Santana di Cacho (Pet Cemetery) in San Nicolas, Aruba

Just a few hundred yards past Aruba's Baby Beach—famous for its soft sands and shallow clear waters—is nearly mile long expanse of low, rolling dunes coated in crosses. The crucifixes and other items stuck in the sand are meant to memorialize pets that have passed on and were buried at the Aruba Pet Cemetery. In the 1920s, many workers were brought to the island to man the new Lago oil refinery. These men started the trend of using the dunes as a pet cemetery, with the tradition continuing on to this day. Visitors will see all manner of memorials to beloved and departed pets, including formal headstones, candles, and wreaths — as well as simple handmade crosses weathered by time.

Apr 30, 2025 - 15:46
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Santana di Cacho (Pet Cemetery) in San Nicolas, Aruba

The Aruba Pet Cemetery

Just a few hundred yards past Aruba's Baby Beach—famous for its soft sands and shallow clear waters—is nearly mile long expanse of low, rolling dunes coated in crosses. The crucifixes and other items stuck in the sand are meant to memorialize pets that have passed on and were buried at the Aruba Pet Cemetery.

In the 1920s, many workers were brought to the island to man the new Lago oil refinery. These men started the trend of using the dunes as a pet cemetery, with the tradition continuing on to this day. Visitors will see all manner of memorials to beloved and departed pets, including formal headstones, candles, and wreaths — as well as simple handmade crosses weathered by time.