It’s perhaps the most famous thing to do on Aruba. It’s also one of the most expensive, and perhaps the most difficult activities to get tickets for as well! There are definitely some things to know before you go, and really before you even try to get advance tickets. This should be a fun, cool, memorable things to do, not a stressful situation that you’re so frazzled about that you can’t enjoy it. So, here is your ultimate guide to visiting Flamingo Beach–what to expect, how to get tickets, and how to have the most fun!

Where is Flamingo Beach?

Here’s the first thing you need to know: All beaches on Aruba are public beaches, but Flamingo Beach is on Renaissance Private Island. The island is owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Hotel and Resort, and guests of the hotels can visit for FREE when they stay here, which is a tremendous perk! The hotels and private island are just a 10-minute ferry ride from Oranjestad, and there are two pick-up points, one for each hotel. Ferries run every 15 minutes, from 7:00am-6:45pm. If you’re not staying at either of the hotels, don’t worry! You can still visit, but you will have to get advance tickets.

Note: The island is family-friendly. However, Flamingo Beach is adults-only, except from 9:00am-10:00am. Adjacent Iguana Beach is open to adults and children all day long.

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How do I get tickets?

Tickets for Renaissance Private Island go on sale on this website at 9:00am Aruba Time every Saturday, for the following Monday-Sunday. Tickets go extremely quickly, especially in the spring high season, so you will want to set a reminder to make sure you get tickets for the date you want. Pro tip: Be flexible about which day you can get the tickets, in case your first choice is sold out before you get into the system. As of 2024, tickets are $130 per adult, $65 for children ages 6-12, and FREE for children 5 and under. It’s also important to note that you can purchase no more than five tickets at a time.

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What’s included?

That is an expensive ticket, but keep in mind that gives you access to more than just the island and flamingoes. That $130 per person includes:

• Ferry transportation to and from the island. Ferries depart every 15 minutes from 7:00am until 6:45pm. There is no time sensitivity to your ticket; you have the whole day to go, and you can stay as long as you like!
• Towel, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.
• Lounge chair access. These are first-come, first-served, but you don’t need to reserve them in advance.
• Equipment, including kayaks, snorkels, floats, and paddle boards.
• $25 food and beverage voucher ($12.50 for ages 6-12). You’re not allowed to bring outside food or beverage to the island, so be sure to take advantage of that $25 voucher! The Mangrove Beach Bar and Fish Shack is right on the beach.

What’s NOT included? The Cabanas. Those go for $550 per day, which is mighty steep! If you rent a cabana, you have access for the entire day, and there are cabanas on both Flamingo Beach and Iguana Beach.

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What if tickets are not available?

This is a real possibility, and if you’re not staying at the hotel, you might just be out of luck. Or, maybe not! There are a couple of work-arounds if you want to see flamingoes but can’t get tickets to Flamingo Beach.

• Option 1: Get a Spa Treatment. No, really! The Renaissance Hotel has two spas, one of which is actually at Flamingo Beach. It’ll be expensive, but you’re getting a spa treatment plus access to the island (saving that $130). Be sure to book a treatment at the Island Cove Spa. Check out their website here to see their treatment menu and to book.
• Option 2: Go to De Palm Island instead. Yes! You can find a flock of flamingoes on De Palm Island as well. You will still need to purchase a day pass, for about the same price as Flamingo Island, and it will be more crowded, but there are also a ton of fun things to do there as well. Depending on your interests and who is traveling with you, you might even prefer it to Flamingo Beach.

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What can I do there?

It’s more than just admiring the pink flamingoes! Here are all the things you can do at Flamingo Beach and surrounds.

• Feed the flamingoes. For just 25 cents, you can buy flamingo food and feed it to them. This is probably your best bet at getting photos with the flamingoes.
• Get a spa treatment. As mentioned above, you can reserve an appointment at the Island Cove Spa while you’re here, for a little extra relaxation while you enjoy the flamingo-and-sea scenery.
• Visit Iguana Beach. This beach is home to green Yuwana iguanas! It’s adjacent to Flamingo Beach, so it’s easy to visit both. This particular beach is family-friendly at all hours, and at noon, there is a “lunch time moment” where kids (and grown-ups) can feed the iguanas as well. Don’t miss it while you’re here!
• Catch some sun. Aruba is one of the sunniest islands in the Caribbean, if not the world, so you definitely can’t avoid the sun! Flamingo Beach, in particular, has very little shade or trees available. Be sure to bring some good sunscreen (no less than SPF 50 recommended) or wear UPF clothing, plus a hat. The Chairs on the beach are open to all (but first-come, first-served), so enjoy the sun in comfort!
• Get in the water. This beach is all about the flamingoes, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay on land with them! Make the most of your time at the beach (you paid for it, after all!), and cool off in the water as needed. Don’t forget that all the equipment for water activities are included as well.

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What should I bring with me?

You already know you’ll want to wear your bathing suit and a cute cover-up! And while your day pass to Flamingo Beach includes a towel, plus food and beverage voucher, but there are a few things you will also want to bring with you. Here is the best list you’ll find:

• Day Bag. You’ll want this for everything you’ll need to bring, and this one is also waterproof and sand proof, so you can take it on all your beach excursions, and even take it in the water with you. It floats!
• Sunscreen. You will want an SPF 50 or higher for Aruba–the sun is strong here! Reef Safe is also a good idea for the delicate island environment, and for yourself.
• Sunglasses. Never go to an island without your sunnies! I got these in pink (to match the famous flamingoes, of course), and I love them. They come in over a dozen color combos.
• Water shoes. Rocks, coral, stray sticks and debris… You want water shoes to protect your feet! These come in a multitude of color combos for men and women.
• Water bottle. As previously stated, the sun is strong on Aruba. You’re not allowed to bring outside food or drink with you, with the exception of water. So bring a refillable bottle and bring it with you. This one is insulated to keep it cool and refreshing in there.

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