The Conchi is a natural pool on the northern side of the island of Aruba. It is hidden in a natural rock formation that juts into the ocean, just off the shore of the island. Aruba is a Caribbean island 15 miles north of the coast of Venezuela. Aruba is an amazing vacation spot, one you'll not soon forget, but there are a number of basic facts you should know about the island before you go. The following information will equip you with facts such as social customs and what to pack for your trip. Arubans are generous, friendly, and laid-back people who are, for the most part, extremely open and helpful to visitors. They know how much tourism means to the welfare of their island and will very often go out of their way to make you happy. It's only fair that you return the favor by being aware of the few courtesies you may not know about. First, it is considered inappropriate to wear beach clothes anywhere other than the beach. When walking around the city streets or the natural wonders of the interior, dress properly. Nothing fancy, shorts and a T-shirt are fine, but bikinis are not acceptable attire. Second, return the courteous nature of the Arubans. It is considered polite to properly greet someone when you address them. Any polite salutation is fine, as long as you acknowledge their presence. It is rude to walk up and ask a local a question without first saying hello. Also, although it is not as serious an issue on the island of Aruba as it is on other islands, it is always a good idea to ask someone's permission before you take their picture, no matter where on the island you travel. It's hard to believe that there's so much to see on an island only 20 miles long, but Aruba has enough to fill more than one vacation. Below is a brief description of some of the areas on the island.
Aruba's incredibly blue waters are alive with neon-yellow fish, flame-bright coral reefs and billowing rainbow-colored sails. Aruba is famous for its windsurfing, try it at Fisherman's Huts. Try snorkeling, scuba diving, Rent a sailboat, go deep-sea fishing, do some water skiing. Or go for a lazy swim. However you choose to enjoy Aruba's refreshing, translucent sea, you'll find the conditions are blissful. There are also several hidden little bays around Aruba, as well as our incredible Conchi, or natural pool. On the Atlantic side of the Aruba, the water is quite different. Here, you'll find crashing white waves that brush against the jagged rock coast. While it's truly a sight to behold, swimming is reserved for the warm, tranquil waters off the leeward coast. Aruba's beaches consist of white sand and calm waters, each with it's own flavor to suit your taste. They are considered to be some of the best beaches in the world. Hadikurari Beach is located just south of the lighthouse near the northwestern tip of Aruba and is known for terrific snorkeling. Palm Beach is famous for calm waters and is located right in front of the luxurious high-rise hotel stretch of the island. Eagle Beach is a popular public beach for locals, replete with shaded picnic areas and plenty of parking right off the main road. Several low-rise hotels are nearby, just off the street from the beach. Rodgers Beach features a slightly rough surf. It is located close to the Baby Beach, offering shady areas and shower facilities. It was a popular place for those that worked at the oil refinery and their families. Baby Beach is located in the area known as Seroe Colorado at the southeastern end of the island. It got its name because the calm and shallow waters make it ideal for children and/or inexperienced swimmers. Snorkelers will enjoy gorgeous coral heads in the channel.
The southern coast of Aruba is protected from the rough waters of the open Atlantic Ocean and the Northeastern Trade Winds. Here you will find the most calm and beautiful beaches, as well as the island's capital city, Oranjestad, which is the commercial and tourism center of the island and a popular port of call for many Caribbean cruises. The most well-maintained roads run along the southern coast and out of Oranjestad, making it the quickest route from one end of the island to the other. De Palm Island is just a five-minute boat ride south of the mainland, and ferries depart every half hour. Some of the most popular beach-going and diving spots can be found in this area. West End The western end of the island is both beautiful and historical, boasting Palm Beach in the south, with its beautiful beaches and exquisite resorts, and the California Dunes on the northern peninsula, where you'll find the historic California lighthouse. There are few better places in the world to watch the sunset. North Coast The northern coast of Aruba is exposed to the rugged open seas of the Atlantic, and instead of beaches, you'll find magnificent rock formations carved out by the waves. Many of Aruba's most well-known natural wonders can be found along the north coast, including the Natural Pool,"Conchi," and Aruba's most visited natural wonder, the Natural Bridge. Be prepared with lots of film for scenic stops along this rugged coast. East End The east end of the island is where many of the more remote tourist areas can be found, such as Rincon, Colorado Point, Baby Beach, and San Nicolas Bay. Several well-known resorts call this region home, and with good reason. The Coastal Oil Refinery is on this end of the island as well. Interior The interior of Aruba is a hilly, rocky haven of natural beauty. The hilly desert is spotted with the fascinating divi divi trees that have become a signature of Aruba's landscape. Ruins of gold mines, caves full of native paintings, and historic buildings can be found throughout the interior. Here you will also find Arikok National Park, which takes up 20 percent of the island and hosts distinctive cave paintings and a captivating refuge for flora and fauna.
