Sea turtles, iguanas, owls and marine life
Aruba may look dry, but the island is home to a surprising variety of animals, some of which live nowhere else in the world. Under water, the reefs and wrecks are full of life.
Sea turtles
Leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles nest on Aruba's beaches, especially on Eagle Beach. Nests are marked and monitored by the Turtugaruba foundation. Keep your distance from nests and turtles, and never use lights near them at night. Snorkelers often see turtles at spots such as Boca Catalina and Mangel Halto.
Reptiles
- Iguanas (yuwana) are everywhere and have been protected by law since 1995. Please do not feed or chase them.
- The blue whiptail lizard (kododo) is one of the most common lizards on the island.
- The Aruba rattlesnake (cascabel) lives only on Aruba, mainly in the rocky parts of Arikok National Park. It is very rare, shy and protected.
Birds
The shoco, a small burrowing owl, is the national bird of Aruba and a protected species. The flamingos that many visitors want to see do not live wild on the island: you will find them on the private Renaissance Island.
Tips
- Do not feed or touch wild animals.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: products with oxybenzone are banned.
- Never touch coral or stand on the reef.
Where to see animals
- Arikok National Park
- Renaissance Island & Flamingo Beach
- Donkey Sanctuary
- The Butterfly Farm
- Snorkeling in Aruba
Good to know
- Turtle nesting: roughly March to September, on beaches such as Eagle Beach
- Protected: sea turtles, iguanas, the Aruba rattlesnake and the shoco
- Flamingos: only on Renaissance Island
Please respect the rules in nature areas and follow the instructions of rangers and guides.
See also: more things to do in Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.