The Butterfly Farm on Aruba's Palm Beach side is a covered tropical garden where butterflies from around the world fly freely among flowers and plants. A guided tour of about twenty to twenty-five minutes explains the butterfly life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult, and you can stay as long as you like afterward to take photographs. According to the farm's visitor information, it is open daily year-round from 8:30 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon, with the last guided tour at 4:00 pm. Admission is priced in US dollars, with lower prices for seniors, students and children aged 4 to 17, and children under 4 enter free. Your entrance ticket includes a free return visit for the length of your vacation, up to one month, which is a rare bonus. No advance booking is needed except for groups of twenty or more. Photography and video are allowed. Visit in the morning, when butterflies are most active, and wear bright clothes, which can attract them. It is a cool, shaded, family-friendly alternative on a hot or windy day.
What you see: the garden is a walk-through enclosure with pathways, ponds and flowering plants, and butterflies land on visitors regularly. A guide shows the pupae and explains how the insects grow, so children usually find it as educational as it is pretty.
Making the most of it: the free return pass is the real value, so visit once in the morning for activity and again later for a different light. Calm movements and quiet voices help the butterflies stay close. Do not touch the wings, and check yourself before leaving, as butterflies sometimes land on clothing.
Good to know: the garden is open daily, so it is a reliable plan when weather turns, or on a Saturday when De Palm Island is closed. Prices are modest by Aruba standards, and the visitor page lists them in US dollars, with free entry for young children. It is close to the Palm Beach hotel area, so it is easy to combine with a catamaran sail or a shopping stop. Bring a camera, wear comfortable shoes and drink water, as the garden can feel warm.
What to expect
The experience
A walk-through tropical garden with free-flying butterflies and a guided tour of about twenty to twenty-five minutes.
Best time
Morning, when the butterflies are most active, and on a hot or windy day when you want shade.
How long
About one to one and a half hours, with time to wander after the tour.
Tips
Wear bright clothing, bring a camera, move slowly and use the free return pass during your stay.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, photographers and anyone who wants a cool, calm break from the beach.
- Families
- A great choice for children, with a short, engaging tour and free entry for under-fours.
- Couples
- A pretty, relaxed stop with plenty of photo opportunities.
- Pair with
- A Palm Beach catamaran sail or an afternoon at Eagle Beach.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half.
Good questions
What are the opening hours?+
The farm's visitor page says it is open daily, year-round, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the last guided tour at 4:00 pm.
Do I need to book ahead?+
No advance booking is needed except for groups of twenty or more, who should contact the farm.
How much is admission?+
Adults pay around the high teens in US dollars, with lower prices for seniors, students and children aged 4 to 17. Children under 4 are free.
What is the free return pass?+
Your ticket includes a free return visit for the length of your vacation, up to one month.
How long is the guided tour?+
About twenty to twenty-five minutes, and you can stay as long as you like afterward.
