Small Cave Pool in Aruba: A Must-Visit Natural Gem

If you’ve been researching hidden gems in Aruba, the Small Cave Pool, also called the Baby Natural Pool, New Natural Pool, Boca Pool, or Hidden Pool Cave, has probably come up. This stunning natural swimming hole near the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins became one of the island’s most popular adventurous attractions, and for good reason: it offered an incredible experience of cliff jumping into crystal-clear water tucked inside a dramatic cave formation, all without the 4×4 journey required to reach the famous Conchi Natural Pool in Arikok National Park.

However, the cave pool is currently inaccessible. The wooden ladder that allowed visitors to descend the cliff face has been removed due to safety concerns, and the site is closed for inspection as of early 2026. We’re keeping this post updated so you always have accurate information before making the trip.

In the meantime… read on!

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Current Status: Is the Cave Pool Open?

As of early 2026: No, the Small Cave Pool at Bushiribana is closed.

The wooden ladder providing cliff access has been removed. Several tour operators that previously included the cave pool as a swimming/cliff jumping stop have updated their listings to reflect the closure. Aruba’s local news confirmed the closure in January 2026, reporting that the site was deemed too dangerous to access and the ladder was removed.

What this means for visitors:

• You can still visit the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins area and view the cave pool from above
• Do not attempt to descend the cliff without the ladder. The rock face is steep and dangerous.
• Many off-road tours that previously included a swim stop at the cave pool are now substituting other locations (such as Andicuri Beach or a different coastal stop).
• The situation may change. If the ladder is reinstalled or the site is officially reopened, we will update this post.

What was the Small Cave Pool?

For those who haven’t heard of it before, here’s what made the Small Cave Pool so special, and why it became one of Aruba’s most talked-about natural attractions.

Located along Aruba’s rugged north coast near the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the Small Cave Pool is a natural formation where the ocean has carved a cave and pool into the limestone cliffs. Unlike the famous Conchi Natural Pool (also called the Natural Pool) inside Arikok National Park, which requires a long, bumpy 4×4 journey, the Small Cave Pool was accessible by regular car, making it far more approachable for the average visitor.

The experience was genuinely thrilling. Descend an 8-foot ladder down the cliff face, walk carefully across jagged rocks to the pool’s edge, and then jump about 6 feet into water approximately 6 feet deep. The pool glows blue-green from the sunlight filtering through the cave opening, with crashing Atlantic waves visible on the outer side of the rocks and calm water on the inner side. Small crabs, fish, and sea life inhabit the rocks around the pool. A rope near the jump point helped swimmers exit the water.

It was one of the best spots for cliff jumping in Aruba, and a truly magical natural swimming hole, which is exactly why its closure is disappointing for so many visitors.

What Happened to the Cave Pool?

The Small Cave Pool was always on the adventurous side of Aruba’s attractions. The access ladder was famously slippery (particularly when wet), the rocks around the pool were covered in mossy growth that made them treacherous underfoot, and the tidal nature of the pool meant water depth and current varied… sometimes significantly. On rough days, the surge from Atlantic waves could be powerful enough to push swimmers into the rocks.

Many tour operators managed these risks by providing guide assistance at the ladder and briefing visitors on where exactly to jump. But the site was always inherently challenging, and multiple visitor reports over the years noted the dangers of the descent and the slippery conditions.

Unfortunately, the walls around the cave pool collapsed a bit and the site is currently closed for inspection. What that means for the future of the cave pool remains to be seen.

Alternatives to the Small Cave Pool

If the Cave Pool is closed during your visit, don’t worry. Aruba has other incredible natural swimming experiences. Here are the best alternatives, ranging from the wild and adventurous to the calm and accessible.

1. Conchi Natural Pool (Arikok National Park): Best Overall Alternative

The famous Conchi Natural Pool (also called the Natural Pool) is Aruba’s most celebrated natural swimming hole and with good reason. Accessible only by 4×4 through Arikok National Park, the journey is half the experience. The pool itself is a spectacular formation where the outer rocks absorb the Atlantic swell, leaving a calm, protected swimming hole behind. It’s larger and more dramatic than the Small Cave Pool, with guided access and a more established infrastructure.

The main difference: you must go with a guided tour or 4×4 rental. Standard cars cannot make the journey. The park entrance fee applies ($20 per adult; Children under 17 are free).

Check out this Jeep Safari tour and this UTV tour to the Natural Pool.

2. Mangel Halto Beach: Best for Snorkeling & Natural Beauty

Mangel Halto is a hidden gem on Aruba’s south coast. This mangrove-fringed cove offers exceptional snorkeling in a completely natural setting. The water is calm enough for comfortable swimming, and the coral reef system just offshore is teeming with fish, sea turtles, and colorful marine life. It doesn’t have the cliff-jumping thrill of the cave pool, but it’s genuinely stunning in its own right and far more accessible.

3. Tres Trapi: Best for Sea Turtle Snorkeling

Tres Trapi is a rocky coastal point on the northwest coast with concrete steps carved into the rock leading into the water, not unlike the cave pool’s entry experience. The snorkeling here is famous for sea turtle encounters. The access is unusual and slightly adventurous, but manageable for most visitors, and the marine life reward is outstanding.

4. Baby Beach: Best for Calm Swimming

Baby Beach on Aruba’s southern tip is the island’s most naturally protected swimming cove. This enclosed lagoon is where the water is shallow, warm, and crystal clear. It’s not a cliff-jumping experience, but for calm, beautiful natural swimming in a stunning setting, it’s hard to beat. The coral reef at the end of the breakwater also offers decent snorkeling.

5. Arashi Beach: Best North Coast Experience

Arashi Beach near the California Lighthouse has excellent snorkeling in a marine reserve, beautiful north coast scenery, and calm enough water for comfortable swimming. It’s a great complement to a Bushiribana Ruins visit since both are in the same general area of the island.

About the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins (Worth Visiting Regardless)

Even with the cave pool closed, the Bushiribana area is absolutely worth the trip. The ruins alone are one of Aruba’s most dramatic and photogenic landmarks.

The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are the remains of a 19th-century gold smelting facility, built in 1872 during Aruba’s brief but intense gold rush era. Gold was discovered on the island in the 1820s, and these ruins served as a critical processing point where ore was smelted and refined. They sit right on the dramatic north coast cliffs with the Atlantic crashing below, creating one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island.

The ruins are open, free, and climbable. You can scramble through the stone walls, up the steps, and to the top for sweeping views of the coastline in both directions. It’s excellent for photography, history, and anyone who wants a dramatic north coast view.

The Bushiribana Ruins are a standard stop on virtually every north and east coast tour of Aruba.

Visiting the Bushiribana Area: What to Expect Now

Even with the cave pool closed, a visit to the Bushiribana area can be a highlight of your Aruba trip. Here’s what you can still do:

• View the cave pool from the cliff above. You can walk to the cliff edge and look down into the cave. The brilliant blue water is still visible from above, and it’s beautiful even without being able to swim in it.

• Explore the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. Climb through the stone ruins, take in the coastal views, and learn about Aruba’s gold rush history. Free access, stunning setting.

• Continue to Wariruri Beach. Just a short drive further along the north coast, Wariruri Beach is a dramatic surfing cove with its own Baby Natural Bridge, excellent photography, and the rugged north coast scenery that makes this part of Aruba so special.

• Visit Alto Vista Chapel. A 10-minute drive from Bushiribana, Aruba’s historic yellow chapel sits on a hilltop with panoramic views and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. Read more about Alto Vista Chapel.

How to Get to the Bushiribana & Cave Pool Area

Even though the pool is currently closed, many visitors still make the journey to see the ruins and viewpoint. Here’s how to get there.

Map of the Small Cave Pool

Getting to the Small Cave Pool in Aruba is simple. Just head to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and then head to the right a couple hundred yards.

As you can see on the map, you’ll need to GPS to Cave Pool Aruba.

Drive to the New Natural Cave Pool

Head north from the Palm Beach resort strip toward the California Lighthouse. From the lighthouse, continue east along the coastal road. You’ll pass the Alto Vista Chapel (look for signs) and shortly after reach the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. The road to the ruins is unpaved but manageable by most regular cars in dry conditions. The cave pool entrance is about 200 yards from the ruins, a short walk toward the cliff edge.

GPS: Cave Pool Aruba

Renting a car or off-road vehicle gives you the most flexibility to explore this area at your own pace.

Take an Off-Road Tour of the Area

Many off-road UTV and ATV tours include the Bushiribana Ruins area. Note that tours which previously included a cave pool swim stop are currently either skipping that stop or substituting another swimming location. Always confirm the current itinerary when booking.

Check out these awesome tours:

• Aruba UTV Tour with Natural Cave Pool and Cliff Jumping: Set out on an exhilarating UTV tour starting with convenient pickup from your accommodation. Visit Philip’s Animal Garden, where you’ll interact with over 200 rescued animals, explore the historic Alto Vista Chapel, and continue your adventure at sites like the Natural Baby Bridge, Wariruri Bay, Bushiribana Ruins, Aruba’s Cave Pool for cliff jumping (which is now closed), and more. Check availability now.

• Aruba UTV, ATV Adventure to Beach with cliff jumping: Enjoy a UTV or ATV adventure, exploring Blackstone Beach’s unique black sand and the captivating 3 Sister Bridges. Cruise along picturesque Andicuri Beach, visit volcanic wonders like the Baby Natural Bridge and Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, cliff jumping, and finish at Boca Catalina. Check availability now.

• Aruba North Coast ATV Desert Adventure: Sign up for an unforgettable half-day Aruba ATV adventure, starting with hotel pickup and a safety briefing. Ride Honda Ranchers 420cc’s in a caravan led by your guide, exploring the historic Alto Vista Chapel, marveling at the Baby Natural Bridge, exploring Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and concluding with a stop at the Casibari Rock Formations. Check availability now.

Tips for When the Cave Pool Reopens

If you’re reading this after the cave pool has reopened… congratulations! Here are the tips that made visiting worthwhile:

Getting Into the Small Cave Pool

Once you’ve arrived at the Small Cave Pool, you’ll go down a slippery wooden ladder about 8 feet into the cave. From there, you’ll need to walk about 10 yards forward, over rocks to the edge of the Small Cave Pool. Here you can jump into the pool of water. The jump is only about 6 feet down, and you’ll land in water that is about 6 feet deep. It’s actually one of the best places to go cliff jumping in Aruba.

If you swim further into the small cave, the water does get a bit shallower near the pink rocks. This brings us to our next point… how to get out of the cave pool!

Getting Out of the Small Cave Pool

Now that you’ve jumped into the pool and swum around a bit, you’re probably wondering how you get out?! You’re in luck. There is a rope near where you jumped in that makes it easy to get out of the water or you can go to the rocks on the side and climb out. It can be a bit challenging, but in the end, the adrenaline rush of jumping into the pool is well worth it!

Once out of the water, it’s back out to the wooden ladder and up to the surface. There may be a line waiting to go up and down the ladder if you go during busy times or with a tour, but just be patient!

Wear water shoes.

You don’t need to take much with you to the Small Cave Pool besides water shoes. The ladder going into the cave can be a bit slippery and the rocks at the bottom are jagged, a bit slimy, and rough on bare feet. Not to mention, you may want to protect your feet from the tiny crabs that can be seen here! Just trust me on this – pack water shoes!

If you don’t have water shoes, you can also wear gym shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. You do not want to wear sandals or flip-flops. Take something sturdier!

Don’t have water shoes?
They’re cheap and readily available on Amazon!

2. Avoid the crowds by going early or late.

Aruba’s Cave Pool is a popular destination. This means it sees a lot of visitors per day. Unfortunately, its small size can make even the smallest amount of visitors seem a bit overwhelming. This means you’ll want to avoid the crowds.

Go to this Baby Natural Pool first thing in the morning before tours start arriving around 10:00 am. You can also go later in the day after the tours have left. For an even better chance of avoiding crowds, go on a day when there aren’t cruise ships in port!

3. Be aware of tidal changes.

The Cave Pool is protected on all sides by jagged rocks. This makes it extremely picturesque and protected from the open water. However, the water levels do rise and fall with the tides.

This is only important as at low tide the water you jump into is not quite as deep – jump cautiously, and the current can be strong at times. This can be dangerous if you’re not a strong swimmer as it can bash you into the rocks while you’re in the pool, creating some bruises. Assess the situation before entering the water and make sure to watch out for the weaker swimmers in your group!

4. Don’t expect facilities.

This Natural Cave Pool is beautiful because of its natural setting and glowing blue water. Because it is literally a cave in the rocks along the coast, you will not find facilities here: No bathrooms, no changing rooms, no seating, etc. On rare occasions, you may find a food truck near the Gold Ruins. If this is the case, they can point you in the direction of the Aruba Pool Cave.

FAQs about the Cave Pool in Aruba

If you’ve been researching hidden gems in Aruba, the Small Cave Pool, also called the Baby Natural Pool, New Natural Pool, Boca Pool, or Hidden Pool Cave, has probably come up. This stunning natural swimming hole near the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins became one of the island’s most popular adventurous attractions, and for good reason: it offered an incredible experience of cliff jumping into crystal-clear water tucked inside a dramatic cave formation, all without the 4×4 journey required to reach the famous Conchi Natural Pool in Arikok National Park.

However, the cave pool is currently inaccessible. The wooden ladder that allowed visitors to descend the cliff face has been removed due to safety concerns, and the site is closed for inspection as of early 2026. We’re keeping this post updated so you always have accurate information before making the trip.

In the meantime… read on!

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Current Status: Is the Cave Pool Open?

As of early 2026: No, the Small Cave Pool at Bushiribana is closed.

The wooden ladder providing cliff access has been removed. Several tour operators that previously included the cave pool as a swimming/cliff jumping stop have updated their listings to reflect the closure. Aruba’s local news confirmed the closure in January 2026, reporting that the site was deemed too dangerous to access and the ladder was removed.

What this means for visitors:

• You can still visit the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins area and view the cave pool from above
• Do not attempt to descend the cliff without the ladder. The rock face is steep and dangerous.
• Many off-road tours that previously included a swim stop at the cave pool are now substituting other locations (such as Andicuri Beach or a different coastal stop).
• The situation may change. If the ladder is reinstalled or the site is officially reopened, we will update this post.

What was the Small Cave Pool?

For those who haven’t heard of it before, here’s what made the Small Cave Pool so special, and why it became one of Aruba’s most talked-about natural attractions.

Located along Aruba’s rugged north coast near the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the Small Cave Pool is a natural formation where the ocean has carved a cave and pool into the limestone cliffs. Unlike the famous Conchi Natural Pool (also called the Natural Pool) inside Arikok National Park, which requires a long, bumpy 4×4 journey, the Small Cave Pool was accessible by regular car, making it far more approachable for the average visitor.

The experience was genuinely thrilling. Descend an 8-foot ladder down the cliff face, walk carefully across jagged rocks to the pool’s edge, and then jump about 6 feet into water approximately 6 feet deep. The pool glows blue-green from the sunlight filtering through the cave opening, with crashing Atlantic waves visible on the outer side of the rocks and calm water on the inner side. Small crabs, fish, and sea life inhabit the rocks around the pool. A rope near the jump point helped swimmers exit the water.

It was one of the best spots for cliff jumping in Aruba, and a truly magical natural swimming hole, which is exactly why its closure is disappointing for so many visitors.

What Happened to the Cave Pool?

The Small Cave Pool was always on the adventurous side of Aruba’s attractions. The access ladder was famously slippery (particularly when wet), the rocks around the pool were covered in mossy growth that made them treacherous underfoot, and the tidal nature of the pool meant water depth and current varied… sometimes significantly. On rough days, the surge from Atlantic waves could be powerful enough to push swimmers into the rocks.

Many tour operators managed these risks by providing guide assistance at the ladder and briefing visitors on where exactly to jump. But the site was always inherently challenging, and multiple visitor reports over the years noted the dangers of the descent and the slippery conditions.

Unfortunately, the walls around the cave pool collapsed a bit and the site is currently closed for inspection. What that means for the future of the cave pool remains to be seen.

Alternatives to the Small Cave Pool

If the Cave Pool is closed during your visit, don’t worry. Aruba has other incredible natural swimming experiences. Here are the best alternatives, ranging from the wild and adventurous to the calm and accessible.

1. Conchi Natural Pool (Arikok National Park): Best Overall Alternative

The famous Conchi Natural Pool (also called the Natural Pool) is Aruba’s most celebrated natural swimming hole and with good reason. Accessible only by 4×4 through Arikok National Park, the journey is half the experience. The pool itself is a spectacular formation where the outer rocks absorb the Atlantic swell, leaving a calm, protected swimming hole behind. It’s larger and more dramatic than the Small Cave Pool, with guided access and a more established infrastructure.

The main difference: you must go with a guided tour or 4×4 rental. Standard cars cannot make the journey. The park entrance fee applies ($20 per adult; Children under 17 are free).

Check out this Jeep Safari tour and this UTV tour to the Natural Pool.

2. Mangel Halto Beach: Best for Snorkeling & Natural Beauty

Mangel Halto is a hidden gem on Aruba’s south coast. This mangrove-fringed cove offers exceptional snorkeling in a completely natural setting. The water is calm enough for comfortable swimming, and the coral reef system just offshore is teeming with fish, sea turtles, and colorful marine life. It doesn’t have the cliff-jumping thrill of the cave pool, but it’s genuinely stunning in its own right and far more accessible.

3. Tres Trapi: Best for Sea Turtle Snorkeling

Tres Trapi is a rocky coastal point on the northwest coast with concrete steps carved into the rock leading into the water, not unlike the cave pool’s entry experience. The snorkeling here is famous for sea turtle encounters. The access is unusual and slightly adventurous, but manageable for most visitors, and the marine life reward is outstanding.

4. Baby Beach: Best for Calm Swimming

Baby Beach on Aruba’s southern tip is the island’s most naturally protected swimming cove. This enclosed lagoon is where the water is shallow, warm, and crystal clear. It’s not a cliff-jumping experience, but for calm, beautiful natural swimming in a stunning setting, it’s hard to beat. The coral reef at the end of the breakwater also offers decent snorkeling.

5. Arashi Beach: Best North Coast Experience

Arashi Beach near the California Lighthouse has excellent snorkeling in a marine reserve, beautiful north coast scenery, and calm enough water for comfortable swimming. It’s a great complement to a Bushiribana Ruins visit since both are in the same general area of the island.

About the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins (Worth Visiting Regardless)

Even with the cave pool closed, the Bushiribana area is absolutely worth the trip. The ruins alone are one of Aruba’s most dramatic and photogenic landmarks.

The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are the remains of a 19th-century gold smelting facility, built in 1872 during Aruba’s brief but intense gold rush era. Gold was discovered on the island in the 1820s, and these ruins served as a critical processing point where ore was smelted and refined. They sit right on the dramatic north coast cliffs with the Atlantic crashing below, creating one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island.

The ruins are open, free, and climbable. You can scramble through the stone walls, up the steps, and to the top for sweeping views of the coastline in both directions. It’s excellent for photography, history, and anyone who wants a dramatic north coast view.

The Bushiribana Ruins are a standard stop on virtually every north and east coast tour of Aruba.

Visiting the Bushiribana Area: What to Expect Now

Even with the cave pool closed, a visit to the Bushiribana area can be a highlight of your Aruba trip. Here’s what you can still do:

• View the cave pool from the cliff above. You can walk to the cliff edge and look down into the cave. The brilliant blue water is still visible from above, and it’s beautiful even without being able to swim in it.

• Explore the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. Climb through the stone ruins, take in the coastal views, and learn about Aruba’s gold rush history. Free access, stunning setting.

• Continue to Wariruri Beach. Just a short drive further along the north coast, Wariruri Beach is a dramatic surfing cove with its own Baby Natural Bridge, excellent photography, and the rugged north coast scenery that makes this part of Aruba so special.

• Visit Alto Vista Chapel. A 10-minute drive from Bushiribana, Aruba’s historic yellow chapel sits on a hilltop with panoramic views and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. Read more about Alto Vista Chapel.

How to Get to the Bushiribana & Cave Pool Area

Even though the pool is currently closed, many visitors still make the journey to see the ruins and viewpoint. Here’s how to get there.

Map of the Small Cave Pool

Getting to the Small Cave Pool in Aruba is simple. Just head to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and then head to the right a couple hundred yards.

As you can see on the map, you’ll need to GPS to Cave Pool Aruba.

Drive to the New Natural Cave Pool

Head north from the Palm Beach resort strip toward the California Lighthouse. From the lighthouse, continue east along the coastal road. You’ll pass the Alto Vista Chapel (look for signs) and shortly after reach the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. The road to the ruins is unpaved but manageable by most regular cars in dry conditions. The cave pool entrance is about 200 yards from the ruins, a short walk toward the cliff edge.

GPS: Cave Pool Aruba

Renting a car or off-road vehicle gives you the most flexibility to explore this area at your own pace.

Take an Off-Road Tour of the Area

Many off-road UTV and ATV tours include the Bushiribana Ruins area. Note that tours which previously included a cave pool swim stop are currently either skipping that stop or substituting another swimming location. Always confirm the current itinerary when booking.

Check out these awesome tours:

• Aruba UTV Tour with Natural Cave Pool and Cliff Jumping: Set out on an exhilarating UTV tour starting with convenient pickup from your accommodation. Visit Philip’s Animal Garden, where you’ll interact with over 200 rescued animals, explore the historic Alto Vista Chapel, and continue your adventure at sites like the Natural Baby Bridge, Wariruri Bay, Bushiribana Ruins, Aruba’s Cave Pool for cliff jumping (which is now closed), and more. Check availability now.

• Aruba UTV, ATV Adventure to Beach with cliff jumping: Enjoy a UTV or ATV adventure, exploring Blackstone Beach’s unique black sand and the captivating 3 Sister Bridges. Cruise along picturesque Andicuri Beach, visit volcanic wonders like the Baby Natural Bridge and Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, cliff jumping, and finish at Boca Catalina. Check availability now.

• Aruba North Coast ATV Desert Adventure: Sign up for an unforgettable half-day Aruba ATV adventure, starting with hotel pickup and a safety briefing. Ride Honda Ranchers 420cc’s in a caravan led by your guide, exploring the historic Alto Vista Chapel, marveling at the Baby Natural Bridge, exploring Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and concluding with a stop at the Casibari Rock Formations. Check availability now.

Tips for When the Cave Pool Reopens

If you’re reading this after the cave pool has reopened… congratulations! Here are the tips that made visiting worthwhile:

Getting Into the Small Cave Pool

Once you’ve arrived at the Small Cave Pool, you’ll go down a slippery wooden ladder about 8 feet into the cave. From there, you’ll need to walk about 10 yards forward, over rocks to the edge of the Small Cave Pool. Here you can jump into the pool of water. The jump is only about 6 feet down, and you’ll land in water that is about 6 feet deep. It’s actually one of the best places to go cliff jumping in Aruba.

If you swim further into the small cave, the water does get a bit shallower near the pink rocks. This brings us to our next point… how to get out of the cave pool!

Getting Out of the Small Cave Pool

Now that you’ve jumped into the pool and swum around a bit, you’re probably wondering how you get out?! You’re in luck. There is a rope near where you jumped in that makes it easy to get out of the water or you can go to the rocks on the side and climb out. It can be a bit challenging, but in the end, the adrenaline rush of jumping into the pool is well worth it!

Once out of the water, it’s back out to the wooden ladder and up to the surface. There may be a line waiting to go up and down the ladder if you go during busy times or with a tour, but just be patient!

Wear water shoes.

You don’t need to take much with you to the Small Cave Pool besides water shoes. The ladder going into the cave can be a bit slippery and the rocks at the bottom are jagged, a bit slimy, and rough on bare feet. Not to mention, you may want to protect your feet from the tiny crabs that can be seen here! Just trust me on this – pack water shoes!

If you don’t have water shoes, you can also wear gym shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. You do not want to wear sandals or flip-flops. Take something sturdier!

Don’t have water shoes?
They’re cheap and readily available on Amazon!

2. Avoid the crowds by going early or late.

Aruba’s Cave Pool is a popular destination. This means it sees a lot of visitors per day. Unfortunately, its small size can make even the smallest amount of visitors seem a bit overwhelming. This means you’ll want to avoid the crowds.

Go to this Baby Natural Pool first thing in the morning before tours start arriving around 10:00 am. You can also go later in the day after the tours have left. For an even better chance of avoiding crowds, go on a day when there aren’t cruise ships in port!

3. Be aware of tidal changes.

The Cave Pool is protected on all sides by jagged rocks. This makes it extremely picturesque and protected from the open water. However, the water levels do rise and fall with the tides.

This is only important as at low tide the water you jump into is not quite as deep – jump cautiously, and the current can be strong at times. This can be dangerous if you’re not a strong swimmer as it can bash you into the rocks while you’re in the pool, creating some bruises. Assess the situation before entering the water and make sure to watch out for the weaker swimmers in your group!

4. Don’t expect facilities.

This Natural Cave Pool is beautiful because of its natural setting and glowing blue water. Because it is literally a cave in the rocks along the coast, you will not find facilities here: No bathrooms, no changing rooms, no seating, etc. On rare occasions, you may find a food truck near the Gold Ruins. If this is the case, they can point you in the direction of the Aruba Pool Cave.

FAQs about the Cave Pool in Aruba