Renaissance Island & Flamingo Beach — how to actually get in
Aruba’s private flamingo island: day-pass prices, the Saturday 9 AM sale drill, the two beaches, and insider tips.
The island
Must tryRenaissance Island & Flamingo Beach
Private island · day pass · Oranjestad
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Aruba’s iconic private island with two distinct beaches: adults-only Flamingo Beach, where flamingos roam freely, and family-friendly Iguana Beach with calm, shallow water and the Papagayo Bar & Grill. Day pass $125 per adult (children 0–4 free, one per adult), boat taxi included.
“You cannot bribe your way onto the water taxi. Only a valid day pass or active hotel room key will get you on board”
- Hours:
- Boat taxi every 15 min, 7 AM–6:45 PM (8–10 min ride)
- Good to know:
- Day passes go on sale every Saturday at 9:00 AM sharp for the following week — they sell out in minutes. Sales are final.
Day passes & booking
- How much does it cost?
- Adults $125 per person; children 0–4 free (one per adult). Cabanas $370–635 are for hotel guests only. The boat taxi is included. Note: the former $25 food & beverage credit was discontinued in January 2025.
- How do we actually get passes?
- Passes sell out in minutes. They go on sale every Saturday at 9:00 AM sharp for the following week (Mon–Sun). Set an alarm for 8:57, go to the official portal, pick your date and number of guests (max 5 per purchase), and pay immediately. Sales are final — no refunds or date changes.
- Where does the boat leave from?
- From the dock at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, L.G. Smith Blvd 82, Oranjestad. The boat taxi runs every 15 minutes from 7 AM to 6:45 PM — an 8–10 minute ride. Only a valid day pass or an active hotel room key gets you on board.
- Is staying a night at the hotel smarter?
- Hotel guests get unlimited free island access — a 1-night stay (~$500) can cost less than multiple day passes for a group. Worth the math for larger parties.
The two beaches & flamingo tips
- What’s Flamingo Beach like?
- Adults only after 10 AM (children are allowed 9–10 AM). Flamingos roam freely, with quarter-fed machines for feeding. Best photography is early morning or sunset — approach the birds slowly and calmly.
- What’s Iguana Beach like?
- Family-friendly all day, with calm shallow water suitable for children, iguanas on the walkways, snorkeling gear available, and the Papagayo Bar & Grill on-site.
- Any insider tips?
- Go early — flamingos are most active and photogenic in the morning. Bring quarters (Aruban or US) for the feeding machines, and pack reef-safe sunscreen only.