Horseback Riding in Aruba: Desert Trails to Natural Pool

Ride the desert to the coast, then swim in a hidden pool carved into rock.

Horseback riding in Aruba combines a 90-minute ride through Arikok National Park's desert trails to Wariruri beach on the north coast, followed by a private Jeep tour of the park's interior to the Natural Pool and Fontein Cave. The full outing runs about five to six hours and includes a local snack, all equipment, hotel pickup, and a guide who speaks English or Spanish. Children from age 8 are welcome. Weight limit is 230 lbs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruinspassing by
2. Arikok National Park2h · entry included
3. Natural Pool1h · entry included

Horseback riding and Jeep tour

• Pass Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins trail
• Horseback ride to Wariruri beach
• Stop at Wariruri Natural Bridge for photos
• Jeep tour inside Arikok National Park
• Swim and relax at Natural Pool
• Visit Fontein Indian cave

The experience

The ride starts with a 90-minute horseback excursion through the desert landscape toward the northern coast. You'll pass the trail to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, a nineteenth-century structure from Aruba's gold rush era, before reaching Wariruri beach, where local surfers work the waves and a small natural bridge marks a photo stop. The route is built around what the coast looks like from horseback. The views are the reason to ride rather than drive.

After dismounting, you switch to a private Jeep (a Land Rover Defender) for the second half of the day inside Arikok National Park. The Jeep takes you to the Natural Pool, also called Conchi, where you get 30 minutes to swim in the freshwater basin carved into the rock. From there, your guide leads you into Fontein Cave to see stalactites, stalagmites, bats, and ancient Indian rock drawings on the walls. The guide explains the history and points out the best spots for pictures.

Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport to the starting point. Bring a towel and swim clothes for the Natural Pool. A local snack and bottled water come with the tour. Helmets are available if you want one, and lockers hold your belongings while you ride and swim.

What’s included

• Horseback riding equipment and optional helmet.
• private Jeep transport through Arikok National Park.
• entry to the Natural Pool with 30 minutes of swimming time.
• guided tour of Fontein Cave with explanations of the rock drawings and cave formations.
• local snack (pastechi) and bottled water.
• use of lockers and restroom facilities.
• hotel pickup and all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 47 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by The Gold Mine Ranch Horseback Riding Tours

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a rental car or arrange transport from your accommodation to the starting point. The day is built around getting you there and back. The five to six hour span fits a morning or early afternoon without eating the whole day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Wariruri beach like, and why stop there on the ride?

Wariruri beach sits on Aruba's northern coast and is known for its surfers. The ride reaches it as the destination of the horseback excursion, and a small natural bridge there gives you a photo stop before the group heads back to the Jeep.

How much time do I spend swimming at the Natural Pool?

The Natural Pool gives you 30 minutes of swimming and leisure time in the freshwater basin before the guide leads the group into Fontein Cave.

What's inside Fontein Cave, and will the guide explain it?

Fontein Cave holds natural stalactites and stalagmites, bats, and ancient Indian rock drawings on the walls. Your guide leads the way, describes the history and myths, and shows you the best areas for photos.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the starting point?

Hotel pickup is included, so contact the operator with your hotel information to confirm your pickup time. No separate transport booking is needed.

What's the weight limit for the horseback portion?

The weight limit is 230 lbs (105 kg). The ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.