Aruba 365
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Aruba 365
Wild surf-carved coral arch on the windward coast
The Natural Bridge is one of the classic stops on Aruba's rugged windward coast, reached on the rough roads inland from Santa Cruz. For decades a great arch of coral rock, carved over centuries by the relentless pounding of the Atlantic surf, was the island's most famous natural landmark, appearing on countless postcards.
The original bridge collapsed suddenly in 2005, and what remains is the dramatic site of its fall, plus a smaller arch known as the Baby Bridge nearby. The setting is still spectacular: dark coral cliffs, white spray exploding against the rock, and the wild, unswimmable sea of the northeast shore, a stark contrast to the calm leeward beaches at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.
This stretch of coast is rough, rocky, and battered by trade-wind swell, so it is for looking rather than swimming. The same coastline holds other windward sights such as the Natural Pool within nearby Arikok, and wild beaches like Andicuri and Dos Playa.
Keep well back from the cliff edge and the surf, which is powerful and unpredictable, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water for the exposed, shadeless site.
The original famous coral arch collapsed suddenly in 2005. What remains is the dramatic site of its fall, plus a smaller arch known as the Baby Bridge nearby, set against the crashing surf of the wild north coast.
It was carved over centuries by the relentless pounding of the Atlantic surf against the soft coral rock of Aruba's windward coast, which gradually wore an arch through the stone.
No. This is the wild, rocky windward coast, battered by powerful trade-wind swell, so it is for looking rather than swimming. Keep well back from the cliff edge and the unpredictable surf.
The Natural Bridge is reached on rough, unpaved roads inland from Santa Cruz, so many visitors come by 4x4 or on an organised tour. The site is free, with a small snack stand often open nearby.
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