Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail & Bird Watching
Savaneta, AW
83% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Hiking along Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail
- Exploring the ruins of the old Balashi Gold Smelter
- Spotting the protected "Shoco" owls along the trail
- Visiting the haunted Frenchman's Pass
- Enjoying a lunch with breathtaking ocean views at Ricardo's restaurant on Eagle Beach
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Private Tour Guide
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Duration 2-3 hours
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Includes water during tour
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Available in English, Dutch, Spanish
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Small Group Tour
Embark on a thrilling adventure with a half-day Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail tour! Join our knowledgeable and friendly guides as they lead you through the mangrove-laced trail, revealing fascinating stories about the area's ancient history and exploration. Carbon-dated shell middens dating back to 1465 BC have been discovered, providing a glimpse into the island's past. Explore the ruins of the Balashi Gold Smelter and uncover the secrets of the haunted Frenchman's Pass. As you continue along the trail, keep an eye out for the famous "Shoco" burrowing owl, only found in Aruba. The trail also offers stunning views of the Spanish Lagoon and a glimpse into the gold-loading process from over a century ago. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the pristine Eagle Beach, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch at Ricardo's restaurant. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Aruba's hidden gems on this unforgettable tour.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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2 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English, Dutch, Spanish; Castilian
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Aruba's Spanish Lagoon with a guided mangrove trail experience, perfect for bird watchers and history enthusiasts alike.
Included
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OtherWater and fruit
Excluded
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OtherTour guide Tips :)
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Pos Chiquito
We start at the Local TV sender, TeleAruba in Pos Chiquito, and from there we start the hiking along the Spanish lagoon and go upstairs to the old bridge and have the view of the begging of the Spanish lagoon
30 minutes
Spanish Lagoon
After passing the new bridge under, then we hike along the Spanish lagoon mangrove trail. We will pass along one of the oldest Aloe Farms at the top before we head back down to meet the trail again. 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 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. 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. 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.
90 minutes
We visit the ruins of the Old Balashi Gold Smelter Ruins. Right next to the old French men's pass. There is a great story of the haunted Frenchman’s Pass that you will hear first as it is located next to the head waters. Then we will show you the old ruins of the Balashi Gold smelter. Much it is still there to see. From there we will hike up along the ridge overlooking the whole Spanish Lagoon area. Best spots for your vacation sightseeing pictures. The Bushiribana smelter was built in 1825 by the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company to extract gold from the ore that was being mined in the nearby hills of Ceru Plat. It operated for ten years. The site has beautiful views and rich history also a great view of the Spanish Lagoon
30 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health -
Service animals allowed
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Arrive 10 mins early at TeleAruba. -
Bring a camera for stunning views.
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Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
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Consider visiting nearby Aloe Farms.
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Look for the Shoco owl; it's a rarity!
More About this Experience
Introduction
Explore the hidden treasures of Aruba with the Half-Day Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail Tour. Embark on a captivating journey along the Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail, where lush mangroves unveil a rich history and awe-inspiring beauty. Led by knowledgeable and engaging guides, this immersive experience takes you on a voyage through time, revealing the mysteries of an ancient gold smelter and the legendary Frenchman's Pass. With traces dating back to 1465 BC, Spanish Lagoon was a site of great exploration by the Archaic Amerindian settlers from Venezuela.What to expect?
During this half-day tour, you can anticipate a total duration of 120 to 240 minutes filled with fascinating discoveries. The adventure begins at the Local TV sender, TeleAruba in Pos Chiquito, where you will meet your fellow explorers and experienced guide. From there, the hiking trail along the Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail awaits, showcasing the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this inland water area. Marvel at the ancient shell middens, carbon-dated between 1465 and 1280 BC, and imagine the bustling activity of the past as you witness the remnants of gold-loading barges. A highlight of the tour is the chance to spot the elusive and photogenic Shoco, Aruba's national symbol, in their protected nesting area. Finally, discover the haunted Frenchman's Pass and the Balashi Gold Smelter Ruins, capturing stunning vacation photos from the ridge overlooking the Spanish Lagoon.Who is this for?
This enchanting tour is perfect for inquisitive travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Aruba's history and natural wonders. Whether you are an adventurous soul, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, the Half-Day Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail Tour offers something for everyone. Embark on this journey of discovery with friends, family, or as a solo traveler, as the experience is designed to captivate and educate individuals of all ages and interests. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Aruba's past and present and satisfy your thirst for knowledge and adventure.Why book this?
Surround yourself with the allure of Aruba's untamed beauty and uncover the secrets of Spanish Lagoon. This unique tour stands out from the rest, providing an off-the-beaten-path experience that combines history, nature, and culture in one captivating package. Led by passionate and knowledgeable guides, you'll receive insider insights and fascinating stories that bring the past to life. Explore the pristine mangrove trail, discover ancient shell middens, and stand in awe of the breathtaking views from the ridge overlooking the Spanish Lagoon. The chance to spot the adorable Shoco owls adds an element of excitement to this already unforgettable adventure. Book the Half-Day Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail Tour and embark on a remarkable journey that will create lasting memories.Good to know
Before embarking on the tour, make sure to arrive at the Local TV sender, TeleAruba in Pos Chiquito, 15 minutes prior to the tour start time of 7:30 am. The tour duration ranges from 120 to 240 minutes, allowing ample time to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail. As you hike, keep an eye out for the "Shoco" nests, and with a bit of luck and silence, you might catch a glimpse of these captivating burrowing owls. Additionally, the tour offers an optional visit to Eagle Beach, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch at Ricardo's Restaurant while marveling at the breathtaking ocean views. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in the experience, ensuring you stay refreshed throughout the journey. Take advantage of this opportunity to delve into the heart of Aruba's natural beauty and rich history.Reviews
Previous participants of the Half-Day Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail Tour have raved about their experience, praising the knowledgeable guides and the hidden gems they discovered along the way. Travelers commended the captivating stories shared about the Archaic Amerindian settlers and the thrill of uncovering ancient shell middens. The opportunity to spot the elusive Shoco owls thrilled many, with guests describing them as "the most photogenic animal on the planet." The Balashi Gold Smelter Ruins and the ghostly tales of the haunted Frenchman's Pass left a lasting impression, providing unique and unforgettable moments. Overall, travelers were highly satisfied with this immersive and educational tour, recommending it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Aruba's natural and cultural heritage.
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