The Ultimate Guide to Seeing Flamingos in Aruba (Cost, Access, & Tips)
- Mariah Deola
- May 7
- 3 min read
Dreaming of taking that iconic photo with the flamingos in Aruba? Here’s everything you need to know to make it happen!
Where Are the Flamingos in Aruba?
Fun fact: Flamingos aren’t actually native to Aruba, so there are only 2 exclusive spots where you can see them:
Renaissance Island a small private island owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
De Palm Island a family friendly all-inclusive island resort
Both have different vibes, so choosing the right one really depends on your travel style & budget.
Renaissance Island vs. De Palm Island
Here’s the breakdown of both islands:
Renaissance Island | De Palm Island | |
Type | Private island owned by the Renaissance hotel | All inclusive day resort |
Access | Free for hotel guests or buy a day pass | Day pass with optional transportation |
Vibe | Upscale, relaxing, aesthetically pleasing, beach-club feel | Adventure, high energy, family friendly, theme park feel |
Food & Drinks | Not included in day pass (available for purchase) | Included (buffet + open bar) |
Aesthetic | Very Instagrammable, calm, exclusive | More casual and fun, less aesthetically pleasing |
Best For | Couples, solo travelers, girls’ trips, content creators | Families, budget travelers, adventure seekers |
Cost Comparison
Island | Access | Price Range | Includes |
Renaissance Island | Hotel Guest / Day Pass | $125 - free for hotel guests | Beach access, towels, ferry, limited water activities |
De Palm Island | Day Pass Package (With or without transportation) | $119-129 | Meals, drinks, snorkeling, banana boat rides, transportation from hotel |
How to Get There
Getting to Renaissance Island:
Stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort for free access
Purchase a day pass (there's limited availability on the hotel website)
A boat leaves from inside the hotel lobby to the private island every 15 minutes.
Getting to De Palm Island:
Book a day pass online or through a tour provider
Your ticket can include shuttle pick-up from your hotel and then there’s a short ferry to the island
Tips for Visiting
Go early! Mornings have fewer crowds & better lighting for pictures
Bring snacks or budget for meals if you're at Renaissance or a picky eater (I haven’t heard the best reviews about the food at De Palm Island)
Don’t touch the flamingos They’re pretty chill, but remember that they’re still wild animals.
Bring Quarters Bring quarters to purchase food to feed the flamingos for the perfect photo op
Pack wisely Bring sunscreen, snacks, & a waterproof phone case
Which Island I Chose & Why...
Renaissance Island was a pretty clear choice for me. Here’s why:
Flamingos live here year round Renaissance Island is home to a small group of flamingos that roam freely along the island. They’re not brought in just for photo ops—they actually live on the island, which means your chances of seeing them and getting that photo, are super high.
It’s adults only & exclusive Renaissance Island is privately owned, which means there’s fewer crowds and a more elevated, peaceful vibe. There’s a separate beach for adults only, so it’s perfect for honeymooners, girls trips, or anyone wanting to relax in style.
It’s aesthetically pleasing As a content girly, it was the better choice for aesthetics. Think soft white sand, crystal clear water, and pink flamingos strolling by. Perfect photo ops for travel creators, bloggers, and anyone looking for an “instagrammable” location.
It’s a luxe experience overall From overwater cabanas, to restaurants, spa treatments and premium cocktails, the amenities on Renaissance Island make it feel more elevated.
Final Thoughts
De Palm Island does have some fun things that I would’ve loved to do, like water parks and zip lining, but it’s more family focused and adventure heavy. If you’re all about aesthetics, want a calm getaway with luxurious vibes, then Renaissance Island is the way to go.
P.S. If you choose Renaissance island and purchase a day pass, book early because they sell out fast! Also check the site often as last minute tickets may pop up randomly. I ended up getting my tickets on a Wednesday for the upcoming Saturday last minute.
Links
Planning a Trip to Aruba?
Check out my full Aruba Travel Guide to prepare for your trip, or purchase my Aruba Itinerary to make planning even easier.
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