Arikok National Park Tours

Arikok National Park which includes rocky coastline
Arikok National Park featuring caves
Arikok National Park featuring rocky coastline
Arikok National Park featuring caves
Arikok National Park featuring rugged coastline


Go wildlife-watching, view American Indian cave art, stroll along deserted windswept beaches and hike among the arid, cacti-peppered hills of this protected preserve.

Arikok National Park covers around 20 percent of the island of Aruba, encompassing vast expanses of undeveloped arid wilderness and rocky coastline. Look for unusual endemic species, marvel at the stalagmite and stalactite formations in the park’s caves and stroll along the coastal sand dunes.

Start your adventure at the park’s eco-friendly visitor center, which is outfitted with rooftop solar panels and a cooling water basin. This is a great place to learn about the various attractions and highlights of the park.

The park features a variety of habitats where flora and fauna abound. Embark on a four-wheel drive tour or take a guided hike through the park to see some of the most eye-catching plant and animal species. More than 70 different types of cacti grow here, while animals including donkeys and goats roam free. The park is also home to some unique endemic species including the bright blue Aruban whiptail lizard, the endangered Aruban rattlesnake and the Aruban burrowing owl.

Spend some time exploring the park’s rugged coastline, which stands in stark contrast to the resort-lined beaches of the island’s west coast. Take a stroll along Daimari Beach,Dos PlayaandBoca Prins. Swimming at these beaches should be avoided because of the strong currents and rough waters. If you do want to swim, head to the Natural Pool, which is protected from the strong sea current by a series of rocks.

Although there are many wonderful natural sights here, the park also has a fascinating human history to uncover. View ancient rock art created by the Caquetío Indiansas well as more recent graffiti left by early European settlers at the Fontein Cave. Learn about the agricultural history of the park at the old plantation site, where two restored adobe houses can be seen.

Arikok National Park is open daily from morning until late afternoon. There is a fee for admission to the park, with free entry for children under the age of 17. Sign up for a park ranger-led tour to find out more about the park. Be aware that some parts of the park, such as the Natural Pool, can only be accessed by four-wheel drive.

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Reviews of Arikok National Park

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
331
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
204
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
38
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Drove to the other side of the island intending to go to the springs. We didn’t realize these were an hour and a half hike. Instead, we attempted to go to the caves and beach area, however our small rental car wasn’t a good choice for making that drive. We ended up turning around before we made it. The scenery is lovely. Best to book an ATV tour to see the park.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

very bumpy and dusty but beautiful

3/5 - Okay

Janeen

Only part of the park is accessible via a regular car.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

We rented a compact Hyundai and it was difficult driving even on the paved road. We understood we could not visit the natural pool with the car. But there were other sites we were not permitted to go by the park rangers and others we would not gave gone had we known the condition of the road. Recommend renting a jeep to visit the park.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Rent a jeep to go off road

5/5 - Excellent

Betsy

Call the park headquarters and get a free 2 hr guided trip with s ranger to a goldmine ruins or an old dwelling and garden. Do a morning UTV tour with AWG Tours of the parks highlights you can’t see any other way. Great fun.

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