Attractions
Natural Talent by Susan Campbell Eddy Croes has a unique gift for helping visitors truly appreciate the secret soul of Aruba’s natural treasures.
Far from the beach chairs and city lights, lies an extraordinary experience that takes you right into the heart of this island. At first blush, one can’t help but see Aruba’s rugged countryside as stark and even barren. But with the right guide, you discover that it’s actually teeming with life. You just have to know where to look, and that is where Eddy Croes comes in.
40 Nights
After eight years as a lead ranger for Arikok National Park, Eddy realized the need for extremely indepth, nature-sensitive tours. He wanted to design personally guided hikes that take the time to really connect with the island’s flora, fauna and hidden ecological charms. Aruba Nature Sensitive Hikers was the result, offering eco-outings that cater to small groups of no more
than eight people at a time. Tours are based on hikers’ abilities and there are wonderful nature walks for all levels. A typical hike will take you to the dry riverbanks, sand dunes and caves of Aruba’s countryside, along with the most scenic spots of Arikok National Park, Aruba’s only national park, and historic locations like the ruins of an old gold mine. The 왘
Iguanas photo by Pierre Arsenault. Other photos by Shalane Croes
Attractions
big difference lies in the way in which you tour. Eddy explains that you must be willing to, “stop, look, listen and remain still. Only then will you tune into the undercurrent of exciting activity going on right in front of you.” If you follow Eddy’s lead, you’ll discover the secret hiding spots of the bats, reptiles, birds and other fascinating creatures that are all dependent on one another and together
form Aruba’s unique ecosystem. If you listen closely, you might hear the echoes of ancient peoples resonating through the craggy caves while you also learn about the drawings they left behind. And if you stop and stay still, you’ll delight in the primal sound of the waves crashing upon the rocky shores as they have for thousands of years. This is the nexus of Aruba’s natural soul. Eddy’s respect and love for everything natural on Aruba is infectious. His parents taught him from a very young age to appreciate and preserve nature’s unique gifts. He also possesses a wealth of information about the island’s culture, history and even local gossip! And due to his extensive
knowledge of Aruban ecology, flora and fauna, Eddy is a frequent guest on Holland’s educational channel BVN and has appeared on the cable channel People & Arts. Aruba Nature Sensitive Hikers also offers a unique take on the island’s nightlife. Moonlit walking tours are offered each month during the full moon. Strolling beneath a canopy of stars listening for the sounds of the shoco burrowing owls and other creatures of the wild is a magical experience not to be missed. The goal of Aruba Nature Sensitive Hikers is to ensure that you leave refreshed and enlightened about an Aruba you might never have known existed. 쮿
If you want to take a walk on the wild side with Eddy, call 594-5017 or 585-1594 or visit www.sensitivehikers.com for more information, including rates. All tours are available in English, Spanish, Dutch, French or Papiamento. Eddy also offers a four-hour jeep tour with stops for short hikes and even snorkeling along the way. 42 Nights
Left side photos by Pierre Arsenault. Other photos by Shalane Croes