Flamingo Beach Aruba: Day Passes + Is It Worth It?

When planning my dream vacation to the Caribbean, I made sure to put seeing the pink flamingos in Aruba at the top of my bucket list. However, I didn’t realize you could only find these animals in one place: the Renaissance Aruba Private Island!

With multiple visits under my belt, I’ve prepared this ultimate guide to visiting Flamingo Beach in Aruba. First, I’ll explain the process of buying island passes and reaching Flamingo Beach, followed by photo tips, island activities, and maximizing your visit.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.

Where is Flamingo Beach in Aruba?

Flamingos in Aruba are exclusive to the Private Island owned by Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. While guests have access to this 40-acre island, it’s important to note that it’s a short distance from the Renaissance hotel.

So, for example, even if you stay at the resort, you’ll need to take an eight-minute water taxi ride to reach the Private Island. After your boat docks, you’ll then need to go to the Flamingo Beach section (not Iguana Beach) to see the famous pink flamingos.

The island also features a Spa Cove for spa treatments and dining options at Papagayo Bar & Grill and Mangrove Beach Bar & Fish Shack.

Read More: Packing List for Aruba

How much does Flamingo Beach cost?

If you’re not staying at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, you need to buy a day pass to access Renaissance Island, priced at $130 per person. This includes a $25.00 food credit for Papagayo Bar & Grill or Mangrove Beach Bar, along with complimentary beach towels.

Child tickets (ages 6-12) are $62.50, and children five and under are free. Just be aware that children can only visit the Flamingo Beach section of the island from 9-10 a.m. each day.

Prices may change, so verify costs on the official website when checking day pass availability. Ensure you select the correct date, as the day pass is valid only for the specified date.

Purchase Flamingo Island tickets here!

How to get to Flamingo Beach Aruba

Option #1: Stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort.

Stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort and enjoy complimentary access to the private island via the resort’s private water taxis. For Renaissance Marina Hotel guests, wait in the lobby with your key card.

Or, Renaissance Ocean Suites guests can board the water taxis at a second dock on their side of the resort. The taxis depart every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Scan your key card to board, and each trip accommodates approximately 20 people.

In my opinion, the best solution is to stay a night or two at the Renaissance Aruba. Prices range from $230 to $500 per night, so compare the total cost of booking here versus the combined cost of buying passes and staying at other hotels.

Remember, as a resort guest, access to Renaissance Private Island is free, eliminating the risk of missing your chance to visit if day passes are unavailable.

Enjoy the central location in Oranjestad for easy exploration of Aruba’s attractions like Arikok National Park and The Natural Pool (“Conchi”).

Option #2: Purchase a Renaissance Island Aruba day pass.

Anyone can visit the Flamingo Island in Aruba. However, it’s more complex for non-guests of the Renaissance Aruba. You’ll need a day pass, costing around $130 per person (you can purchase a maximum of five).

Since this attraction is so popular, securing passes can be challenging, and the hotel may choose not to offer them if occupancy exceeds 80%. Daily availability is estimated at 20-30 passes; so, be proactive in securing yours.

Book Flamingo Beach tickets at https://renaissancearuba.idaypass.com/. Passes are released every Saturday at 9 a.m. for the following week (Monday through Sunday).

Visit the website, select “island passes,” choose an open date, and click “continue.” From there, add the number of adults and children (0-5 or 6-12) in your party (up to five guests). Non-guests can access Renaissance water taxis only with a valid day pass.

Each visitor’s pass includes a $25 food and beverage credit for Papagayo Bar & Grill or Mangrove Beach Bar. You cannot bring your own food or beverages, big radios, trolleys, or other large pieces of luggage onto the private island.

Read More: Things to Know Before Visiting Aruba

Option #3: Book a spa package at Okeanos Spa. 

Discover Spa Cove on Renaissance Island, offering Swedish massages, deep tissue massages, and reflexology. Each spa package includes entry and one day of access to Renaissance Island, providing an alternative way to visit if Flamingo island day passes are unavailable.

However, note that booking a treatment at Okeanos Spa is the pricier route, starting at $295 for a couple, with an additional $25 per person for non-Renaissance guests. To book Spa Cove services, call 011-297-583-6000, ext. 6176, or email [email protected].

The spa is exclusive to guests aged 18 and above, and indoor treatments don’t grant access to Renaissance Private Island facilities.

Are kids allowed on Flamingo Beach?

Renaissance Private Island has two zones (similar to the Renaissance Aruba Resort): “Flamingo Beach” for adults will be on the left after exiting the water taxis and “Iguana Beach” for families on the right.

If you’re visiting with kids, note that children are allowed on the Flamingo Beach section only from 9-10 a.m., and supervision by an adult is required at all times.

Read More: Best Airbnbs in Aruba

How do I take a picture with the flamingos?

The secret to taking photos with the famous flamingos on Flamingo Beach in Aruba is to bring U.S. quarters for the island’s flamingo food dispensers. These machines, located at the pier before the beach, provide dry food that attracts the birds.

It’s  important that visitors do NOT chase after these animals. Instead, if you spot a flamingo by the beach, let it approach you–patience is key! They will eventually approach you if you’re calm, patient, quiet, and have snacks. 

For the best photo opportunities, arrive early in the morning when the beach is less crowded and the lighting is optimal. The flamingos are more active in the morning, while in the afternoon, they may be sleepy.

Another favorable time for photos is around 6 p.m. as the island closes at 7 p.m. Treat your visit as a day trip, allowing multiple attempts to see the flamingos. Also, remember to be respectful of others waiting to take their Instagram photos, too!

Other things to do on Renaissance Private Island

Whether or not you’re interested in the Aruba flamingos, Renaissance Private Island offers plenty to do. Your visit includes access to comfy chaise lounge chairs, providing opportunities to relax under the swaying palm trees, including in more secluded areas.

Red Sail Sports offers complimentary snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and floats. Rental for floats and snorkel equipment is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while paddle boards and kayaks are on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 8:30 a.m.

Consider renting an oceanfront cabana for a day if you’re with a big group. Priced at $425 and available for reservation at https://renaissancearuba.ipoolside.com/, each includes water, sparkling wine, snacks, butler service, water floats, and snorkeling masks.

There are 20 cabanas in total, split between the two island beaches. However, note that Flamingo Beach cabanas are for adults only. Regular cabanas accommodate up to four guests, while deluxe cabanas can hold up to six.

For a romantic experience, book a couples massage at Spa Cove or consider the “Dinner Under the Stars” experience, featuring a four-course dinner with live music and a shoreside table.

Read More: Should You Visit Aruba or Curaçao?

What are my options for food on the island?

No outside food or drinks are allowed on the private island, but you can enjoy dining at Papagayo Bar & Grill and Mangrove Beach Bar on Renaissance Island.

Papagayo Bar & Grill (Iguana Beach) offers a full sit-down meal and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. I ordered the Margherita Pizza and my husband chose the Dorado Arubiano. View the full menu here.

For a quick snack or a cocktail by the flamingos, visit Mangrove Beach Bar & Fish Shack, open all week from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can either sit on stools or be served while lounging in your chair.

How can I best spend my time on the island?

Arrive early at Renaissance Private Island for the best experience; water taxis start at 7 a.m. With this in mind, I recommend getting to the island between 7:30 and 9:30 in the morning to see the flamingos and secure a lounge chair before crowds arrive.

I personally prefer claiming a chair for the day on Iguana Beach, since it offers more shady areas. If traveling with kids, note that children are allowed on Flamingo Beach only from 9-10 a.m., so plan your day accordingly.

Flamingo Beach visiting hours

Renaissance Aruba Private Island is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The first water taxi departs at 7 a.m. from the resort, and the last return taxi from the island leaves at 6:45 p.m. Flamingo Beach is accessible to children from 9-10 a.m. each day.

Is Flamingo Island worth it?

It’s absolutely worth the money! While it’s a bit costly, the chance to see flamingos on a beach is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I highly recommend visiting Renaissance Private Island, especially for first-time Aruba visitors.

Flamingo Beach is a unique destination for honeymoons, bachelorettes, or any celebration, given that Renaissance Island offers some of the only private beaches in Aruba.

When is the best time to visit Flamingo Beach?

Aruba boasts warm weather perfect for vacations year-round, with the high season from mid-December to mid-April, aligning with the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. This period attracts tourists seeking to escape the cold, including spring breakers from the United States.

To avoid crowds, consider visiting during the low season from mid-April to mid-December. Importantly, Aruba is situated in the Dutch Caribbean and thus, outside the hurricane belt, ensuring your trip to One Happy Island is unaffected by hurricane season.

Read More: Best Caribbean Destinations in December

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The Renaissance Aruba gave me two day passes to visit the private island during my trip to Aruba. However, they did not ask me to write this article. I wrote it because many readers have asked how to take pictures with the flamingos. All opinions are my own.

An earlier version of this article was published in April 2019 and has since been updated.