Spanish Lagoon

Spanish Lagoon is a narrow inlet running inland from the south coast, the only significant mangrove system on Aruba and a Ramsar-listed wetland. It matters on an island this dry: the mangroves are a nursery for reef fish, herons and waders feed in the shallows, and the surrounding scrub is one of the better birding areas on the island. It is also historically important, with evidence of Caquetío occupation around it and, later, a Spanish presence that gave it the name. The Frenchman's Pass road runs along one side, and the Balashi gold mill ruins stand at the head of the lagoon.

What you actually see

• The mangroves - Aruba's only significant stand, a Ramsar wetland.
• Waders and herons - feeding in the shallows and the salt flats.
• Frenchman's Pass - the road along the lagoon with old trees over it.
• The Balashi ruins - the gold mill at the head of the inlet.

When to go

Year-round; the northern migration from October to April brings the most birds. Early morning and late afternoon are best. Kayak trips through the mangroves are run by a few operators.

Honest expectations

There is no visitor centre or organised access; it is a wetland beside a road with a few pull-offs. The desalination and power plant sits at one end, which affects the view and, historically, the water. Mosquitoes at dawn and dusk are heavy. Birding needs binoculars and patience.

Nearby

Balashi is at the head of the lagoon; Savaneta is along the south coast.