PRIVATE SPANISH LAGOON HIKING TOUR & LUNCH

  • 4 HOURS TOUR
  • LUNCH INCLUDED
  • PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE
  • BIRD WATCHING

PRIVATE SPANISH LAGOON TOUR + LUNCH

 

  • PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE
  • FRUITS & WATER
  • EXTRA BIRD WATCHING
  • LUNCH INCLUDED AT RICARDO’S RESTAURANT

Hike along the Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail inland to the headwaters where you will find the ruins of the old gold smelter neighboring the haunted Frenchman’s Pass. Our personal guides will lead you along this mangrove-laced trail while explaining all there is to know about this rarely visited part of our island.

PRIVATE SPANISH LAGOON TRAIL & BEACHFRONT LUNCH

Spanish Lagoon is a protected wetland with a beautiful trail running alongside. Learn about the mangroves and the flora and fauna that thrive there. You will see ancient shell middens from Amerindians of thousands of years ago up to the early 1900’s old gold smelter at Balashi. The star of the show is Aruba’s Burrowing Owl nests, the most photogenic animal on the planet. A walk you will remember forever.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy our totally Private Spanish lagoon tour with Lunch at Ricardo’s Restaurant Included.

Hike along the Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail inland to the headwaters where you will find the ruins of the old gold smelter neighboring the haunted Frenchman’s Pass. Well informed and enjoyably personal guides will lead you along this mangrove laced trail while explaining all there is to know about this rarely visited part of our island. There is a fantastic amount of flora and fauna, plus many of the island’s birds nest there. Spanish Lagoon is the most substantial part of the protected Aruba wetlands and the only inland water you will find on the island.

After exploring the old Balashi Gold Mill Ruins, we will take you to visit the “Shoco” nests. The Shoco athene cunicularia arubensis is our renowned burrowing owl. These beautiful birds are only found in Aruba and have the distinction of being Aruba’s national symbol. With their magnificent bright yellow eyes, they are the most photogenic animal on the planet. We then transport you to Kibaima Grill for a lovely lunch overlooking the Spanish Lagoon up to the hills of Arikok National Park.

Along with the guided walking tour and lunch, round trip transportation and water refills are included.

If you are looking to get out into nature and expend a little energy, this walking tour is something you can’t pass up.

[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3253″ title=”Starts at TeleAruba in Pos Chiquito” text=”Transportation is not included, but if you hae booked private transportation we will pick you up at your hotel/Airbnb accommodation anywhere in Aruba and drive you to our starting point at TeleAruba in Pos Chiquito”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3254″ title=”Briefing” text=”We will arrive at the local TV sender called Telearuba at the begging of the Spanish Lagoon in Pos Chiquito, where you will get a short briefing introduction to the team and the tour.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3255″ title=”Sightseeing walk along Spanish Lagoon area” text=”From there we will hike up along the bridge overlooking the whole Spanish Lagoon area. Best spots for your vacation sightseeing pictures.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3256″ title=”7 shell middens” text=”At that point, you will see one of the 7 shell middens located at the Spanish Lagoon that has been carbon-dated between 1465 – 1280 BC.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3256″ title=”Oldest Aloe Farms” text=”We will pass along one of the oldest Aloe Farms at the top before we head back down to meet the trail again.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3256″ title=”Mangrove Trail” text=”Proceeding inland along the mangrove trail you will see quite different flora and fauna as this is our only inland water area on the island.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”1832″ title=”Area where they Loaded the barges” text=”You will also see a point in the trail where they loaded the barges with the gold to take out to the ships over 100 years ago.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3256″ title=”“Shoco” area” text=”At the end of this amazing trail, we will pass by the protected “Shoco” nest area. If we are very lucky and very quiet we can see these amazing creatures. Aruba’s national symbol is the Shoco. This burrowing owl is only found in Aruba and is the most photogenic animal on the planet. A true pleasure to see.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3256″ title=”Old Balashi Gold smelter ruins” text=”Then we will show you the old ruins of the Balashi Gold smelter. Much it is still there to see.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”1832″ title=”Haunted Frenchman’s Pass” text=”There is a great story of the haunted Frenchman’s Pass that you will hear first as it is located next to the headwaters.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3256″ title=”Lunch/Dinner at Local Spot” text=”We then take you for Lunch / Dinner at one of our favorite local Restaurants at Ricardo’s Restaurant “][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3257″ title=”Restrictions” text=”This tour is physically active and general health is necessary. Guests must be able to walk long distances. Children ages 5 and under cannot participate ( except for a previous approval by our Guide – Call us direct). This tour is not wheelchair accessible.”]
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3258″ title=”Excursion Size” text=”Private Tour”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3259″ title=”Excursion Type” text=”Cultural, Informative, Nature, Scenic, Physical, Bird Watching”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3260″ title=”Excursion Duration” text=”4+ hours incl. The Total Experience”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3261″ title=”Time” text=”8:00am”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3262″ title=”Activity Level” text=”Easy / Moderate Walking”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3263″ title=”Excursion Departure Point” text=”Wherever you are staying”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3264″ title=”Food/Beverage Provided” text=”Includes; Fruits & Water during the tour & Lunch at Ricardos Restaurant Ocean front at Eagle Beach”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3265″ title=”Non-alcoholic beverages” text=”are included as well as coffee and tea plus water refills during the tour. Alcohol is available for purchase. PLEASE NOTE: Restaurant may be subject to change.”][evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” title_tag=”” custom_icon=”3266″ title=”Recommended Dress” text=”Sneakers, comfortable shorts or pants for walking, tee shirt, camera, hat is optional. Please bring your own water bottle. Sunscreen – reef safe.”]