Philip's Animal Garden

The Basics

Walking trails at Philip’s Animal Garden wind through the tropical grounds past the animal enclosures. Admission includes a guided tour of the sanctuary, and visitors have the opportunity to interact with the animals, including feeding them. The facility is supported entirely from tours, theme days, and donations. Animal-sanctuary tours typically include a stop at Philip’s Animal Garden.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Philip’s Animal Garden is a must for animal lovers.

• The facility is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and resting places for visitors with disabilities.

• There is a small snack bar with cold drinks on-site.

• Philip’s Animal Garden is an ideal destination for families with children; the garden features a sandbox with toys for younger guests.

• Avoid using flash photography within close proximity to the animals since it can scare them.

How to Get There

Located on the northeastern part of Aruba, Philip’s Animal Garden is easily reachable by car or taxi from Oranjestad and Eagle Beach. The facility is located about a 7-minute drive from most of the island’s hotels and about a 15-minute drive from the Aruba Ostrich Farm. Follow the same road (Route 2) to the garden that also leads you to the Alto Vista Chapel.

When to Get There

On-site tours of Philip’s Animal Garden run every half hour, and visitors should allow 2–3 hours to explore. To beat the heat during the summer, plan to arrive early in the day. Overall, Aruba boasts pleasant weather year-round, so anytime is a good time to visit, but it is most crowded during the winter months.

Alto Vista Chapel

Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrims Church,” is one of the most photographed attractions on Aruba. The bright yellow chapel, which hosts weekly religious services, is a popular stop for small-group tours and is visited by worshippers and tourists alike. Outside lies the “peace labyrinth,” which is used by pilgrims for prayer and meditation.