A nature preserve covering almost one-fifth of the island, Arikok encompasses Mount Jamanota, Aruba’s highest point, underground caves, coastal sand dunes and limestone cliffs, and rough desert terrain throughout the interior. Wildlife includes the shoco (burrowing owl), kododo blauw (whiptail lizard), iguanas, migratory birds, goats and donkeys.
Cunucu Arikok is a restored farm that recreates island life centuries ago; Prins Plantation once cultivated hundreds of coconut trees. Hofi Fontein is the only freshwater spring along the north coast. Look for several amazing natural bridges created about one million years ago. Also carved out by crashing waves along the windward coast are coves such as Boca Grandi, Dos Playa, Fuente and Boca Prins. Though the beaches are incredibly beautiful, swimming here is not recommended.