Ostriches up close in Aruba. I like this tour because the guided walkthrough gets you right by ostriches and emus, and the ticket also includes lunch at the farm. One catch: transportation isn’t included, so plan your ride in advance.

The whole outing runs about 1 to 2 hours and you’ll use a mobile ticket, which keeps things easy on arrival. If you’re coming with kids, children’s tickets for ages 3–7 are sold on-site at the farm.

Key points to know before you go

• Over 80 birds on the property: You’re close enough to really watch behavior, not just look from far away.
• Guided animal survival stories: Learn how ostriches use speed and other defense habits against predators.
• Hatchery and young pens included: The tour doesn’t stop at the adults.
• Lunch is built in: Home-cooked locally inspired meals plus a cold drink option.
• Small group size: The tour caps at 25 people, so the pace stays relaxed.
• Family-friendly setup: Kids can buy tickets directly at the farm (ages 3–7).

Why Aruba Ostrich Farm is a great short stop

If you want a simple Aruba plan that still feels like a real activity, this one works. You get a guided tour of the farm, close encounters with the birds, and lunch without needing a complex schedule.

The farm itself is a short drive from Oranjestad (about 40 minutes if you’re coming from there). That makes it an easy add-on for a half-day when you still want something hands-on beyond the beach.

You also avoid the usual headache of coordinating multiple activities. The tour is organized, the time window is tight (about 1.5 hours is typical), and it ends where it starts.

The guided tour: adult ostriches, emus, and what makes them survive

The experience starts with a tour of the Aruba Ostrich Farm, where you can meet over 80 animals—especially ostriches and emus. The guide talks through why these birds have such different looks but similar survival logic: they’re both built to handle predators in the places they come from.

You’ll learn about:

• Ostrich speed and how fast running fits into their defense strategy
• Other defense mechanisms ostriches use besides sprinting
• The birds’ mating and rearing habits
• Feeding routines and what the animals need to stay healthy

This is the part I’d call the brainy half of the visit. You’ll come in mostly thinking ostriches are just big and funny-looking, then you’ll walk away with a clearer idea of how their behavior connects to survival in the wild—even though this is a farm setting.

Up close with the birds: feeding and close encounters

A big reason people enjoy this stop is the chance for direct interaction. You’ll have personal encounters with the birds as part of the guided format, and feeding is part of the fun.

I like this because it changes the experience from passive sightseeing to active observation. When you’re close enough to watch how the birds move, pause, and respond, you start noticing details you’d never see from a distance.

A practical note: come prepared to get a little close and a little messy. You’re dealing with large flightless birds, and their curiosity can be… enthusiastic. Keep your hands where you’re told and follow the guide’s cues.

And if you want a bit more variety beyond ostriches and emus, you might spot other animals on the grounds, including turtles and even small birds like baby peacocks in some areas.

Stop at the hatchery and young pens

One of the smarter choices built into this tour is that it doesn’t end after you see the adults. After the main farm viewing, you visit the incubator and hatchery, plus special pens for young ostriches and emus.

This section adds perspective. Watching babies (and understanding what goes on before they hatch) turns the whole farm from a set of enclosures into a living process. Even if you’re not a full-on animal nerd, it makes the visit feel more complete.

Keep in mind this part still happens within a short schedule. If you’re hoping for extra time to linger in the hatchery area, the flow is guided and time-based, so you’ll want to pay attention and ask questions when your guide opens the window.

Lunch at the on-site restaurant: what’s included and why it’s good value

Lunch is included with your ticket, which is where the price starts looking more reasonable. At $38 per person, you’re not just paying for a short animal tour—you’re also getting a meal.

The lunch includes:

• Home-cooked locally inspired meals
• A cold drink option such as local beer, a soft drink, or a fruit smoothie

I like inclusive meals on days when you don’t want to hunt for food or negotiate taxi stops. Here, lunch happens right on-site, which saves time and reduces decision fatigue.

Food tips from what you’ll likely want to order (based on what people recommend on this farm): try the fried grouper and fries if it’s on the menu when you arrive. There’s also shaved ice available on-site, which can be a welcome break in Aruba’s heat after the bird time.

The art shop: small cultural add-on before or after the tour

Before or after the guided portion, you can browse the farm’s Art Shop. It’s stocked with authentic goods from Zimbabwe, along with local art and craft.

I find this kind of stop worthwhile when it’s not forced and it’s not just souvenirs behind glass. You’ll get a chance to look around at your own pace, especially if your group likes to wander a bit after the tour ends.

There’s also a spot to relax in the shade, which matters if you’re visiting during the warmer part of the day.

Price and value: is $38 really fair?

Let’s do the practical math. You’re paying $38 for:

• A guided farm tour (about 1 to 2 hours)
• Entry to see ostriches and emus closely
• Hatchery/incubator viewing and young pens
• Lunch included with a cold drink option

In places where “animal attractions” are just a quick look and no meal, you often end up paying similar money and still needing to sort food later. Here, lunch is already part of the deal, which turns the cost into something closer to value for time.

The other value factor is group size. With a max of 25 people, the tour tends to feel more controlled than big bus-style attractions.

Timing and group pacing: what to expect from a 1–2 hour schedule

Plan on the full experience lasting roughly 1.5 hours, give or take. That includes the guided portion and the switch to hatchery/young pens, plus the lunch timing if it’s served right after.

Because it’s a shorter visit, the pacing stays brisk:

• You’ll get key learning moments, not a museum lecture
• You’ll see a lot of farm areas without feeling stuck in one zone
• You’ll have enough time to interact, but not an all-day feeding session

If your top priority is slow, long observation—standing quietly and taking hundreds of photos—this might feel short. If your priority is a fun, organized Aruba stop with lunch, it fits perfectly.

Getting there from Oranjestad and the big transportation caveat

Here’s the main logistics thing to plan: private transportation is not included. That means you’ll need to arrange a taxi or other ride on your end.

The farm is a short drive from Oranjestad (about 40 minutes), so it’s not far, but you still don’t want to show up hoping it’ll work out last-minute.

Also pay attention to the meeting point: the tour starts and ends back at Aruba Ostrich Farm. So you’re basically planning a round-trip to that location for your 1–2 hour window.

Family fit: kids, ages 3–7, and why it’s a win

This is a solid family option because it mixes learning with hands-on bird time and a real reward at the end: lunch.

Kids do have a specific rule: children’s tickets for ages 3–7 are available for purchase on-site, with no reservation needed. If your group includes kids in this age range, that’s a relief because you don’t have to track a pre-booked slot.

The overall experience works well for families who want a break from the beach without losing the fun factor. Feeding large birds gets instant attention, and the hatchery/young pens add a kid-friendly “where babies come from” thread.

Weather and comfort tips so your day goes smoothly

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

For comfort:

• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting a bit warm
• Bring sun protection since you’ll likely be outside around animal pens and open areas
• Expect a bit of waiting for group pacing, especially when feeding is involved

Should you book Aruba Ostrich Farm with lunch?

I’d book this if you want:

• A short, well-paced Aruba activity with real animal encounters
• A guided tour that explains behavior, not just facts on a sign
• Lunch included so you don’t have to plan food during your day
• A family-friendly stop where kids can actively participate

I might skip it if you hate relying on your own transportation or if you need a full-day, deep-history type experience. This is practical and time-limited, and that’s exactly why it works for many people.

If you’re doing a first-time Aruba itinerary and want a change of pace that still feels local and hands-on, this farm tour is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the Aruba Ostrich Farm tour with lunch?

The experience runs about 1 to 2 hours, with the tour portion listed around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes. Lunch is included, with home-cooked locally inspired meals plus a cold drink option such as local beer, soft drink, or fruit smoothie.

How much does it cost?

The price is $38.00 per person.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own ride to the farm.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Aruba Ostrich Farm, Aruba and ends back at the same meeting point.

Are there children’s tickets?

Children’s tickets for ages 3–7 are available for purchase on-site at the farm. No reservation is needed.

What animals will I see?

You’ll see adult ostriches and emus, plus you’ll visit the incubator and hatchery and see young ostriches and emus in special pens.

Is the tour group size limited?

Yes. This activity has a maximum of 25 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.