Quadirikiri Cave
Light through the roof.
Misty Johnson — CC BY 2.0 · EgorovaSvetlana — CC BY-SA 4.0 · EgorovaSvetlana — CC BY-SA 4.0 · EgorovaSvetlana — CC BY-SA 4.0 · EgorovaSvetlana — CC BY-SA 4.0
Arikok National Park is a nature reserve in north-eastern Aruba covering about 32 square kilometres, nearly a fifth of the island. Its visitor centre lies about 8 km in a straight line north-west of the town of San Nicolas, and the park was officially established in 2000. The park takes its name from a small farm once owned by a man called Arie Kok, whose adobe house still stands inside it after restoration. It brings together dry land covered in giant cacti and thorny scrub, volcanic hills, and a rocky limestone coast pounded by the ocean, with wild goats roaming throughout. It holds well-known caves, including Quadirikiri, whose chambers are lit by holes in the roof, and Fontein, which bears ancient Arawak drawings and can only be visited with a guide. On its north coast is the «Natural Pool», known as Conchi, a rock-sheltered pool reached by four-wheel drive or on foot. Entry is paid. Roads inside the park are rough, some needing four-wheel drive, and the sun is strong with little shade, so bring plenty of water and start in the morning.
Light through the roof.
Conchi.
On dry land.
Santa Cruz, Aruba
For some roads, including the one to the Natural Pool.
Quadirikiri is open; Fontein only with a guide.