The Renaissance Private Island in Oranjestad harbour is one of Aruba’s most famous attractions — a resort-owned island accessible only to Renaissance hotel guests and day pass holders, famous for the flamingos that walk freely on the beach. Here’s exactly how to access it, what it costs, and what to expect.
What is the Renaissance Private Island?
The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino owns a small island in Oranjestad’s harbour — approximately a 5-minute water taxi ride from the resort’s marina dock. The island has two beaches: an adults-only beach (where the flamingos live) and a family beach. The island also has a restaurant, bar, pool, and full beach facilities.
It is completely private — not accessible by swimming, kayaking, or any other means. The water taxi from the Renaissance dock is the only way in, and it requires either a hotel room key or a day pass wristband.
How to Access the Private Island
Staying at the Renaissance Resort
Hotel guests at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino (both towers — the Ocean Suites and the Marina Hotel) have unlimited access to the island throughout their stay. The water taxi runs throughout the day. Access is included in the room rate.
Day Pass for Non-Guests
Day passes are available for visitors not staying at the Renaissance. Key details:
💵 Cost: Approximately $125–150 per adult (includes a food and beverage credit)
⏰ Availability: Limited — the island has a capacity limit and day passes sell out, particularly during peak season (December–April)
📅 How to book: Online through the Renaissance’s website (recommended) or by calling the resort directly. Same-day walk-in passes are sometimes available during low season but not reliably during peak times
👶 Children: Day passes for children are cheaper. Note that the flamingos are on the adults-only beach — children access the separate family beach
What’s on the Private Island
🦩 Flamingos (adults-only beach) — 8–12 flamingos roam freely, approach guests, and eat from outstretched hands (resort staff provide food). The iconic pink-birds-on-the-beach experience.
🏖️ Two beaches — Adults-only side with flamingos; family side for all ages
🍹 Bar and restaurant — Food and drinks available all day; the day pass credit offsets costs
🪑 Beach chairs and umbrellas — Provided as part of the experience
🏊 Pool — The island has a pool in addition to beach access
Best Time to Visit
Morning (10 AM–noon) is the best time for flamingo photos — good light, active birds, and the day pass crowd hasn’t peaked yet. Afternoons can feel busier. Arriving at opening (typically 9 AM) guarantees the best positioning.
A water taxi from the Renaissance Resort’s marina dock runs throughout the day. Hotel guests access it with their room key; non-guests need a day pass (approximately $125–150/adult, book online in advance at the Renaissance website).
Yes — day passes are available for approximately $125–150 per adult including food and beverage credit. Passes are limited and sell out during peak season. Book online through the Renaissance’s website in advance.
Yes — approximately 8–12 flamingos live on the adults-only beach of the Renaissance Private Island. They are tame and accustomed to guests, and walk freely on the sand. Resort staff provide flamingo-safe food for guests to feed them.
Most visitors say yes. The flamingo experience is genuinely unique and very difficult to replicate elsewhere. The beach is beautiful, the facilities are good, and the food and beverage credit softens the pass cost. For photographers and social media content creators, it’s one of Aruba’s most unique opportunities.
🦩 Full flamingo guide | 🏨 All Aruba hotels | 🏛️ Oranjestad guide
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Aruba private island in Aruba: Essential Guide for 2026
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Aruba private island: Complete Aruba Guide for 2026
Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s most visitor-friendly destinations. The island has excellent infrastructure — well-maintained roads, reliable utilities, fast internet and a highly professional tourism industry. English is widely spoken across the island alongside Dutch, Papiamento and Spanish. Crime rates are very low and the island consistently ranks as one of the safest Caribbean destinations. The currency is the Aruban Florin (AWF) but US dollars are accepted universally. Queen Beatrix International Airport handles flights from across North America, Europe and South America, making Aruba easily accessible. The island is small enough to explore fully in a week — just 33km long and 10km wide — but has enough variety in beaches, activities and food to keep visitors busy for two weeks or more.
Practical tips for 2026: Book tours and activities at least 24-48 hours in advance. Hotel rates are lowest in May through early December. Direct flights from the US East Coast typically run 3.5-4.5 hours. The island uses the US dollar — no currency exchange needed for American travellers. Aruba has no sales tax on most tourist services. For the best Aruba experience, combine beach time with at least one boat tour and one land-based excursion.
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