If you’ve followed along my blog in 2021, you know why Aruba is a top travel destination for 2022. Aruba has ideal weather year-round, pristine beaches, island activities suitable for all ages, straightforward travel requirements, and COVID safety on the island. You can read more in my ultimate Aruba travel guide and 6-day Aruba itinerary.

One of the most unique and Instagram-famous experiences in Aruba is visiting Flamingo Beach. If you’re looking for something different to experience, then I definitely recommend visiting Flamingo Beach. Here is everything you need to know if you plan to visit Flamingo Beach.

• How to visit

• Tips & Tricks

• Is it worth it

How to Visit

Flamingo Beach is located at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort (previously known as Renaissance Private Island). This resort is actually a small island owned by Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino located in Oranjestad, Aruba. The resort has:

• Two beaches with cabanas and water activities - Flamingo Beach and Iguana Beach

• Two dining options - Papagayo Bar & Grill and Mangrove Beach Bar

• One spa - Spa Cove

There are two ways to visit Flamingo Beach:

1. You can book a night at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, which allows for complimentary access to Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. You just have to present your room key at the water taxi dock, which covers the 15-minute boat ride to the island. The first boat is at 7am and the last boat to return is at 6:45pm.

   OR

2. You can buy a day pass directly for the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in advance online. Day passes ($125/person) are available up to one week in advance. Included in the day pass is the water taxi ride to the island, full access to the island beaches and spa, and one lunch and one cocktail at Papagayo Bar & Grill or Mangrove Beach Bar.

Tips & Tricks

Here are tips and tricks to make the most of your visit:

• Book in advance if you’re planning to visit using a day pass! These almost always sell out the day before so check the site 3-4 days in advance of when you want to visit to make sure you can get a ticket.

• Plan to visit on a weekday to avoid crowds! Like any tourist attraction, Flamingo Beach is busier over the weekend so make the most of your time there by planning to visit during the week instead.

• Make sure to explore both beaches! After I spent time with 5 flamingos on Flamingo Beach, I was surprised to see another 5 flamingos on Iguana Beach.

• Bring U.S. quarters with you! There are flamingo food dispensers that only take U.S. quarters, and you may not always be able to get change at the bar or restaurant since almost everybody is looking to get quarters. I brought my own quarters so had no issues in getting flamingo food to feed the flamingos.

• If you are traveling with children, keep in mind that Flamingo Beach is exclusive to adults, and children are only allowed from 9 - 10am. However, they are allowed on Iguana Beach during all hours where you can also find the flamingos.

• Lastly, there is one other way to visit Flamingo Beach without staying at the hotel or booking a day pass. And that is by booking only a spa treatment at Spa Cove, which includes the water taxi to the island. Depending on the spa package, this may be more worthwhile for you!

Is It Worth It

Naturally, some people think so and others don’t. Outside of being pricey, we did find the food to be very underwhelming for vegetarians, and both beaches were very small compared to Eagle and Palm Beach.

However, these were negated by an exhilarating boat ride, peace and quiet on the private beaches, fantastic drinks, and of course, the flamingos! We visited using day passes and thought it was worth it because frolicking with flamingos truly felt like a joyful, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Drop a comment below if you would like to visit!