On a warm island just 17 miles north of Venezuela, a steady breeze constantly blows across the land. Rocky beaches meet the ocean, which is striated with countless shades of blue and green. This, my friends, is the beauty of Aruba.

Although most visitors flock to the island for its wide beaches near a string of resorts, that man-made fun isn’t why I visit Aruba. My most memorable moments on the island have been spent walking for miles along the west coast and exploring the lesser known parts. Although Aruba technically is an arid country with cacti and very little naturally growing lush vegetation, the wildlife and rock formations provide a visual treat.

One of my favorite experiences while walking that stretch along the west coast is getting up close and personal with what I call the “mini geysers.” Churning ocean water has spent centuries eating away at Aruba’s lava rock base, creating holes and deep crevices in portions of the shore. The holes stretch all the way down to the ocean and aren’t necessarily visible until you’re right upon them. Waves force air and water up through the holes, exploding into beautiful displays of pressurized water. How high the water shoots into the air depends on where the ocean is in the tide cycle.

Of course, getting hit by a particularly large spray means lots of squealing on my part. It’s shocking upon first accidentally discovering the mini geysers, and mesmerizing thereafter. For today’s Fun Friday post, I give you a peek at this natural wonder.