Bridge Before Collapse
Bridge After Collapse
Natural Bridge – Andicuri Bay, Aruba
The Natural Bridge was, and still is, one of Aruba’s most popular attractions. The bridge was a formation of coral limestone cut out from thousands of years of pounding waves and strong winds.
Regrettably, on September 2, 2005, Aruba’s famous Natural Bridge collapsed. It was one of the largest of these types of spans in the world, standing some 25 feet (7 meters) above sea level and spanning more than 100 feet (30 meters). Before its collapse, people could walk across it and admire the dry, windy environment that is typical of Aruba. Even though the bridge collapsed, it still draws a lot of attention and right next to it is the Baby Natural Bridge, a smaller version of the main bridge. In addition, there are six more natural bridges around this small, dry yet interesting island.
I was so sad when I visited Aruba a couple of years ago to find out that it had collapsed.
I know! It’s really sad it collapsed. It was a really nice and distinguishable feature of Aruba. Luckily I was able to go in 2004, a year before its collapse. Still, they have more bridges like that, but this one was the biggest one.
Beautiful! I was just in Northern California and Southern Oregon where natural bridges are plentiful. Love them. I never saw this while I was in Aruba. I do have some funny stories about our day on this island though!
I’ve heard about the Natural Bridges in the west side of the US, and that they are pretty impressive. Ha! I bet you have some funny stories there… lol
What a shame that it collapsed. Hope nobody was on it at the time. I never saw this one in Aruba, but I’ve seen natural bridges in Utah. It’s a thrill to walk on them.
Thankfully no one was there. I collapsed around 4 am, so there were no tourists… I loved walking over this one, it felt really cool… especially with those strong winds.
Like Ordinary Traveler, we have visited several of these in Oregon and California. They really are magnificent.
I remember getting grounded for climbing out on one one the Oregon coast. My parents FREAKED!!! It was totally worth it.
Caanan
Haha! Well, at least you got grounded doing something cool! I guess my mom would have freaked out if I did that (and probably would have done it anyways…).
Wow great pictures. It reminded me of the time I went to Arches National Park in Utah. It has tons of natural arches and some are just down right amazing cus they are so thin but have stayed in place for thousands of years. Its crazy what nature creates!
I’ve seen those in pictures… they look really amazing! Would love to go more to the west of the US since there are so many natural features over there that are really impressive!
wow.. Aruba seems like a perfect vacation to get away from the cold Winter in NY Right
you bet! Wish I was there right now!
Hi Norbert,
Nice photos. Sad I cannot see it for myself. Much appreciated that you took a moment to share them.
Thanks Devin. Shame this one is not standing anymore, but still, Aruba has many other natural bridges and features that are worth looking.