Aruba Iguanas: Everything You Need to Know About the Island's Resident Lizards.
When thinking of Aruba the first thing that comes to mind are long stretches of white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters.
What you might not be thinking of are encounters with exotic creatures. One of those exotic encounters could be with iguanas in Aruba. In Aruba iguanas can be found everywhere, and in all shapes and sizes. In this blog you will learn more about Aruba’s iguanas, their behavior and how you can help keep these lizards healthy and safe.
Understanding Aruba Lizards : Key Characteristics of the Green Iguana / Yuwana
Of all Aruba lizards the adult green iguana, locally referred to as the Yuwana, is the islands’ largest lizard. Although named ‘green’ iguana, an adult Yuwana often looks more greyish brown in color than green. When in danger iguanas (Yuwana) can change color and adapt to the hues of their environment, just like chameleons. The green iguana can be found lounging on branches in trees in Aruba, on rocks, on the beach and even public spaces at your hotel.
Key characteristics of the adult green iguana or yuwana in Aruba:
largest lizard in Aruba
up to 6.5 ft in length
up to 13 lbs in weight
vegetarian - eat leafs and greens only
on rocks, in trees, on beach, in public spaces outdoors
greyish-green and brown in color
chameleon trades
Young iguanas and lizards in Aruba
Young iguanas in Aruba are much smaller than the adult green iguana, just a few inches long. They have a bright green color. Considered the most common Aruba lizard species is the whiptail lizard, locally known as cododo or blauw-blauw, a reference to their color. These whiptails come in vibrant blue (blauw) colors, or bright turquoise patterns, and have an exceptionally long tail. Hence their name whiptail.
Key characteristics of the young green iguanas and whiptail lizards in Aruba:
most common smaller lizards
10-15 inches long
insectivores - eat various insects
in nature and outdoor public spaces
bright in color (neon green, turquoise, blue)
Geckos, the loudest lizards in Aruba
The small lizard in Aruba you’ll see and hear frequently is the turnip-tailed gecko, or house gecko. Locally these small, almost translucent geckos are called Pega Pega. The term pega pega refers to their ability to stick (pega in local language Papiamento) their feet to any surface. In contrast to other lizards in Aruba who live outdoors, geckos tend to get indoors as well. You may find them on your wall or even stuck to the ceiling. Geckos are considered the loudest lizards in Aruba as they make a signature clicking sound. Fun fact: in Aruba’s 2026 Carnival season the most popular song was ‘The Lizard Kaking’, based on the typical kekekeke sound these Aruba lizards make. A less common gecko in Aruba is the gold dust day gecko, recognizable by its vibrant green color and red dots.
Key characteristics of geckos in Aruba:
common smallest lizards
4-5 inches long
insectivores - eat various insects
indoors and outdoors
pale white, pink or translucent in color (house gecko and turnip-tailed gecko)
vibrant green with red dots ( gold dust day gecko)
signature kekekeke sound
Food habits of iguanas in Aruba: do not feed
Aruba lizards like whiptail lizards and geckos eat insects and therefore are very useful reptiles as they help keep the number of unwanted insects like mosquitos and roaches down. On the other hand, iguanas in Aruba are vegetarians and feed themselves only with foliage, leaves and certain fruits. Please do not feed iguanas (Yuwana) when you encounter them, and certainly no meat, chicken or bread as iguanas literally can’t stomach that. If you do feed the Yuwana (lettuce) you are setting yourself and others up for failure, as the iguanas will get used to being hand-fed and start invading the beach, pool deck, patio of your hotel room or accommodation. They can even jump or climb up to beach chairs which makes for uneasy situations not befitting a relaxing vacation. Therefore, as a rule of thumb: do not feed iguanas in Aruba. Better for the iguanas, better for you.
Aruba Wildlife and Iguana Protection Law
Various species of Aruba’s wildlife are endangered and therefore protected. Examples of endangered species in Aruba are the burrowing owl (Shoco), Aruba’s sea turtles (Tortuga) and the Aruba iguana (Yuwana). The green iguana ended up on the endangered species list as they became a popular ingredient in local iguana soup. Therefore, a protection law was established in 1995 that prohibits the hunting, killing and eating of Aruba iguana. Local establishments that still have iguana soup on their menu risk a fine of thousands of florins, and even closure of their business. As a general rule, please do not chase, touch, feed or hunt any wildlife in Aruba, including the iguanas. More information about respecting Aruba’s wildlife and how to be a good guest on our island can be found in the Aruba Promise.
