Arikok National Park Aruba covers nearly twenty percent of the island — a desert of cacti, caves, and collapsing coastline that feels like a different country from the resort strip. Here is what deserves your hours and what does not.
See the wild side of Aruba: top jeep and UTV tours
The highlights, ranked
- Fontein Cave — Arawak pictographs on the ceiling; short, shaded, worth it.
- Quadirikiri Cave — sunbeams through ceiling holes light two great chambers.
- Dos Playa — a raw, photogenic double bay; swimming is dangerous, looking is free.
- Boca Prins dunes — white sand cliffs above a wild surf break.
- The Natural Pool — reachable through the park with a 4×4 or tour.
Entrance fees and hours
The park opens daily from 8 a.m. and charges a per-person conservation fee, payable at the visitor centers. Roads inside are graded dirt — fine for high-clearance vehicles, punishing for small cars. Check the official Arikok park site for current rates.
Tour or self-drive?
Self-driving suits travelers who like reading plaques at their own pace. That said, the Jeep and 4×4 safaris cover more ground, include the Natural Pool, and spare your rental agreement. Either way, start early — by noon the desert is an oven. More context in our things to do guide and island history.
Sightseeing? Our guide to Aruba landmarks rates every famous sight honestly — including the Natural Bridge that collapsed in 2005.
Important: UTVs and ATVs cannot enter Arikok National Park
This trips up a lot of visitors, so book carefully. Since 2020, UTVs, ATVs and motorcycles are banned from Arikok National Park to protect the terrain. Only cars, jeeps, vans and pickups may enter.
- To reach the Natural Pool (which sits inside the park): take a Jeep or 4×4 safari, or go by horseback, bicycle or on foot. A UTV tour cannot take you there.
- UTV and ATV tours still run — but along the north coast outside the park: Alto Vista Chapel, the Bushiribana ruins, the Natural Bridge area, Andicuri, and Philip’s Animal Garden.
- If a tour promises a UTV ride to the Natural Pool, ask exactly how they enter the park before paying.
Park rules every visitor should know
- The entry fee is roughly $20 per person, with children under 17 free; pay at the visitor center at San Fuego.
- UTVs, ATVs and motorcycles are banned inside the park. Cars, jeeps, vans and pickups are allowed.
- The Natural Pool closes when the surf is high; obey the signs.
- There is little shade and no water for sale on most trails. Restrooms are only at the visitor center and the restaurant near Boca Prins.
Hiking in Arikok
The park has marked trails from short walks to half-day hikes. Climb Jamanota, Aruba’s highest point, or Arikok hill for views across the island. Start at 8 a.m. when the park opens, because by midday the heat is serious. Park rangers lead guided hikes; ask at the visitor center.
What to bring
- At least two liters of water per person.
- Closed shoes with grip; volcanic rock is sharp.
- A hat and reef-safe sunscreen.
- A flashlight or phone light for the caves.
- Water shoes and a mask if you plan to swim at the Natural Pool.
Planning the Natural Pool? Read our Natural Pool guide and jeep tour guide.
Want to explore on foot? See our guide to hiking in Aruba, with the best Arikok trails, the Natural Pool hike and guided sunrise hikes.
🌴 Rather go private? ISLA’s private jeep tours visit the Natural Pool, caves and hidden beaches with just your group, hotel pick-up included and no time limits. Private tours from $399 →
🚙 Driving yourself? See jeep rental in Aruba: prices, park rules and where a rental 4×4 can go.
🧭 Booking the Natural Pool? Natural Pool tours compared: group vs private vs UTV.
