Uncle Howie Private Hike

Private Aruba National Park Hiking & Natural Pool Swimming

★ 5.0 167 reviews

from $60 per group

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 4 hours
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Uncle Howie's Hiking Tour

Overview

This private hiking tour with Uncle Howie's Hiking Tour runs for four hours and finishes with a long stop at Conchi, the natural pool. You meet at Bright Bakery in Paradera, a spot where breakfast is available, and travel from there to the park. Because only your group takes part, the pace and the conversation shape the day. The route runs through Daimari Beach and Boca Ketu before reaching the pool, where swimming and snorkeling are on the agenda.

Snacks, bottled water and snorkeling gear are provided. Reviewers again and again describe the guide as deeply informed about the island's history, culture, plants and wildlife, and several mention that he takes photos along the way and shares them afterward.

The hike itself is moderate. One reviewer calls out rocky ground, sand and steep sections, and recommends proper shoes. It suits reasonably fit walkers who want a slower, local-led look at the park rather than a jeep circuit, and reviewers say the private format keeps the day relaxed and unhurried. The park entry fee of 20 USD per person is not included.

What's Included

Included

Snacks (Health bars)
Bottled water
Use of snorkelling equipment

Not Included

No Beach towel
No Sun block
Entry fee Per person to the park ($20 USD)

Itinerary

Meet at Bright BakeryThe meeting point is Bright Bakery, Piedra Plat 44, Paradera, reachable via route 4 from the hotel area. The tour starts at 08:00 and ends back at the same spot.
Daimari BeachThe first stop is Daimari Beach, with 45 minutes at the site. Admission is free here.
Boca KetuA 45-minute stop at Boca Ketu, with admission included.
Conchi Natural PoolThe longest stop: 1 hour and 45 minutes at the natural pool, with admission included. Swimming and snorkeling happen here.
Return via Boca KetuThe route back passes Boca Ketu again for another 45-minute stop, before returning to the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what past participants and the listing say is worth knowing before booking.

Footwear and terrain. Multiple reviewers describe rocky, sandy and steep sections and advise good hiking shoes. One hiker called the route moderate. Trail shoes rather than flip flops are the safe choice.
Fitness and pace. The tour moves at your group's pace, and one reviewer said they never felt rushed. Reasonable baseline fitness is still needed for the hills and sand.
What is provided. Snacks, bottled water and snorkeling equipment are included. Some reviewers mention extras like a banana or sunscreen appearing as well, but only the three items above are listed as included, so bring your own towel and sun block.
Photos. Several reviewers mention the guide brings a camera and takes photos during the hike, sharing them afterward. This comes up repeatedly as a valued part of the private format.
A local's knowledge. Reviewers often mention the conversation on the trail, covering the island's history, government, culture and food alongside the plants and wildlife. Several describe the discussion as going well beyond a simple walk in the park.
Park fee and cash. The 20 USD per person park entry fee is not included in the tour price. Budget for it in addition to what you pay for the tour.

Common issues. The park entry fee of 20 USD per person is excluded, as are beach towels and sunscreen. The hike is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing advises against it for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers and anyone with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions. The terrain includes rocks, sand and hills, which several reviewers found tough. One reviewer reported rough water at the pool that kept part of their group from swimming, and the listing notes the tour requires good weather, with a different date or a full refund offered if it is cancelled for that reason. Pickup is not stated in the listing, so confirm transport details on the booking page.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Tour Price?

Health bar snacks, bottled water and the use of snorkeling equipment are included. Admission at the listed stops is covered except at Daimari Beach, which is free anyway. The 20 USD per person national park entry fee is not included.

Do I Have To Pay The Park Entry Fee Separately?

Yes. The listing states the entry fee of 20 USD per person is an additional cost paid outside the tour price. Towels and sunscreen are also not provided, so bring your own.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

At Bright Bakery, Piedra Plat 44 in Paradera, reachable from the hotel area via route 4. The tour starts at 08:00 and finishes back at the same point. The listing does not state pickup, so check the booking page if you need transport from your hotel.

How Hard Is The Hike?

Reviews range from easy to moderate, with some tough sections. Expect rocks, sand and some steep climbing, and wear sturdy shoes. Reviewers also say the pace is comfortable and unhurried since the tour is private.

Is This Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

It is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing does not recommend it for pregnant travellers, people with back problems or those with serious medical conditions. The footing and hills make it a poor fit for anyone unsteady on rough terrain. The listing states most travellers can participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times follow local time. If the tour is cancelled because of poor weather, you get a choice of another date or a full refund.