Directions To Natural Pool

7Dec2007 Filed under: hidden beaches

Video: To Natural Pool

Natural Pool

I’ve written several posts on Natural Pool and hopefully this way try to offer my contribution to explain how it truly is, perhaps to “un-hype” it. I hope this way to avoid hearing comments such as “I thought it was bigger” or “I hope it’s worth it after that ride”.

The best method to make your way to Natural Pool is signing up for a scheduled trip. Keep in mind that they know what they’re doing, they’ve done it before and if you happen to break the equipment you are not liable for any damages. On the flip side, if you choose to go at it on your own, your rental won’t be insured and if you break something, you’ll have to pay in full before leaving the island.

Despite the difficulty to reach the pool, there are still plenty of people interested in going there on their own. I’ll try to give some directions.

Bear in mind that there aren’t many street names outside the capital. In fact, I’m using points of reference rather than street names.

Assuming you’re staying at the low/high rise area resorts the starting point would be the major traffic circle (roundabout) by the resorts.
Points of reference: Pizza Hut, Texaco, Eagle Bowling Palace.
On that traffic circle go east, destination St. Cruz.
You reach another traffic circle, continue driving straight ahead.
Points of reference: Hunny Punny, Dunkin’ Donuts.
Yet again you reach another traffic circle and, yet again, continue straight.
Point of reference: Stern Chevrolet dealer.
And yet again another traffic circle, just keep driving straight ahead.
Points of reference: Hong Kong Chinese grocery store, Arubabank.
Continue driving straight ahead on the main road passing residential houses, sport fields, a bakery, bar, restaurants, grocery stores etc. Don’t pay too much attention to any of that.
The next left turn is the most critical one, so here you’ll need to focus.
At a certain point before you reach the main traffic lights in St. Cruz you must turn to the left.
Point of reference: Mundo Nobo grocery store on the left side of the road.
Drive straight ahead.
At the next equal crossing continue to drive straight ahead.
Point of reference: Another Chinese grocery store on the right.
This road will turn, twist, go up and go down. Just continue driving on this paved road until you reach the end at a T-crossing.
Turn to the right at this T-crossing.
Points of reference: On the right a small white house, up front some rocks painted in white. Perhaps you might see some goats taking it easy around those rocks.
After a short piece you reach another crossing, turn to the left. If you go straight the road changes into a dirt road and that’s a sign that you’re going the wrong way. Go back!
Point of reference: At that crossing, there is a small tree with a sign to Natural Pool.
Drive straight ahead on the paved and narrow road where it twists and turns.
Point of reference: You’ll pass close to some cacti.
At certain point, where the road seemingly ends, turn to the left.
When you follow this short road it will turn into dirt and rocks which means you found the point where you can start using your vehicle’s 4×4. Put it in four wheel drive high gear, this will suffice throughout the whole ride. If you don’t have such a good vehicle, put in four wheel drive low gear.
Guiding you from this point is useless due to the lack of points of reference. Just follow the tracks and make sure you reach the coast. If you don’t reach the pool within 30 minutes then you are lost my friend.