This 19-kilometre stretch of the southern leeward coast of Aruba is considered the most biodiverse area of the country. It features the island’s largest stand of mangrove forest, dense seagrass beds, beaches, coral reefs, and the island’s main chain of reef islets. This combination of habitats is unique for Aruba and provides crucial reproduction, nursery and foraging sites for multiple animal species including terns, three species of sea turtles, twelve sea mammals, many soft and stony corals, fish and sponges. The beaches provide nesting habitat for green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles. The Site is the most important coral recruitment area of Aruba, and the shallow coastal zone features relatively large stands of blade fire coral (Millepora complanata) and elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata). In deeper areas the near-threatened spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) and tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) can be observed. Several globally threatened species are found, including endemic and critically endangered ones. Besides the biodiversity it supports, the Site also provides significant benefits to the Aruban economy through coastal protection, fishing and tourism (diving and snorkeling). As of 2023 a plan was in place to restore the mangroves and construct artificial reefs, while a management plan was being prepared.