Snorkeling in Aruba: Arikok National Park & Natural Pool

Swim and snorkel inside volcanic rock pools while the desert and coastline unfold around you.

A 6-hour off-road jeep tour of Arikok National Park in Aruba combines snorkeling at two reef sites—the Natural Pool ringed by black volcanic rocks and Baby Beach—with visits to Indian Caves and Dos Playa Beach. The tour includes park entry, a local pastechi breakfast, snorkel gear, a small-group jeep, and a live guide in English, Spanish or Dutch; pickup is included, and children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jeep tour and snorkeling adventure

• Enjoy local breakfast snack Pastechi
• Drive around Arikok National Park
• Visit and swim at Natural Pool
• Explore Dos Playa white sand beach
• See ancient paintings at Indian caves
• Experience wild Fish Pedicure at Fontein Cave
• Visit Quadirikiri Cave chambers
• Snorkel or relax at Baby Beach

The Experience

The day starts before the park with a pastechi—a local aruban empanada—from a family shack, then moves into the 4x4 open-air jeep for the drive through Arikok. The route hits the Natural Pool first, where you wade into the water between black volcanic rocks and snorkel the reef if conditions allow; the waves crash into the pool itself, so even swimmers who skip the snorkel get the sight. From there the jeep rolls through Dos Playa, a white sand beach inside the park, and stops at the Indian Caves to see old paintings left by the Caiquetios, the island's first inhabitants. At Fontein Cave you can opt for a fish pedicure—small reef fish nibble dead skin off your feet—and at Quadirikiri Cave the sunlight streams through the chambers, which is why most people bring a camera.

The second half of the tour heads toward Baby Beach on the far side of the island, and the route passes through San Nicolas so you see the street art murals the town is known for. Baby Beach itself sits inside a reef, so the snorkeling is calmer than the Natural Pool and better for anyone who wants to stay longer underwater. The whole day runs 6 hours, which includes the drive time and the stops; snorkeling happens at both the Natural Pool and Baby Beach, weather permitting. You get snorkel masks and a life vest on request; water shoes are recommended for the rocky entry at the Natural Pool, and comfortable shoes help in the caves.

The jeep stays small—not a tour bus—and the guide is local, which means they know which caves have the best light and which reef spots have fish that day. Bottled water comes with you, and the park entrance fee is already paid.

What’s included

• Arikok National Park entrance ticket.
• local pastechi breakfast.
• bottled water.
• snorkel mask and snorkel.
• life vest on request.
• small-group open-air jeep.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Dutch.
• hotel pickup.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by EZ Raider Aruba Tours

Is this one for you?You're in a shared small-group jeep with a local guide, so you move at the group's pace and stop where the guide knows the reef is best that day—choose this if you want snorkeling plus the caves and the landscape without driving yourself or arranging the park entry. If you prefer to snorkel on your own schedule or want a private vehicle, look for a self-guided beach day or a private rental instead.

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Top questions

What is the Natural Pool like for snorkeling?

The Natural Pool is a rocky inlet surrounded by black volcanic formations where waves crash into the pool itself. You snorkel the reef if the ocean is calm enough; if it is rough, the pool is still worth seeing for the rock formations and the surge of water.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

Snorkel masks and snorkels are included; life vests are available on request. Water shoes are highly recommended for the rocky entry at the Natural Pool, and you should bring your own if you have a preference.

How much of the 6 hours is actually spent snorkeling versus driving?

The 6-hour tour includes all driving, stops and snorkeling time combined. You spend time in the water at both the Natural Pool and Baby Beach, plus time at the caves and Dos Playa Beach; the exact balance depends on conditions and how long you choose to stay at each stop.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 4. The jeep is open-air, so they see the landscape and the caves, and both snorkeling sites have shallow reef areas; however, the rough entry at the Natural Pool and the bumpy off-road sections mean younger children should be comfortable with movement and water.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

Snorkeling at the Natural Pool depends on ocean conditions—if the waves are too rough, you can still visit the pool and see the volcanic rock formations, but snorkeling may not be possible. Baby Beach is typically calmer, so snorkeling there is more likely even on rougher days.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included. The tour provides a pastechi breakfast at the start and bottled water throughout the day; you can bring your own food or eat in San Nicolas or at Baby Beach if you want a longer meal break.