Giant birds, real answers, good food. This guided visit to the Aruba Ostrich Farm turns a quick stop into an up-close look at how ostriches and emus survive, grow, and behave. You’ll get hands-on moments with the animals plus a full food break included in your ticket, which makes it a smart-value outing if you’re trying to fit something different between beach time.

I especially liked two things: the chance to see and interact with the birds up close, and the fact that lunch is included right on site. Guides bring the animals to life with practical explanations about speed, defense, and breeding behavior, and the meal feels like a real part of the plan, not an afterthought.

One consideration: transportation isn’t included. The farm is a short drive from Oranjestad (roughly 40 minutes), but you’ll want to plan for a taxi, rental, or other ride so you don’t waste time.

Key things to know before you go

• Up close animal time with ostriches and emus during a guided experience that includes interaction
• Lunch included with home-cooked locally inspired meals plus a choice of local beer, soft drink, or fruit smoothie
• Hatchery and incubator stop that adds context about how young birds are raised
• Family-friendly setup with on-site children’s tickets for ages 3–7
• Small group limit (maximum 25 travelers) that keeps the experience from feeling rushed
• Short drive from Oranjestad, so it works well as a half-day plan

Meeting the Giant Birds: What the Guided Tour Actually Covers

The core of this tour is simple: you come to the farm and spend about 1 hour 30 minutes learning how ostriches and emus live. You start at the main farm area and meet over 80-count animals, including ostriches (the world’s largest living bird) and their flightless Australian relatives, the emus.

What makes the tour useful is that it isn’t just cute-bird photos. The guide shares survival details you can actually picture. You’ll hear why ostriches can run fast, and how they use defense mechanisms to handle predators. The explanations also cover mating, rearing, and feeding habits, so you’re not just looking at animals—you’re understanding their everyday routines and instincts.

And yes, you’ll get personal encounters. Some of the best moments are when the birds are calm enough for you to watch their body language and how they react to your presence. One review mentioned the guide Mara as funny and informative, which matches the feel of a well-run farm tour: it’s friendly, but still focused on what’s happening in front of you.

From Adult Birds to Young Ones: The Hatchery, Incubator, and Special Pens

The tour doesn’t end when you’re done with the big birds. After your main farm time, you move through the behind-the-scenes side of the operation: the incubator, hatchery, and the pens for young ostriches and emus.

This is where the visit earns its keep. It turns the animals from a roadside novelty into something with real process behind it. Seeing how incubators and hatcheries fit into the raising of chicks helps you understand the difference between watching a bird today and learning how the next generation gets started.

The young-bird pens also give you a good contrast in size and behavior. Adults look powerful and composed; juveniles tend to feel more energetic and curious. If you’re visiting with kids, this is often the part that feels most like discovery rather than just viewing.

Bonus point: some feedback highlights that the grounds can include other animals as well, such as turtles and baby peacocks. That’s not the headline of the tour, but it’s the kind of extra variety that makes the farm feel alive.

Lunch on the Farm: How the Included Meal Changes the Value

Many animal tours are quick and then leave you hungry. Here, lunch is part of the ticket price, and that changes the whole math.

Your lunch includes a selection of home-cooked locally inspired meals, plus an ice-cold option that typically includes local beer, a soft drink, or a fruit smoothie. In other words, you’re not stuck with just a snack. You can actually refuel and keep the day easy.

Reviews also point to what’s worth ordering. One person specifically suggested fried grouper and fries, and another mentioned shaved ice on site. Those are small details, but they matter because they help you plan what to spend your time on once lunch starts.

What I like about this setup: you don’t have to decide between eating out in Oranjestad and catching the tour. You can schedule the farm as your main activity, then let the meal happen naturally right there before you move on.

Before or After the Tour: Art Shop Time and On-Site Relaxing

You’re not confined to just the animal loop. The farm also has an art shop where you can browse Zimbabwe goods along with local art and crafts. If you’re the type who likes souvenirs with a story, this can be a good place to shop without dragging yourself back into town later.

It’s also a nice moment to slow down. Even if you’re not buying anything, it helps to have a shaded spot and a calm area to regroup after you’ve been walking and watching the birds.

Practical tip: if you want time to browse, show up a bit early so you’re not doing it in a rush between tour segments.

Price and Logistics: Is $38 Worth It?

At $38 per person, the price looks straightforward until you compare it to what’s actually included.

You get:

• a guided visit focused on ostriches and emus
• time to see the incubator, hatchery, and young-bird pens
• lunch included, with a meal and a drink option

That means you’re paying for more than admission. You’re also paying for guided context (the survival, mating, and rearing explanations) and for a real sit-down break.

The main logistic cost you should plan for is transportation. The tour doesn’t include private transport, and that can affect the final “true cost” depending on where you’re staying. If you’re already near Oranjestad, you’re looking at a relatively short drive (around 40 minutes mentioned in feedback), which keeps things simple.

One more scheduling note: there’s a maximum of 25 travelers. That group size is small enough to feel personal without turning it into a private event. It also helps you get the most out of the animal encounters, because you’re not fighting crowds.

When Families Say Yes: Feeding, Kids’ Tickets, and Timing

This is a strong option for families because it gives kids something active to look forward to. One big theme in feedback is how much children enjoy feeding the birds and spending time up close with them.

The farm also offers a clear children setup. Ostrich tour tickets for children ages 3–7 are available for purchase on site, with no reservation needed. That makes it easier if you’re traveling with little kids and you don’t want to over-plan every detail.

Plan for the full experience with kids in mind:

• Expect them to get excited fast when the birds are near.
• Give them time to watch more than just the biggest bird in the pen.
• Use lunch as a reset point so energy doesn’t crash before the hatchery area.

If your family likes animals but you’re tired of long zoo walks, this farm is often a better fit. The time commitment is limited, but you still get multiple “wow” moments: big birds first, then the young-bird area and the hatchery story.

Weather and Comfort: What to Pack for a Smooth Visit

This activity requires good weather. If conditions are rough, the experience can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That means it’s smart to treat it as a plan you’ll execute on a day that looks stable.

For comfort, think like you’re going to an outdoor farm:

• Protect yourself from sun (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
• Wear shoes that handle walking on uneven ground.
• Bring a light layer if you get chilly from air conditioning at lunch spots.

Also, because it’s a guided experience with animal interaction, you’ll want to keep your day calm. This is not a “run around on 10 activities” type of tour. It’s best as one focused stop that you can enjoy without rushing.

Should You Book the Aruba Ostrich Farm Tour with Lunch?

If you want a short, memorable Aruba stop that feels different from the usual beach-and-tours routine, this is an easy yes. The biggest reasons are the combination: a guided ostrich-and-emu experience plus lunch included at the farm. That’s rare for the price.

I’d book it if:

• you’re traveling as a family or with mixed ages
• you want more than just photos, and you like learning why animals act the way they do
• you value a built-in meal so you don’t have to figure out food plans mid-day

I’d think twice if:

• you don’t want to handle transportation separately (since private transport isn’t included)
• you’re expecting a long, multi-hour adventure. This is about 1–2 hours, so plan it as a half-day anchor, not the entire day

If your schedule has room for a guided animal visit with lunch baked in, this one is a practical, good-value choice.

FAQ

How long is the Aruba Ostrich Farm tour?

The experience runs about 1 to 2 hours, with 1 hour 30 minutes listed as the approximate duration.

What does my ticket include besides the farm tour?

Your ticket includes lunch at the on-site restaurant. Lunch includes a selection of home-cooked locally inspired meals and an ice-cold local beer, soft drink, or fruit smoothie.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Aruba Ostrich Farm in Aruba and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need to arrange transportation?

Private transportation is not included. You’ll need to make your own way to the farm.

What kinds of birds and animals will I see?

You’ll meet ostriches and emus, and the tour also includes a visit to incubator, hatchery, and special pens for young ostriches and emus. Some on-site animals beyond the main birds may be present.

Is lunch included for everyone?

Yes. Lunch is included with the tour ticket.

Are there special tickets for children?

Yes. Ostrich tour tickets for children ages 3–7 are available for purchase on-site, with no reservation needed.

Is this tour for small groups?

Yes. The activity has a maximum of 25 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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