Updated in September 2026, this Philip’s Animal Garden guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking, accessibility and what to see.
Philip’s Animal Garden is a non-profit animal sanctuary in Noord, Aruba. This guide was updated in September 2026 to reflect the current $10 entry fee. You can book in advance through Viator before your visit.
Quick facts about Philip’s Animal Garden
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Alto Vista 116, Noord, Aruba |
| Tour hours | Every 30 minutes, 9am–5pm daily |
| Adult admission | $10.00 |
| Child admission (3–12) | $5.00 |
| Infant admission (0–2) | Free |
| Parking | Free, on site |
| Typical visit duration | 1–3 hours |
Why book Philip’s Animal Garden tickets?
- 🏛️ Over 50 rescued species: Meet exotic animals rescued from neglect, from kangaroos to macaws.
- 🎟️ A feeding bag included: Every ticket comes with carrots and grass pellets to feed the animals.
- 🌿 A working rescue and rehabilitation centre: Your ticket helps fund the ongoing care of rescued animals.
- 📜 Founded by an Aruban animal lover: Philip Merryweather built the sanctuary from his own lifelong passion for animals.
- 💰 Stay as long as you like: There’s no fixed time limit once you’re inside.
Opening hours at Philip’s Animal Garden
Guided tours run every half hour, from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.
Ticket prices for Philip’s Animal Garden
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $10.00 |
| Child (3–12) | $5.00 |
| Infant (0–2) | Free |
Admission includes a guided tour and a feeding bag of carrots and compressed grass pellets, though one bag rarely lasts long once the animals notice it. Prices are current as of September 2026 and may change without notice. You can book through Viator to secure your ticket in advance.
How to get to Philip’s Animal Garden
By car, Philip’s Animal Garden is on Alto Vista, in Noord, about a 7-minute drive from most Aruba hotels and around 15 minutes from the Aruba Ostrich Farm. Follow the same road that leads to Alto Vista Chapel.
Parking at Philip’s Animal Garden
Free parking is available on site.
How long to spend at Philip’s Animal Garden
The guided tour lasts about an hour, though visitors are welcome to stay longer. Most people spend one to three hours here overall.
Accessibility at Philip’s Animal Garden
The garden is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and resting places throughout the grounds.
What to see at Philip’s Animal Garden
The guided tour. Walk through the enclosures and learn the rescue story behind many of the resident animals.
Feeding time. Carrots and grass pellets, included with admission, go towards feeding camels, donkeys and other residents.
The birds. Peacocks, macaws, cockatiels and other rescued tropical birds share the grounds alongside the mammals.
The sandbox. A dedicated play area keeps younger children entertained between animal encounters.
The snack bar. Cold drinks and light refreshments are available on site.
Practical tips for visiting Philip’s Animal Garden
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrive early in summer | Mornings are cooler and less crowded. |
| Bring extra cash for more feed | One bag of carrots and pellets doesn’t go far. |
| Skip the flash photography | It can startle the animals. |
| Book tickets in advance | Advance booking is recommended, especially in peak season, and you can book through Viator. |
Frequently asked questions about Philip’s Animal Garden
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is admission really free? | No, despite some iffy wording on the official site, admission is a paid ticket: $10 for adults and $5 for children. |
| What’s included with my ticket? | A guided tour and a feeding bag for the animals. |
| How long should I plan to stay? | Most visitors spend one to three hours, though there’s no fixed time limit. |
| Is the garden wheelchair accessible? | Yes, with ramps and resting places throughout. |
| Should I book in advance? | Yes, particularly in peak season. You can book in advance through Viator. |
Things to do near Philip’s Animal Garden
The California Lighthouse, at Aruba’s northern tip, offers panoramic views and a nearby restaurant, a short drive away.
Alto Vista Chapel is a small, historic hilltop chapel on the same road as the garden.
Malmok Beach, known for calm, clear water and snorkelling, is a short drive away.
Arashi Beach offers a quieter stretch of sand close to the island’s northern tip.
The Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins are the remains of a 19th-century gold-smelting facility, a short drive from the garden.
Alternative attractions to Philip’s Animal Garden
The Aruba Ostrich Farm, in Paradera, lets visitors hand-feed ostriches and emus on a working farm, about 15 minutes’ drive away.
Donkey Sanctuary Aruba cares for more than 130 rescued donkeys that visitors can feed and pet, a short drive away.
The Butterfly Farm houses hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies in a large enclosed garden, a short drive away.
The Aruba Aloe Factory offers a free tour of the island’s oldest aloe plantation and factory, a short drive away.
Arikok National Park protects nearly a fifth of the island, with desert trails, caves and wildlife to explore.
