The pink flamingos of Aruba live on Renaissance Island — the beach itself is called Flamingo Beach — a private island just off Oranjestad owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek resort. It is one of the most photographed places in the Caribbean, and the flamingos genuinely do walk the white sand right beside you. There is one catch that catches most people out: the island is private, and access is tied to the resort. Here is exactly how to get there.
The short answer: access runs through the resort
Renaissance Island is private. Staying at Renaissance Wind Creek is the only guaranteed way on.
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Can you visit Renaissance Island without staying at the hotel?
Sometimes — but you cannot count on it, and this is where most trips go wrong.
Renaissance Wind Creek releases a limited number of day passes to non-guests, but only when the island is under capacity. In practice that means they are frequently unavailable in high season, they are released at short notice, and they cannot be reserved far ahead the way a tour can. Pricing and availability are set by the resort and change through the year, so check directly with them rather than trusting a number you read on a blog.
If seeing the flamingos is the thing you are building the trip around, book the resort. If it is a nice-to-have, plan for the day pass and have a backup.
Flamingo Beach vs Iguana Beach
Renaissance Island has two beaches, and the difference matters more than people expect:
- Flamingo Beach — adults only. This is the one in every photograph. The flamingos live here. There is an age minimum, so families with young children cannot use this beach.
- Iguana Beach — families welcome. All ages, and where families are directed. There are iguanas, and often a flamingo or two wanders across, but it is not the postcard beach.
This trips up a lot of families who arrive expecting the photo and find they cannot access that beach. Resorts do occasionally run short guest windows onto Flamingo Beach for photos — ask at the front desk rather than assuming. If you are travelling with children, read our Aruba with kids guide before you plan around this.
Getting there
A complimentary water taxi runs from the Renaissance resort in Oranjestad out to the island, departing from inside the hotel and from the Renaissance Marketplace. The crossing takes only a few minutes. Boats start early — go on one of the first departures if you want the beach and the flamingos without a crowd in your photos. Late morning is the busiest window.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen — required by Aruban law, and the island enforces it.
- Cash or card for the bar — food and drinks are not included with island access.
- A waterproof phone case — you will be in shallow water taking photos.
- Water shoes — useful in the rockier shallows.
- Do not bring food for the flamingos. Pellets are sold on the island; outside food is bad for them.
Is it worth it?
If you want the photograph, yes — there is nowhere else in Aruba to get it, and few places in the Caribbean. Just go in clear-eyed: it is a resort amenity, not a public beach or a bookable excursion. The flamingos are habituated and will walk right up to you, which is the whole appeal and also worth being gentle about.
If the flamingos are one item on a longer list, Aruba’s public beaches are genuinely world-class and free — see Eagle Beach, consistently ranked among the world’s best, and our full guide to the best beaches in Aruba.
Related guides
- Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba — full resort review
- Best beaches in Aruba, ranked
- The most photogenic spots in Aruba
- Things to do in Aruba — the complete guide
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