Getting to the Natural Pool in Aruba

The bottom line on Conchi

The Natural Pool (called Conchi locally) requires a 4x4. No exceptions. The road is 2.5 miles of jagged limestone that will damage regular cars. Budget $65-95 for a Jeep rental plus $15 per person for Arikok park entry. Go early (before 9am) to beat crowds and heat.

Is it worth it? Yes, if you enjoy adventure and can handle a bumpy ride. The pool is a natural rock formation where waves crash over the rim into a calm swimming area. It's unlike anything else on the island.

What vehicle you actually need

Rent a Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny, Toyota 4Runner, or similar high-clearance 4x4. Standard sedans, compact SUVs (RAV4, CR-V), and anything with low ground clearance won't make it without damage.

Rental agreements explicitly exclude the Natural Pool road from standard coverage. Taking a sedan voids your insurance and leaves you liable for: tire damage ($100-300), rim damage ($200-400), undercarriage damage ($500+), and tow truck fees ($150-200).

If you want 4x4 coverage, ask specifically when booking. Top Drive and More4Less offer off-road packages. Tropic Car Rental's zero-deductible CDW covers most situations. Don't assume Jeep = off-road coverage.

Alternative: Several tour companies offer Jeep/ATV/UTV tours to the Natural Pool for $75-125 per person. They provide the vehicle, guide, and park entry. More expensive than DIY but zero stress.

The route and the drive

Enter Arikok National Park at the main gate (off Route 7A). Pay the $15 per person entry fee. They accept cash and cards. Get a map and confirm the road to Conchi is open (they close it occasionally after heavy rain).

From the entrance, follow signs toward Conchi/Natural Pool. The paved road lasts about 2 miles. Then it turns to dirt and gets progressively rougher. The final 2.5 miles to the pool parking area takes 15-20 minutes at 5-10 mph.

What to expect: deep ruts, exposed limestone shelves, patches of loose sand, and no margin for error on some narrow sections. Use low gear (Jeeps have 4L for a reason), go slow, and pick your line carefully. If you're uncomfortable on rough roads, consider a guided tour instead.

The parking area at the end is small, maybe 10-15 vehicles. If it's full, you'll need to wait or park back on the trail. This is another reason to go early.

At the pool: what to know

From parking, it's a 5-minute walk over rocks to the pool. Wear shoes you can get wet. Flip-flops work but water shoes are better. The rocks are uneven and can be slippery.

The pool is best at low-to-medium tide. At high tide or when wind is up, waves crash heavily over the rim and the water churns. Check conditions with the park rangers or look at recent reviews.

Bring snorkel gear. There are fish in the pool. The water is cool and refreshing. You can swim to the edge where waves come in, but be careful of the surge. Don't climb on the rim when waves are active.

No facilities at the pool. Bring water, sunscreen (reef-safe required), and snacks. The sun is intense and there's no shade. Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes swimming before the heat drives them back.

Timing and logistics

Best time: arrive at the park gate when it opens at 8am. You'll reach the pool by 9am, swim before it gets crowded or hot, and be out by 10:30-11am. Afternoon is hotter, busier, and the light is harsher.

Worst time: midday on weekends or cruise ship days. The pool area fills up, the drive back has more traffic, and the heat is brutal.

Fill your gas tank before entering the park. The nearest station is on the main road in Paradera, about 10 minutes from the park entrance. There are no services inside Arikok.

Budget 3-4 hours total: 1 hour to get to the park and the pool, 1 hour at the pool, 1 hour back. Add time if you want to explore other Arikok sites (Fontein Cave, Dos Playa, Boca Prins) on the way in or out.

Combine with other Arikok stops: The paved road to Fontein Cave is accessible by any vehicle. Dos Playa requires 4x4. Boca Prins is 4x4 only. Plan your route based on what you want to see.