Spanish Lagoon Hiking Trip

Trekking through the Spanish Lagoon, also referred to as Spaans Lagoen in Dutch, offers an immersive experience of the ancient mangroves surrounding the Seven Shells Middens, the historic Balashi ruins, and the notorious Frenchman's Pass. Encounter the wonders of this natural gem located in Aruba.

Trip Details

Your journey begins as we arrange a pickup from your accommodation or the Oranjestad cruise port. We will embark on a brief 30-minute drive to Pos Chiquito, where the path to the enchanting Emerald Lagoon starts—a true hidden jewel of Aruba!

Starting our 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) moderate hike, we will arrive at the Seven Shells Middens, which serve as a historical testament to the Amerindian communities that once thrived on the island thousands of years ago.

Surrounded by the sound of birds and the refreshing sea breeze, we will advance towards the site of Aruba's pioneering aloe vera plantation, showcasing the resourcefulness of the island's early settlers.

The trail invites us into the mangroves and to the location where cargo was historically loaded. If luck is on our side, we might catch a glimpse of a shoco, the iconic owl renowned as a symbol of the island!

Next, our route will take us to the Balashi gold smelter ruins, remnants of its storied past over a century ago that still resonate with historic charm. We will ascend to vantage points for optimal photographs of the Spanish Lagoon.

Concluding our trek, we will discover the intriguing Frenchman's Pass, nestled among cliffs and lush vegetation. This location has witnessed historical confrontations between the Caquetío indigenous people and French pirate attacks! Many locals claim to have heard remnants of shouts echoing through this area.

After this enriching experience, we will return to our vehicle and proceed back to your hotel or cruise port, wrapping up the tour approximately three and a half hours post pickup.