Aruba is a small island in the Caribbean Sea, but it boasts a rich diversity of wildlife that attracts nature lovers from around the world. Here are some of the top 10 wildlife species in Aruba that you can encounter during your visit:
1. Flamingos
Photo by thesweetestescape
Flamingos in Aruba are one of the most popular attractions for tourists who want to see these beautiful pink birds up close. Flamingos are not native to Aruba, but they were brought from a neighboring island called Bonaire, where they live in the wild. The flamingos in Aruba reside on a private island called Renaissance Island, which belongs to the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. To visit the flamingos, you need to either stay at the resort or buy a day pass, which is limited and sells out quickly.
The island has two beaches: one for families and one for adults only. The adult beach is where you can find the flamingos, who roam freely and interact with visitors. You can feed them special pellets that are sold on the island, or take photos with them, but you should always be respectful and gentle with these animals. The flamingos are well taken care of by the staff, who clip their wings for their safety and monitor their health and behavior. The flamingos in Aruba are a unique and memorable experience that you should not miss if you love nature and wildlife.
2. Donkeys
Donkeys have been a part of Aruba's culture for the past 500 years. They were imported by the Spanish for breeding and transportation, and they contributed greatly to the island's economy. However, with the advent of cars and other modes of transportation, donkeys became less useful and more vulnerable to diseases, accidents, and human interference. By the late 1980s, they were almost extinct on the island.
Photo by Ustoday
Fortunately, a group of people who cared about these animals founded the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary in 1997, where they provide a safe and comfortable home for about 130 donkeys. The sanctuary welcomes visitors who want to learn more about the donkeys, feed them, hug them, or adopt them. The donkeys are friendly, affectionate, and curious creatures who enjoy human interaction. They are also the largest wild animals in Aruba, and they can be found roaming freely in groups of 2 to 16 in their natural habitat.
The Aruba Donkey Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that relies on donations, volunteers, and souvenirs sales to keep operating. It is open every day from 9 am to 4 pm, and it offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events. The sanctuary is located in Bringamosa, near Arikok National Park. For more information, visit their website: www.arubandonkey.org
3. Iguanas
Brown Iguanas (Photo by Flickr)
Aruba is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. But did you know that Aruba is also home to some interesting reptiles, such as iguanas? Iguanas are large lizards that can grow up to 2 meters long, and have a distinctive crest of spines along their back. They are herbivorous, meaning they eat plants, and they like to bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature.
Iguanas are not native to Aruba, but were introduced by humans in the early 1900s. They have since become an invasive species, meaning they compete with native animals and plants for resources and space. Iguanas can be a nuisance to locals and tourists alike, as they often steal food and damage property. They can also carry diseases and parasites that can affect humans and other animals.
However, iguanas are also part of Aruba's culture and cuisine. Some people consider iguana meat a delicacy, and believe it has medicinal properties. Iguana soup is a traditional dish that is said to boost strength and virility. Iguanas are also respected by some as symbols of wisdom and longevity.
Green Iguanas (Photo by Flickr)
If you want to see iguanas in Aruba, you can visit Iguana Beach on Renaissance Island, a private island owned by the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. There you can observe iguanas in their natural habitat, and even feed them with special pellets provided by the resort. You can also see other reptiles on the island, such as blue iguanas, which are a rare and endangered species.
Iguanas are fascinating creatures that add to the diversity and charm of Aruba. However, they are also a potential threat to the island's ecosystem and economy. Therefore, it is important to respect them and their environment, and not to disturb or harm them unnecessarily.
4. Parakeets
Photo by bucuti.com
Parakeets are small, colorful birds that belong to the parrot family. They are native to many regions of the world, but some of them have been introduced to Aruba, a Caribbean island that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Parakeets in Aruba are mostly found in the Arikok National Park, where they feed on fruits, seeds and flowers. They are also attracted to bird feeders and gardens in residential areas.
Parakeets in Aruba have bright green feathers with yellow or blue markings on their heads and wings. They have long, pointed tails and curved beaks. They are very social and vocal, often forming large flocks and making loud noises. Parakeets in Aruba are not endangered, but they face some threats from habitat loss, predators, and diseases. They are also sometimes captured for the pet trade or as food. Parakeets in Aruba are a beautiful and lively addition to the island's biodiversity, and they can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
5. Turtles
Turtles in Aruba are a fascinating sight to behold. There are four species of sea turtles that can be found in Aruba: the green turtle, the hawksbill turtle, the loggerhead turtle, and the leatherback turtle. All four species of sea turtles can be found in the waters around Aruba. The best time to see them is from March to September. This is the turtles’ nesting season and many of them come to Aruba to lay their eggs on the beaches.
Photo by Bucuti & Tara
Sea turtles return to their natal beach in order to nest. They dig a hole in the sand and deposit their eggs, which can number up to 100 per clutch. The eggs incubate for about 60 to 70 days before hatching. The hatchlings then emerge from the sand and make their way to the sea, facing many predators and obstacles along the way.
If you want to see turtles in Aruba, there are a few things you can do. First, you can go on a turtle watching tour. These tours are offered by many different companies and they will take you to the best spots to see turtles. Second, you can go snorkeling or diving. This is a great way to see turtles up close. Third, you can simply go to the beach and keep your eyes peeled. Turtles often come up to the shore to bask in the sun.
Photo by Casiola
Aruba is a great place to see sea turtles. With a little bit of planning, you can have a great turtle watching experience. You can also support the conservation efforts of TurtugAruba, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting turtles in Aruba. They monitor the nesting beaches, rescue injured turtles, educate the public, and raise awareness about these amazing animals.
6. Crabs
Photo by encircle
Crabs are among the fascinating animals that inhabit Aruba, a Caribbean island with diverse wildlife. The crabs in Aruba are rarely sighted on the tourist-heavy beaches but tend to roam the secluded beaches that have less traffic. Not all crabs roam the beaches, though. Some are deepwater dwellers.
One of the most common crabs in the Aruban territorial waters is the Batwing coral crab. It isn't seen on land as often as the common saltwater crab. Crabs are a delicacy in Aruba, and many restaurants offer crab dishes on their menus. Some of the best places to enjoy crab in Aruba are The LionFish Snack Aruba, The Lazy Turtle Aruba, The Flying Fishbone, and Aqua Grill. Whether you want to see them in their natural habitat or taste them on your plate, crabs are an essential part of Aruba's culture and cuisine.
7. Snakes
Baker’s Cat-eyed Snake (Photo: iNaturalist Guatemala)
Aruba Island Rattlesnake (Photo by Brevard Zoo)
Aruba is home to some snakes that you should be aware of. According to Bird Watching HQ, there are three types of snakes found on Aruba:
- Baker’s Cat-eyed Snake (Leptodeira bakeri): This snake is tan or light brown with dark brown blotches on its back. It has large eyes with vertical pupils, and it is nocturnal. It feeds on insects and small animals, and it has mild venom that can cause bone and muscle aches in humans.
- Aruba Island Rattlesnake (Crotalus unicolor): This snake is heavy-bodied with a triangular head, heat-sensing pits, and a rattle-tipped tail. It has a pink or tan color with diamond-shaped markings on its back. It lives in rocky and arid hillsides, and it hunts rodents, birds, and lizards using its venomous bite. It is critically endangered, with only about 230 snakes left in the wild.
- Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor): This snake is a large and powerful constrictor that can grow up to 4 meters long. It has a brown or gray color with dark markings on its body. It lives in humid areas under bushes and trees, and it feeds on mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is considered an invasive species in Aruba, and it can pose a threat to native wildlife.
If you encounter any of these snakes in Aruba, you should keep your distance and respect their space. Do not try to touch or handle them, as they may bite or squeeze you. If you are bitten by a snake, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
8. Fish
Photo by Traveltips
Aruba is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and diverse marine life. One of the main attractions for visitors is the opportunity to fish in Aruba, either from the shore or on a boat. Fishing in Aruba can be a relaxing and rewarding experience, as there are many different species of fish to catch, such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, marlin, barracuda and snapper. Some of the best fishing spots in Aruba are Malmok Beach, Boca Catalina, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach and Baby Beach. Depending on the season and the weather, fishing in Aruba can vary in difficulty and success, but it is always a fun and exciting adventure.
Fishing in Aruba is not only a recreational activity, but also a cultural and historical one. The native inhabitants of Aruba, the Arawak Indians, relied on fishing as their main source of food and trade. They used simple tools such as hooks made from bones or shells, nets woven from fibers and canoes carved from tree trunks. They also developed techniques such as spearfishing and fish traps to catch their prey. Today, fishing in Aruba is still an important part of the local economy and cuisine, as many restaurants serve fresh seafood dishes with local spices and sauces. Fishing in Aruba is also a way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the island's ecosystem.
9. Owls
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey that can be found in many parts of the world. Aruba is home to two species of owls: the burrowing owl and the barn owl. Both owls are adapted to the arid and semi-arid habitats of Aruba, where they hunt rodents, insects, and other small animals.
Photo by Arubiana
The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia arubensis) is a subspecies of the widespread burrowing owl that occurs in North and South America. It is also known as the shoco, and is considered a national symbol of Aruba. The burrowing owl lives in underground burrows that it digs itself or uses from other animals. It is active during the day and night, and has a distinctive call that sounds like a rattlesnake.
The barn owl (Tyto alba) is a cosmopolitan species that occurs in every continent except Antarctica. It is also known as the lechuza, and is one of the most common owls in Aruba. The barn owl roosts in dark places such as caves, ruins, and buildings. It is mainly active at night, and has a ghostly appearance and a screeching cry.
Owls play an important role in the ecosystem of Aruba, as they help control the populations of pests and provide food for other animals. They also have cultural and spiritual significance for the people of Aruba, who respect and admire these mysterious creatures.
These are just some of the amazing wildlife in Aruba that you can discover during your vacation. Whether you prefer to observe them from a distance or interact with them up close, you will surely have a memorable experience with these wonderful creatures.
Watch more: Top 10 Things to do in Aruba