Aruba: Jeep Tour to Natural Pool & Baby Beach with Guide

Summary

Rugged Aruba trails, secret pools and sunrise city swims

You’ll ride across Aruba’s wild trails in a 4x4 jeep with a local guide, swim in the hidden Natural Pool surrounded by volcanic rocks, explore ancient Arawak cave drawings at Fontein Cave, and finish with a dip at Baby Beach’s calm turquoise waters. Expect laughter, salty air, and little surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever try swimming in a volcanic pool?” our driver, Luis, grinned as we bounced along the red-dust roads of Aruba. I just laughed because honestly, I had no idea what to expect from this jeep tour — except maybe a sunburn. The wind whipped through the open sides as we rolled into Arikok, and I caught that dry-earth smell mixed with something salty. There were goats everywhere. Luis pointed out some cactus fruit and told us how his grandmother used to make jam from it. I still don’t know if he was serious or just messing with us.

The drive to the Natural Pool took longer than I thought (maybe 40 minutes?), but it didn’t feel long. We passed these weird rock formations that looked like they’d been dropped there by accident. When we finally climbed down to the pool — it’s tucked between black volcanic rocks — you could hear waves smashing against the stones but inside the pool it was quiet, almost echoey. The water was cold at first but then perfect once you got used to it. Some local kids were jumping in from the rocks; one of them shouted something in Papiamento I absolutely did not understand, but everyone laughed so I did too.

After drying off (sort of — my towel was already half sandy), we stopped at Fontein Cave. It smelled damp and earthy inside, and our guide flicked his flashlight up to show faded drawings scratched into the ceiling by Arawak people centuries ago. There were tiny bats too — I tried not to freak out about those. Outside, Luis showed us this shallow pond where little fish nibbled at our toes if you stood still long enough; honestly, it tickled more than anything.

The last stop was Baby Beach near San Nicolas — locals call it Sunrise City but we were there closer to noon, so no sunrise for us. The water was so clear you could see your feet even way out past where it got deep. Kids splashing everywhere, reggae playing somewhere behind us (I never did find the speaker). We only had about half an hour there before heading back, which felt too short but maybe that’s why I keep thinking about that soft sand under my feet even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Arikok Park and Beaches

• Enter Arikok National Park
• Drive to Natural Pool
• Swim at Natural Pool
• Drive to Fontein Cave
• Explore Fontein Cave
• Drive to Baby Beach
• Swim at Baby Beach

Top questions

How long does the Aruba jeep tour take?

The main drive between stops is around 30-45 minutes each leg; total time depends on group pace but expect several hours including all stops.

Is swimming included at both Natural Pool and Baby Beach?

Yes, you can swim at both locations during the tour.

Are guides included on this Aruba day trip?

Yes, an experienced local driver/guide leads the tour throughout.

What should I bring for this jeep tour?

You should bring a towel, sunblock, sunglasses, spare change and your own canteen for water refills.

Is entry to Arikok or Fontein Cave included?

Yes, access to all sites listed is part of your day trip experience.

Can travelers with health issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness is needed.

Does this Aruba jeep tour include lunch?

No lunch is included; only ice water refills are provided during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by experienced local driver-guide in a 4x4 jeep (with open sides for that real island breeze), entry to Arikok Park and Fontein Cave with time for exploring ancient drawings and fish pedicure ponds, plus ice water refills throughout — just remember to bring your own canteen as part of their eco-friendly approach before returning after your swim at Baby Beach.