches to limestone hills and cave systems, with a network of marked trails and unpaved roads used for guided excursions.

What to See#

• Major sites: Contains several named features used by visitors, including the natural rock pool known locally as “Conchi” (the Natural Pool), the coastal beaches Dos Playa and Boca Prins, and the Fontein and Quadirikiri caves with indigenous rock art and cave chambers.
• Visitor centre: Includes a visitor centre that provides information, maps and guided-walk options for trails and 4x4 routes across the park.

• Visit Arikok National Park early in the morning to reach key coastal features like the Natural Pool (Conchi) before heat and visitor numbers peak; sea conditions are often calmer in the morning.
• Plan access via the park's visitor facilities and use a 4x4 or a guided walk to reach remote coastal sites-many of the park's highlights are on rough, unpaved tracks not suitable for standard rental cars.
• Hire a local guide or stop at the visitor centre to learn about seasonal closures and the best trails; guides also point out archaeological features and viewpoints that many self‑guided visitors miss.