When you visit Aruba, you’ll encounter various species that are part of Aruba’s wildlife.
A kaleidoscope of animals call Aruba home, varying from lizards and funky-looking crabs, to hatching turtles, monarch butterflies, mountain-climbing goats, donkeys, neon green prikichis (Aruba’s parakeets) and the Shoco, also known as Aruba’s national bird. After putting on your snorkels and diving into Aruba’s crystal-clear seas, you’ll encounter an array of tropical fish, such as the colorful parrot fish.
Watching the animals of Aruba
Aruba somehow knows how to serve just the right amount of relaxation and exploration. This is particularly true when uncovering the animals of Aruba. For instance, while you lounge on Aruba’s white sandy beaches, the Atlantic Ghost Crab is hidden underneath that sand. This crab is an entertaining creature that walks sideways, waggles its eyes and throws heaps of sand across the beach.
When going for a refreshing dive in the Caribbean Sea, a miraculous maritime world awaits you. Tropical fish in every color imaginable swim alongside coral, crabs and starfish. Better pack your binoculars, camera and snorkeling gear, because watching the wildlife of Aruba is a fascinating vacation activity. And since the animals of Aruba don’t stick to anyone’s schedule, watching them is an exercise in mindfulness. Keen on spotting them, and curious what the animals in Aruba are like? We’ve compiled the most common, colorful and dangerous animals you’ll find as part of Aruba’s wildlife.
The most common (and most dangerous) animals in Aruba
When you head out into nature or hit the trails for a hike or bike ride across Aruba, you’ll likely spot some animals that are most common in Aruba. Whiptail lizards and a lot of other types of Aruba’s lizards and iguanas are most probably the most common animals you’ll see, followed by wild-roaming donkeys and long-haired goats. The donkeys and goats usually move in herds and are often seen in lush environments, where they can feed themselves. Pay attention in traffic, as you might encounter these hooved animals along the road, or even crossing the road as well.
You might also spot green parakeets, spoonbills, or hummingbirds. But if you want to see the rarest birds in Aruba, you should go birdwatching. Equipped with a pair of binoculars and a Zen-like patience, you’ll spot rare pink ibises and much more. Although all animals in Aruba (however harmless) should be treated with peace and respect, there are a few animals around which you should tread extremely carefully.
The most dangerous animals in Aruba include the venomous pit viper, also known as the Aruba rattlesnake. This rare snake, locally called ‘cascabel’, is endemic to Aruba and an endangered species. As with most animals, Aruba’s “dangerous” animals don’t attack unless they feel threatened. Just leave them to their thing and don’t invade their space, and you’re probably safe. There’s also an assortment of insects in Aruba, as well as sea urchins and jellyfish, which may sting – but hardly ever with grave consequences.
Animals native to Aruba
Besides Aruba’s cascabel or rattlesnake a few other animals are native to Aruba, such as the cododo or whiptail lizard and of course the shoco, or burrowing owl. The shoco is Aruba’s national bird and it is an endangered species. Currently there are only about 200 shoco owls left on the island. So if you see shocos during your trip in Aruba, consider it a rare occasion. Shocos can be spotted in Aruba in dried wetlands called saliñas, on the North Shore, on Tierra del Sol golf course where a man-made habitat was created for them, and inside Arikok National Park.
Although not an animal exclusively native to Aruba, a bird you’ll frequently spot on the island is the brown pelican. In the morning, they are usually lounging by or in the ocean on a rock, a pier, or the railing of a fishing boat, while in the afternoon they make for fun live entertainment as they plunge-dive into the sea for food.
Aruba’s sea turtles
There are four different species of sea turtles in Aruba, all of which are critically endangered:
leatherback turtle - doesn’t live here, but visits Aruba’s beaches to nest here from March-July
green turtle - lives year-round in the waters of Aruba and can often be spotted while snorkeling
hawksbill - this sea turtle that visits Aruba year-round has a beak, unlike the green turtle
loggerhead - have a relatively large head and neck; nests in Aruba from March - September
Aruba’s sea turtles are majestic and mesmerizing and encountering them in the ocean while you swim or snorkel is a most memorable experience. However, chasing turtles to have your underwater picture taken with them, or even worse, touching and feeding them, is extremely stressful and harmful for these precious animals. You are kindly requested to stay at a safe distance, just watch them and leave them undisturbed.
Turtles are known to return to the beach where they were born, and therefore you will find many sea turtle nests in Aruba. The most common beaches in Aruba to encounter sea turtle nests are Eagle Beach, Palm Beach and Arashi. Turtle nests are clearly marked with wooden borders and signage, and you must stay clear of the marked area. Females lay their eggs at night and hatching often takes place in the evening or at night. Watching a nest of Aruba’s sea turtles hatch on the beach is a fantastic experience. Please refrain from making loud noises or taking flash photos and keep a safe distance to make sure the hatchlings find their way to the ocean, undisturbed.
Caribbean fish
When out diving or snorkeling, you’ll likely spot some of the most common fish in Aruba. parrotfish, hogfish, and damselfish all gleefully make their way through the crystal-clear waters. But Aruba’s marine life also includes crabs, corals, and shells. While enjoying Aruba’s underwater wildlife during your swimming, snorkeling or diving activity please treat every creature and every bit of Aruba’s nature with the same respect you’d treat the home of your best friend’s parents. In other words: revel in the beautiful colors of the Caribbean fish as well as Aruba’s flora and fauna, but don’t take anything home as a souvenir.
Protect Aruba’s Wildlife
As you explore our One Happy Island, you can help protect our local wildlife by being a responsible guest. Stay on marked trails, avoid single-use plastics, and always observe animals and their habitat from a distance.
You’ll find several sanctuaries across the island that reflect Aruba’s commitment to conservation. At the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, you can enjoy quiet moments surrounded by native and migratory birds. The Butterfly Farm lets you walk through a tropical garden filled with butterflies. At the Aruba Ostrich Farm, you’ll get to know these fascinating birds up close. And the Donkey Sanctuary is a safe haven for injured or abused wild donkeys—and a truly special place to spend time.
The Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) plays a key role in protecting the island’s biodiversity. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, ACF helps manage Aruba’s protected areas—which cover more than a quarter of the island—and promotes sustainable practices that support the environment, culture, and communities. Their work helps ensure Aruba’s natural resources remain vibrant for generations to come.
Wildlife
When thinking of Aruba the first thing that comes to mind are long stretches of white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters.
