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The Natural Bridge Aruba
Sometimes we take nature’s beauty for granted. Like city skylines, nature is constantly changing as well. Natural bridges are formed by erosion, and eventually they are destroyed by erosion. Nearly 10 years ago Aruba lost it’s natural treasure, the Natural Bridge. And just recently Malta lost its own natural bridge as well. The Natural Bridge Aruba was one of the small island’s most popular tourist destination until its collapse in 2005. The bridge, made of coral, was weakened by hurricane Mathew. As a result of the waves of Hurricane Katrina the following year, the bridge collapsed overnight. The Natural Bridge was the largest in the Caribbean. It left behind a handful of smaller natural bridges on Aruba. The largest remaining bridge is located next to the original site of the large Natural Bridge.
Son of a Bridge
While the Natural Bridge has collapsed, tourists still flock to the site to see the remains. Additionally, you can view “Son of a Bridge,” a smaller natural bridge located just a few feet away. You can walk about halfway across this bridge to get a great view of the fallen bridge and the beautiful Aruban coastline.
Here I am standing on Son of a Bridge with the fallen Natural Bridge behind me.
Other Notable Things to See
Another unique feature of this area are the wishing stones. If you have the time, you can gather seven stones and make a wish like the many tourists before you. This is a ritual started by tourists and has no meaning to significance to the locals. You’ll find these piles of stones all along the North Coast.
It’s a pleasant spot on the Northern Coast of Aruba to sit and watch the waves crash along the coast. Sometimes waves reach 15 feet or taller!
The Scenic Drive
Finally, you should note the drive to the site is also quite scenic. You can see several small inlets and coves created by erosion over the years.
El Tours Aruba makes a stop at the Natural Bridge on its Explore Aruba Bus Tour, or you can visit the site via taxi, rental car, ATV, Jeeps, etc. There is a small gift shop and bathrooms are available for $1 per use.
I highly recommend taking the drive to see this fallen mighty wonder and the smaller bridge still standing. The coastal views you’ll encounter make it well worth the trip.
OMG I had no idea Aruba lost a natural bridge too! It’s so sad to see such a beautiful iconic spot disappear. We have been wanting to go to Malta to visit a friend for awhile now, it’s so sad they lost their natural bridge too. As you mentioned, we can visit the aftermath though!
Megan Indoe recently posted…California Road Tripping: Best things to do in Palm Springs
Yes, I am sure that spot is still beautiful. Now a new coastline!
I haven’t known about the Aruba Natural Bridge. Reading your posts I see that you have the talent to discover all sorts of interesting places. And I have to tell once again that I love your costume with flowers. You look very beautiful in it 😉
Iuliana Marchian recently posted…Kathmandu Valley – towns and villages (part II)
Thank you! I do love to see as much as I can when I travel. Just not enough time in each place, unfortunately.
How sad that nature has taken its toll. Guess that’s the beauty and the beast of natural phenomenon. At least there’s a son to love
Anne recently posted…How Shopping, Sleeping And Wine Can Top Up Your Avios
What a beautiful spot! Geology seemed so boring in school, but when I’m out traveling it’s really fascinating. It’s sad to have missed the chance to see the natural bridge, but it’s a reminder that the earth under our feet is constantly in flux.
Cori recently posted…Rotterdam for design nerds
Yeah, geology should be taught hands on only. Haha All kids go on coastal field trips. 🙂
Sorry to hear that Aruba also lost a natural bridge! It makes me wonder how many other natural developments have been lost to time and weather. Still, I love that there is a “son of a bridge” and that people still go to see the remains of what once was. Plus, Aruba just looks plain gorgeous — there are worse ways to spend the day than walking along that coastline. Stumbled!
Patricia recently posted…Would You Still Fly If You Had Other Choices?
I know, they were quite devastated, but they still have many beautiful sites.
This is so nice! Would love to go! It’s funny we see this now, because something similar in Malta just crashed down and it is quite a landmark there 🙁 Nature changes fast!
Mimi & Mitch recently posted…#AdventureFaktorySuites: Cairo Marriott Hotel
I just saw the news of Malta. SO sad. It was probably inevitable but I suppose humans made it worse by walking on it.
How sad that their Natural Bridge has fallen. I know that feeling. I missed seeing the biggest bridge at Arches National Park in Utah when I passed up an opportunity to visit, less than a month later the largest one collapsed. It’s a bummer, but it is the way of nature. Things come and go, I suppose.
Paige Wunder recently posted…27 Travel Goals for My 27th Year
This is a hot topic this week after Malta lost it’s Azure Window too. Such a shame. We have to treasure the moments we do have.
I had first seen wishing stones in Korea but I had no idea how prevalent they were in other cultures as well. Also this is my first time learning about natural bridges. The world is truly a fascinating place, sometimes I think Mother Nature is a better architect than any of us mere humans!
Izzy recently posted…Top Five Things To Do in Kansas City, USA
Maybe the Koreans were the ones who brought that tradition to the island. I am not sure about Koreans but there is a HUGE Chinese population on the island!
How sad about the natural bridge being destroyed from Katrina. I often think about the effects of Katrina on New Orleans, but not nearly as much in the Caribbean. I would definitely like to take the tour and see this beautiful part of the world someday. And Son of a Bridge is cute!
Stella the Travelerette recently posted…A Perfect Travel Itinerary For Nara, Japan
I have been reading about this natural bridge collapsing and am so sad to have not been able to see it myself. I suppose the ones who have been here have a rare memory and I do envy them for it.
Nature is a powerful beast, and moulds how the world is – it’s not often we see it in such dramatic action though! Maybe in a few million years there will be another bridge formed 😀
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Such a gorgeous place! Id love to visit x
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