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Parrot Ville Bird Park

A walk-in aviary with 150 exotic birds that land right on your shoulder

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Family Friendly Budget Activity Wildlife Off-Beach Experience

Why Go

Parrot Ville Bird Park is the kind of experience that surprises people. You walk in expecting a small tourist attraction and leave with a macaw on your shoulder, birdseed in your pocket, and a genuine smile. This family-run walk-in aviary on the Dutch side houses over 150 exotic birds — parrots, macaws, conures, and parakeets — that are tame enough to land on your arms and eat from your hand. It's completely different from the beach-and-boat routine, and at around $10, it might be the best value excursion on the island.

The Experience

You'll receive birdseed at the entrance and step into the aviary where the birds are free-flying and surprisingly social. Within minutes, colorful parakeets and parrots will land on your arms, shoulders, and head, creating the kind of photo opportunities that children and adults find equally delightful. A guided tour runs about 30 minutes and includes the Heritage Museum — a small collection of antiques and family history — and a medicinal garden with local plants and herbs. The grounds are well-maintained and the family who runs it genuinely cares about the birds and the visitor experience.

What to Try

Let the macaws land on you — they're heavy and impressive and make for unforgettable photos. The Heritage Museum is a nice bonus that gives you a quick window into the island's non-beach history. The medicinal garden is small but interesting if you're curious about traditional Caribbean herbal knowledge. Younger kids go wide-eyed at the bird interactions, making this one of the best family stops on the island.

Insider Tip

Visit in the morning when the birds are most active and hungry — they're more likely to land on you and interact. Wear a dark-colored shirt if you want birds to perch on your shoulders (they seem to prefer it). Closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly. The family has been doing this for years and George is full of stories if you ask.

The Practical Stuff

Open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed Sundays. Located at Bishop Hill Road, Belvedere, near Philipsburg. Budget-friendly at around $ per person — one of the cheapest attractions on the island. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for the full experience. Credit cards accepted. You'll need a car or taxi to get here — it's off the main tourist strip. Free parking on site.

Pair It With

  • Philipsburg Boardwalk — Combine with a Philipsburg shopping and beach day — the park is a quick taxi ride away
  • Great Bay Beach — Beach time after your aviary visit to round out a Dutch side day
  • Topper's Rhum Distillery Guide — Adults can follow up with a rum tasting while kids still buzz about the birds