Island
Hopper
GUIDES

Aruba’s Aruba Ostrich Farm: A Unique Encounter & Wildlife Safari

The Aruba Ostrich Farm sits on a working farm in Paradera, central Aruba, roughly on the road toward Arikok National Park. Guided tours run hourly, generally from 10am to 3pm, seven days a week — each one lasts about 30–40 minutes and includes a bucket of feed for hand-feeding the birds.

Standard entry is listed at around $17 for adults and $10 for children, with package options that add lunch costing more. The farm is a working operation, not a petting zoo — the tour covers how ostriches and emus live and breed on the island, ending at the incubator where you can see chicks.

Emily’s Take

Yes, the Aruba Ostrich Farm is worth a stop if you’re looking for a hands-on, short inland activity that works well with kids. The guided tour is 30–40 minutes, includes feeding, and costs roughly $17 for adults. It’s best combined with the Donkey Sanctuary and Philip’s Animal Garden for a half-day wildlife loop — or treated as a standalone morning outing if you’re short on time.

This article covers what to expect on a visit to the Aruba Ostrich Farm, how to fit it into a broader inland wildlife day, and whether to go independently or as part of a guided tour. If you’re traveling with kids who want hands-on interaction and a short, high-energy inland stop, this farm delivers exactly that.

The Guided Tour

What does the tour actually cover? Guides lead small groups through the ostrich and emu pens, explaining the birds’ lifecycle, breeding habits, and how the farm operates. The walk ends at the hatchery, where chicks are visible and the incubation process is explained — if you’re lucky, you may witness a hatching in progress.

The feeding moment is the centerpiece. Ostriches crowd close — the farm warns they’re always hungry — and visitors hand-feed them from buckets included in the ticket price. For younger children, the farm recommends holding nervous toddlers and setting expectations before the feeding starts.

The guided portion lasts about 30–40 minutes. After it ends, you’re free to explore the grounds where peacocks and ducks roam freely. The tour structure means you get a clear overview of the farm’s operation without needing to navigate on your own.

Beyond Ostriches — Emus, Peacocks, and Free-Roaming Birds

Ostriches are the main draw, but the farm also houses emus, peacocks, ducks, and parrots. Peacocks and ducks roam free across the property, which makes for easy photo opportunities without waiting for a guided moment. The emus share space near the ostrich pens and are part of the guided tour route. Parrots are kept in enclosures around the farm grounds.

Reviewers consistently mention the variety of bird species as a highlight — it gives the visit more depth than a single-animal attraction. Photography is encouraged throughout the tour, and guides often point out the best spots for shots. A standard smartphone camera works fine; a zoom lens helps for closer bird portraits but isn’t essential.

Ostrich rides have appeared on social media but are not a standard offering — confirm with staff if that’s something you’re curious about.

Savana Lodge, the Gift Shop, and the First Sunday Market

The on-site restaurant, Savana Lodge Bar and Restaurant, serves lunch and features ostrich meat on the menu. Dining experiences vary — some visitors report good meals, others note service issues. Hours generally align with farm hours, so confirming the current schedule before relying on it for lunch is wise.

The gift shop sells African art and souvenirs. On the first Sunday of each month from 10am to 2pm, the farm grounds host a local artisan market where Aruban artists and craftspeople sell handmade items. Some vendors offer snacks or local treats alongside the crafts. If you’re visiting on a first Sunday, expect more people on site. Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter.

Building an Inland Wildlife Safari — DIY or Guided Tour

The Ostrich Farm is one of three animal attractions that align along Aruba’s inland and north side. The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba in Santa Cruz and Philip’s Animal Garden near Noord complete the circuit. All three can be linked into a single half-day loop by car.

Driving times between stops are 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. A rental car gives the most flexibility, but fixed taxi rates make a half-day hire workable too. Public transport is limited for these inland spots, so a car or taxi is essentially required.

If you’d rather not navigate the logistics yourself, El Tours & Transfers Aruba runs a 4-hour guided Half-Day Animal Sanctuary Tour that covers all three stops with hotel and port pickup included. Attraction admissions, bottled water, and local taxes are covered. The tour is rated 4.8/5 from 187 reviews and costs from around $57 per person. Part of the proceeds goes to the sanctuaries.

Heads up: some links here are affiliate links — costs you nothing extra. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For first-time visitors or families with limited planning time, the guided tour is an efficient single-morning sweep. If you prefer to linger at each stop or want to control your pace, DIY with a rental car gives you that flexibility. You can book the Half-Day Animal Sanctuary Tour on Viator in advance — seats sell out during peak weeks.

Planning Your Visit to the Ostrich Farm

Best times to go: weekday mornings, when the farm is less crowded and the heat is milder. The animals are more active earlier in the day too.

What to bring: cash for feed buckets, the restaurant, and the gift shop. Sunscreen and a hat are essential — most of the experience is outdoors under strong sun. Comfortable walking shoes help on the farm paths.

Getting there: from Palm Beach, the drive is about 20 minutes by car. The farm is at Matividiri 57, Paradera. Parking is available but can fill up when large tour groups arrive.

All four of Aruba’s animal attractions (Ostrich Farm, Donkey Sanctuary, Philip’s Animal Garden, and Butterfly Farm) are open year-round. Aruba sits below the main hurricane belt, so seasonal weather closures are rare. Small nonprofits like the donkey sanctuary may shift hours — checking their social media the day before is a good habit.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

For weekday visits, advance booking is usually not necessary. The first Sunday of the month (market day) is busier, so arriving earlier helps. The guided half-day tour sells limited seats and should be reserved ahead during peak weeks.

Is the farm suitable for young children?

Yes, the farm is family-friendly and great for kids of all ages. Feeding the ostriches is a particular hit with younger visitors. The farm recommends holding nervous toddlers during feeding since ostriches crowd close.

How long should I plan for a visit?

The guided tour itself takes 30–40 minutes. Add time afterward to explore the grounds, watch the free-roaming peacocks, visit the gift shop, and eat at Savana Lodge if you’re having lunch. Budget about 1.5 to 2 hours total for a comfortable visit.

Can I visit the farm without a guided tour?

The farm is toured with a guide — visits are structured around the hourly guided tours. The ticket price includes the tour and a bucket of feed. You can’t wander independently through the ostrich pens, but the grounds outside the pens are open after the tour ends.

A Short Stop That Rounds Out an Inland Day

The Aruba Ostrich Farm is a focused, 40-minute guided experience with a memorable feeding moment, some free-roaming birds, and a lunch option that rounds out the visit. It’s not a full-day destination — it’s the kind of stop that fits neatly into a half-day inland circuit or stands alone as a quick morning outing. If you’re planning a full inland day, our guide to Arikok National Park covers the hiking trails and rock formations on the other side of the same road.

References

Aruba Ostrich Farm. “Home.” Aruba Ostrich Farm, n.d. ↗

Google Maps. “Aruba Ostrich Farm.” Google, n.d. ↗

Viator. “Half-Day Aruba Animal Sanctuary Tour.” Viator, n.d. ↗

If you’re building a full Aruba itinerary, you might also enjoy our guide to the island’s hidden beaches and secret coves for a contrast to the inland wildlife circuit, or the Aruba Aloe Vera Farm for another working-farm stop that pairs naturally with the ostrich farm. For families looking to mix wildlife with water, our sailing adventures guide covers family-friendly catamaran trips that work well as a separate day.

Explore Places to Stay in Aruba

Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Emily Carter

I’m Emily Carter, a travel writer who’s on the road most of the year—sometimes with my husband Michael and our kids, Lily and Ethan, and other times traveling solo so I can focus closely on one place. When you travel with me through my writing, you’ll notice I move slowly, walking local streets, stopping at markets, and paying attention to how a place really feels once you’re there. When I’m traveling with my family, I’m always thinking about what will work well for you if you have kids, and what often gets overlooked. When I’m on my own, I spend more time in neighborhoods, along coastal paths, or in historic areas where daily life unfolds naturally. I focus on practical details, everyday food, and real experiences, so you know what you’ll actually see, hear, and experience when you arrive.

And oh, I may earn a small commission from affiliate links, which helps support the site at no extra cost to you. Thanks for the support!

Leave a Reply