40 Nights

Attractions

Far from the beach chairs andcity lights, lies an extraordinaryexperience that takes you right intothe heart of this island. At firstblush, one can’t help but see Aruba’srugged countryside as stark and evenbarren. But with the right guide,you discover that it’s actually teem-ing with life. You just have to knowwhere to look, and that is whereEddy Croes comes in.

After eight years as a lead rangerfor Arikok National Park, Eddyrealized the need for extremely in-depth, nature-sensitive tours. Hewanted to design personally guidedhikes that take the time to reallyconnect with the island’s flora, faunaand hidden ecological charms. Aru-ba Nature Sensitive Hikers was theresult, offering eco-outings thatcater to small groups of no more

Iguanas photo by Pierre Arsenault. Other photos by Shalane Croes

Natural Talentby Susan Campbell

Eddy Croes has a unique gift for helping visitorstruly appreciate the secret soul of Aruba’s natural treasures.

than eight people at a time. Toursare based on hikers’ abilities andthere are wonderful nature walksfor all levels.

A typical hike will take you tothe dry riverbanks, sand dunes andcaves of Aruba’s countryside, alongwith the most scenic spots of ArikokNational Park, Aruba’s only nation-al park, and historic locations likethe ruins of an old gold mine. The �

42 Nights

Attractions

big difference lies in the way inwhich you tour. Eddy explains thatyou must be willing to, “stop, look,listen and remain still. Only thenwill you tune into the undercurrentof exciting activity going on right infront of you.”

If you follow Eddy’s lead, you’lldiscover the secret hiding spots ofthe bats, reptiles, birds and otherfascinating creatures that are all de-pendent on one another and together

form Aruba’s unique ecosystem. Ifyou listen closely, you might hearthe echoes of ancient peoples res-onating through the craggy caveswhile you also learn about the draw-ings they left behind. And if you stopand stay still, you’ll delight in theprimal sound of the waves crashingupon the rocky shores as they havefor thousands of years. This is thenexus of Aruba’s natural soul.

Eddy’s respect and love for every-thing natural on Aruba is infectious.His parents taught him from a veryyoung age to appreciate and preservenature’s unique gifts. He also possess-es a wealth of information aboutthe island’s culture, history and evenlocal gossip! And due to his extensive

knowledge of Aruban ecology, floraand fauna, Eddy is a frequent gueston Holland’s educational channelBVN and has appeared on the cablechannel People & Arts.

Aruba Nature Sensitive Hikersalso offers a unique take on theisland’s nightlife. Moonlit walkingtours are offered each month duringthe full moon. Strolling beneath acanopy of stars listening for thesounds of the shoco burrowing owlsand other creatures of the wild is amagical experience not to be missed.

The goal of Aruba Nature Sensi-tive Hikers is to ensure that you leaverefreshed and enlightened about anAruba you might never have knownexisted. �

Left side photos by Pierre Arsenault. Other photos by Shalane Croes

If you want to take a walk on the wild side with Eddy, call 594-5017 or 585-1594or visit www.sensitivehikers.com for more information, including rates. All toursare available in English, Spanish, Dutch, French or Papiamento. Eddy also offersa four-hour jeep tour with stops for short hikes and even snorkeling along the way.