Artist makes incredibly realistic animals that are actually sand sculptures

If you take a quick glance at all of the pictures below, you might be very surprised to see that these animals aren’t actually real! Sand sculptures can definitely be very detailed, but this artist was really able to make these things perfect. Andoni Bastarrika, a Spanish artist, has been passionate about sand sculptures almost his entire life and is often called the Michaelangelo of sand.

He’s pretty much recreated every animal out there – real or fictive – with incredible detail. Let’s take a look at twenty absolutely stunning examples.

1) Octopus

https://www.instagram.com/p/B06zJE6Cc_A/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

If you see this on the beach, you’ll probably still be quite shocked! Luckily, this giant creature is of course a figment of the artists’ imagination, although he’s definitely inspired by some mythological creatures and stories.

2) Selfie time!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoEvmo7hbbd/

Just how amazing is this? This mama elephant is playing around in the sand and rolling around. This sculpture definitely makes for some absolutely incredible selfies.

3) Good boy!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ro3rNC81M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don’t those dogs grow up so fast? This is definitely one big and calm four-footer, who just loves hanging around at the beach.

4) They’re not all friendly

Instagram - Andoni Bastarrika Source: Instagram - Andoni Bastarrika

Sometimes, dogs can definitely be a lot more intimidating than the previous one, but he’s still a harmless sand sculpture nonetheless. That menacing stare is bound to scare some visitors, however.

5) Hello, Kong

The artist definitely loves to take inspiration from a lot of sources, whether it’s just everyday life, Norse mythology, or blockbuster movies. This great ape wants to say hello, although he hasn’t been able to climb out of the sand just yet.

6) Mountain carved

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi0LsYrhYL-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

There are many forms of art, and carves out of the side of a mountain are definitely artistic as well. This mermaid mother sand sculpture looks absolutely stunning and is also quite different from the other ones on this list.

7) Watch out!

Some people believe that this is actually a sand sculpture version of Salazar Slytherin, and it’s not hard to see why. Even though it isn’t real, we’d still avoid stepping on this snake!

8) Immaculate detail

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlRO1ppYsp/

This bison can only be described as almost perfect – just look at that fur and its thick coat! Even though you’re not supposed to, we’d have the urge to feel the animal’s beard because it’s so lifelike.

9) Massive turtle

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAkZ8yhJ9yO/

Who said that turtles have to be small and cute animals? It’s truly a shame that this is a sand sculpture,

10) Meet Rufo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CACoGcNpp0C/

Even though Andoni’s works of art are usually public, he actually takes personalized commissions like this one too! Rufo’s owner wanted something unique and special, and this definitely ticks all of the right boxes.

11) Absolutely majestic

https://www.instagram.com/p/BinIJDOBW8-/

Isn’t it the dream of every child to be able to own a pony? Seeing this at the beach will definitely make a lot of kids happy. Even though you can’t exactly ride it, it’s probably the next best thing there is.

12) Release the Kraken!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215501971014565&set=a.10210345973277844&type=3

This looks like the first picture in this list, but this octopus is even bigger! This picture taken from above illustrates just how huge this Kraken-like creature is, and we can even see Mr. Andoni laying there.

13) Cute Simba

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214407951864770&set=pb.1597585738.-2207520000..&type=3&theater

Of course, not every sand sculpture has to be absolutely huge. Andoni creates the smaller ones with just as precision and detail, and they’re truly marvelous. Meet Simba, the (baby) king of the lions.

14) Moby Dick says hi

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212191175286741&set=a.1302289689479&type=3

Seeing different colors is definitely something you wouldn’t expect at first from sand sculptures, and it definitely looks unique and interesting. This Albino Moby Dick is sure to capture the attention of all the beachgoers here.

15) Sibling goals

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215511536333692&set=pb.1597585738.-2207520000..&type=3&theater

It turns out that these sand sculptures really do look like the real thing, and even actual four-footers get confused sometimes. Just take a look at the amazing picture above.

16) When sharks attack

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAi6mI0JDnm/

It’s actually a good thing that hammerhead sharks like these actually don’t really like human meat, and would much rather have stingrays for dinner. Nonetheless, it makes for a pretty scary sight!

17) An eye-opener

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2NS7JsCiyq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

With this sculpture, the artist wanted to send a clear message about a very sad reality. This incredibly detailed turtle is swimming around in plastic waste. According to the IUCN, it’s estimated that more than 8 million tons of plastic find their way into the ocean, greatly endangering sea life.

18) Wait, this isn’t a nude beach


It seems like this woman needs a towel to cover up! It might just be a sculpture, but you’ll definitely think it’s a real person from a distance.

19) Now that’s a mean-looking lizard

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi7x7pghfbi/

Let’s face it, lizards don’t exactly look friendly or welcoming, but it’s definitely worse if they’re absolutely huge.

20) Straight out of Hungry Hippos

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi0HnaZhKt_/?utm_source=ig_embed

Hungry Hippos is one of those games that everyone has played, and this sculpture definitely reminds us of that. He just appears out of nowhere, looking for some marbles to eat.

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Source: @andoni_bastarrika_artista (Instagram), Andoni Bastarrika Artista (Facebook)

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