Family Activities · Animal Attractions

Aruba Animal Sanctuaries & Attractions (2026)

Looking for animal sanctuaries in Aruba? The Donkey Sanctuary, Philip's Animal Garden, and Aruba Ostrich Farm are three popular inland attractions where visitors can meet animals, learn about their care, and enjoy a break from the beach.

Each offers something different, from rescued donkeys and exotic animals to guided ostrich encounters. The comparison below will help you decide which to visit, whether you're traveling with children, or planning to see all three in one day.

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Best Animal Sanctuaries & Attractions in Aruba

Want to visit all three?

Visit all three without renting a car. The Half-Day Aruba Animal Sanctuary Guided Tour combines the Donkey Sanctuary, Philip's Animal Garden, and Ostrich Farm in one four-hour excursion. Transportation, admission, and pickup are included in the advertised package, making it a convenient choice for visitors without a rental car.

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From $57

El Tours & Transfers Aruba

Half-Day Aruba Animal Sanctuary Guided Tour

Visits Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, Philip's Animal Garden, and Aruba Ostrich Farm, with hotel or port pickup and admission included.

4.8(187)4 hours

Categories: Half Day & Full Day Tours

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CompareDonkey SanctuaryPhilip's Animal GardenOstrich FarmHalf-day tourWhich to visitFAQ
Donkeys at Donkey Sanctuary Aruba in Santa Cruz

1. Donkey Sanctuary Aruba — Best for Families With Young Children

Location: Santa Cruz

Best for: Families, animal lovers, and visitors looking for a relaxed experience.

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba is one of the island's best-known animal rescue attractions. The sanctuary provides a home for donkeys that have been rescued or need ongoing care.

Visitors can spend time observing the donkeys, learn about their history on the island, and support the sanctuary through donations.

Unlike a traditional zoo, the focus here is on caring for the animals rather than presenting a large collection of different species.

Why Visit Donkey Sanctuary Aruba?

  • Meet rescued donkeys in a peaceful setting.
  • Learn about the history of donkeys in Aruba.
  • Enjoy a relatively relaxed, family-friendly outing.
  • Support the sanctuary's ongoing animal care.
  • Combine the visit with other inland attractions.

Visitor details

  • Admission: donation-based, with no fixed entry fee on our Donkey Sanctuary guide.
  • Hours: daily, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
  • Typical visit: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
  • Booking: our Donkey Sanctuary guide describes a donation visit during published hours and does not list a required reservation.

Things to consider: This is primarily a donkey sanctuary, not a general wildlife park. If your children want to see many different animal species, Philip's Animal Garden may be a better fit.

Our verdict: The best choice for visitors who want a quieter animal encounter and are interested in supporting a local rescue sanctuary.

Read our Donkey Sanctuary Aruba guide →
Wildlife encounter at Philip's Animal Garden Aruba in Noord

2. Philip's Animal Garden — Best for Seeing Different Animals

Location: Noord / Alto Vista

Best for: Families with school-age children and visitors interested in different animal species.

Philip's Animal Garden is one of Aruba's best-known animal attractions, featuring a variety of animals cared for by the organization.

The garden provides visitors with an opportunity to see different mammals, birds, and reptiles while learning about the animals and their care.

Compared with the Donkey Sanctuary, Philip's Animal Garden offers a broader animal experience, making it a good choice for visitors who want to see more than one species.

Why Visit Philip's Animal Garden?

  • See a variety of animal species in one location.
  • Learn about animal care and the garden's rescue work.
  • Explore the attraction at a relaxed pace.
  • Enjoy an educational outing away from Aruba's beaches.
  • Combine the visit with nearby inland attractions.

Visitor details

  • Hours: daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Guided experiences run roughly every 30 minutes while the garden is open.
  • Admission on our guide: about $10 for adults and about $5 for children ages 2–13. Infants under 2 are typically free. Confirm the current rate before you go.
  • Typical visit: 1–2 hours.
  • Booking: our guide says to arrive with a little buffer, or call ahead on busy days. It does not say every visit must be reserved in advance.

Things to consider: The experience is different from observing wildlife in its natural habitat. This is a managed animal attraction, and available encounters or feeding activities may vary.

Our verdict: The best of the three attractions for visitors who want to see a wider range of animals.

Read our Philip's Animal Garden Aruba guide →
Ostriches at Aruba Ostrich Farm in Paradera

3. Aruba Ostrich Farm — Best for Interactive Animal Encounters

Location: Paradera

Best for: Families, curious travelers, and visitors interested in guided animal experiences.

Aruba Ostrich Farm offers a different type of animal attraction from the island's rescue sanctuaries.

The farm focuses on ostriches and emus, giving visitors the chance to learn about these large birds through guided tours.

During the visit, guides explain the animals' behavior, characteristics, and life cycle. Depending on the current tour arrangements, visitors may also have opportunities to observe feeding activities.

The attraction also features Savana Lodge, where visitors can stop for food or refreshments.

Why Visit Aruba Ostrich Farm?

  • See ostriches and emus up close.
  • Join a guided educational farm tour.
  • Learn about the birds' behavior and life cycle.
  • Enjoy a different type of animal attraction.
  • Combine the visit with lunch or refreshments at Savana Lodge.

Visitor details

  • Hours: typically daily, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Our Ostrich Farm guide says to confirm before you go.
  • Admission on our guide: about $17 for adults and about $10 for children. Rates can change.
  • Typical visit: about one hour for the guided farm tour, plus extra time if you eat at Savana Lodge.
  • Booking: the visit is a guided farm tour. Check the current schedule before traveling.

Things to consider: This is a farm attraction rather than an animal rescue sanctuary. Tours and interaction opportunities depend on the farm's current arrangements.

Our verdict: The best choice for travelers interested in guided animal encounters and learning about ostriches and emus.

Read our Aruba Ostrich Farm guide →

Half-Day Aruba Animal Sanctuary Tour — Best Way to Visit All Three

If you want to visit the Donkey Sanctuary, Philip's Animal Garden, and Aruba Ostrich Farm without arranging transportation between them, a guided half-day tour is worth considering.

The Half-Day Aruba Animal Sanctuary Guided Tour, operated by El Tours & Transfers Aruba, combines all three attractions in approximately four hours.

Rather than driving between locations or organizing separate taxis, you can visit the attractions as part of one scheduled excursion.

Is the Guided Tour Worth It?

The main advantage is convenience. You can visit all three attractions without planning a driving route, parking, or transportation between stops.

It's particularly useful for families, cruise passengers with enough time ashore, and visitors who don't have a rental car.

However, a guided tour follows a set schedule. If you prefer spending longer at one attraction, visiting independently may be a better option.

Our verdict: Choose the guided half-day tour if you want to see all three attractions with minimal planning. Visit independently if flexibility matters more.

Which Aruba Animal Attraction Should You Choose?

Not every visitor needs to see all three attractions.

If you're looking for...Our recommendation
A peaceful animal rescue experienceDonkey Sanctuary Aruba
A variety of different animalsPhilip's Animal Garden
Guided ostrich and emu encountersAruba Ostrich Farm
An outing with younger childrenDonkey Sanctuary Aruba
An educational family activityPhilip's Animal Garden
A convenient way to visit all threeHalf-Day Animal Sanctuary Guided Tour

For most visitors with limited time, we'd recommend choosing the attraction that best matches your interests rather than trying to visit all three.

If animal encounters are one of the main activities you want to experience during your Aruba vacation, the combined half-day tour is an efficient option.

Can You Visit All Three Animal Attractions in One Day?

Yes. Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, Philip's Animal Garden, and Aruba Ostrich Farm are all located inland, making it possible to combine them into one outing.

You can visit independently with a rental car or book a guided tour that handles transportation.

Suggested DIY Animal Attractions Itinerary

Morning: Philip's Animal Garden. Start at Philip's Animal Garden in the Noord / Alto Vista area. Allow time to explore the attraction and learn about the different animals.

Late morning: Aruba Ostrich Farm. Continue to Aruba Ostrich Farm for a guided tour. If you're hungry, consider stopping at Savana Lodge for lunch or refreshments.

Early afternoon: Donkey Sanctuary Aruba. Finish your outing at the Donkey Sanctuary in Santa Cruz, where you can spend time observing the rescued donkeys.

This itinerary is a suggested route rather than a fixed schedule. Check each attraction's opening hours and tour times before leaving.

Prefer not to drive? The half-day guided tour combines all three stops and includes transportation.

Where Are Aruba's Animal Sanctuaries Located?

The three attractions are located away from Aruba's main resort and beach areas.

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba: Santa Cruz, in central Aruba.

Philip's Animal Garden: Noord / Alto Vista, in the northern part of the island.

Aruba Ostrich Farm: Paradera, inland from the main resort areas.

A rental car makes it easier to visit independently, especially if you want to combine multiple attractions.

If you're staying in Palm Beach or Eagle Beach, allow additional travel time to reach the inland locations.

For visitors without transportation, a guided tour with hotel pickup may be more convenient.

Are Aruba's Animal Sanctuaries Worth Visiting?

These attractions are worth considering if you enjoy animals, are traveling with children, or want something different from Aruba's beaches and water activities.

They offer opportunities to learn about animal care, visit inland parts of the island, and experience activities that don't revolve around the ocean.

However, they aren't all the same type of attraction.

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba focuses on rescued donkeys, Philip's Animal Garden houses a variety of animals, and Aruba Ostrich Farm offers guided farm tours.

If you're primarily interested in observing native wildlife in natural habitats, you may prefer exploring Aruba's protected natural areas rather than visiting managed animal attractions.

Tips for Visiting Aruba's Animal Attractions

  • Check opening hours before traveling. Hours and guided-tour schedules can vary, particularly on holidays.
  • Visit earlier in the day when possible. Aruba can be hot, especially at inland attractions.
  • Bring water and sun protection. Comfortable footwear, sunscreen, and a hat are useful.
  • Follow the animal interaction rules. Don't feed or touch animals unless staff explicitly allow it.
  • Plan transportation in advance. The attractions are spread across different inland locations.
  • Allow enough time. A single attraction can make a pleasant short outing, while visiting all three requires more planning.

Compare Animal Sanctuary Tours in Aruba

Compare animal sanctuary and ostrich farm tours in Aruba, including guided visits for families and wildlife lovers. See what is included and the starting price before you book.

Showing 3 of 3 tours

Aruba Ostrich Adventures Entrance Ticket and Unique Tour

Ostrich Farm

Operator: Aruba Ostrich Farm

4.3 (9)1 hr–1 hr 30 minFrom $17
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Aruba Ostrich Farm Tour with Lunch

Ostrich Farm

Operator: Aruba Ostrich Farm

4.7 (47)1 hr–2 hrFrom $38
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Half-Day Aruba Animal Sanctuary Guided Tour

Sanctuary

Operator: El Tours & Transfers Aruba

4.8 (187)4 hoursFrom $57
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Aruba Animal Sanctuaries

What animal sanctuaries are there in Aruba?
Aruba has several animal-focused attractions, including Donkey Sanctuary Aruba and Philip's Animal Garden. Aruba Ostrich Farm is another popular animal attraction, although it is a farm rather than a rescue sanctuary.
What is the best animal sanctuary in Aruba?
Donkey Sanctuary Aruba is a good choice for visitors interested in rescued donkeys and a peaceful setting. Philip's Animal Garden is better suited to travelers who want to see a wider variety of animals.
Does Aruba have a zoo?
Aruba has animal attractions such as Philip's Animal Garden, but these should not automatically be treated as traditional zoos. The island also has dedicated animal rescue organizations and farms offering guided visits.
Is Donkey Sanctuary Aruba free?
The sanctuary has traditionally welcomed visitors on a donation-supported basis. Check its current visitor policy before arriving, as admission and activity arrangements can change.
Is Philip's Animal Garden good for kids?
Yes. The variety of animals and educational aspects make it a popular family attraction. Parents should supervise children and follow staff instructions during any animal encounters.
Can you visit the Aruba Ostrich Farm without a tour?
The farm offers guided visits. Check the current admission arrangements and tour schedule before traveling.
Can you visit all three animal attractions in one day?
Yes. You can visit independently with a rental car or book a guided half-day excursion that includes all three attractions.
Are there animal sanctuary tours in Aruba?
Yes. The Half-Day Aruba Animal Sanctuary Guided Tour combines Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, Philip's Animal Garden, and Aruba Ostrich Farm with transportation and admission included in the advertised package.
What are the best animal attractions in Aruba for families?
Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, Philip's Animal Garden, and Aruba Ostrich Farm are three options worth comparing. The best choice depends on your children's ages and whether they prefer a quiet visit, seeing different animals, or joining a guided farm tour.
Where can you see wildlife in Aruba?
For managed animal encounters, visit attractions such as Philip's Animal Garden or Donkey Sanctuary Aruba. For native wildlife, Aruba's natural landscapes and protected areas offer a different experience, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Plan Your Aruba Animal Experience

Whether you want to meet rescued donkeys, see different animal species, or learn about ostriches and emus, Aruba offers several animal attractions beyond its beaches. Choose one attraction for a shorter outing, or combine all three into a half-day adventure.

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