There are few places in the world where one can get up close to a flock of flamingos–much less snap selfies with them–so it’s no wonder that checking out the stately, blush birds is one of the best things to do in Aruba.
Thing is, it hasn’t always been easy, especially for those on a budget.
Most travel guides out there will direct you to Flamingo Beach Aruba to see them, which is on a palm-fringed, idyllic island owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. But unless you spend big bucks to book a room at this swanky spot, it requires perseverance, cash and a bit of luck to visit the island with a day pass (more on that later).
So in true Globe Guide fashion, I’ve uncovered a couple of secret ways to see flamingos in Aruba which will save you both time and money…including one which just so happens to have an open bar.
How to see Aruba’s famous flamingos: Renaissance Island & De Palm Island
There are two places to see flamingos in Aruba: Renaissance Island and De Palm Island. Here’s what you need to know about both, including how to visit, how much they cost, what the experience is like and which option is right for you.
Where can you see flamingos in Aruba?
Renaissance Island
- Famous Flamingo Beach experience
- Access by staying at the Renaissance, a spa booking or day pass
- Best if seeing the flamingos is your main goal, and a more elevated, exclusive experience.
De Palm Island
- Flamingos plus a full day of activities, food and drinks
- Access with a De Palm Island pass
- Best if you want flamingos as part of a bigger island day, and more family friendly.
Flamingo Beach in Aruba
Flamingo Beach has long been known as THE place in Aruba to see these fluorescent-feathered friends, which is located on the fabulous 40-acre Renaissance private island.
This island is serious goals, from the blonde sandbars stretching across turquoise lagoons, to the nature trails where lush foliage conceals critters like lizards and iguanas, to the fancy-pants cabanas perched over the water which can be rented out for the day and have their own butler.
How to get there
This private island in Aruba is available for guests staying at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, who are whisked over in a speedboat departing from the harbour in Oranjestad approximately every 15 minutes.
Globe Guide tip: To see the flamingos, the best bet is to book at least one night at the resort which means you’ll get two days on the island.
Cost to visit Flamingo Beach and how to book
The other option is to try your luck at purchasing a day pass here.
They are released online every Saturday morning at 9 AM for the upcoming Sunday until Saturday, and cost $125 per person. Note that only five guests can be reserved at a time.
Food, beverages, and cabana rentals are not included with the Island Pass. Note that the island is cashless so be sure to have a credit card on hand, and complimentary towels are available to borrow.
Be sure to keep reading all the way to the end of this article for a secret hack for this!
Once you arrive on the island, prepare to be wowed by the luxe loungers nestled under palapas looking out to the sea, sparkling beaches framed by swaying palm trees and crystal-clear snorkeling spots.
Grab a cool cocktail at the colourful Papagayo Bar & Grill, then wander over to famous Flamingo Beach to get started on that bird watching.
One of the best things about the flock here is how vibrant they are, which makes them really stand out against the turquoise sea.
Guests can walk right among them, and there’s also a spot on the pier to purchase dry food which they’ll eat right out of your hand.
If you’re travelling with children, note that kids are only permitted to interact with the flamingos from 9-10 AM and must be supervised by an adult. However, the flamingos can easily be seen from the boardwalk, and if you’re out for a nature walk there’s a good choice you’ll happen upon a few of the birds wandering around the island.
The island is open from 7 AM – 6:45 PM, and the whole family is welcome on Iguana Beach. Private cabanas can be pre-booked by emailing navigator@arubarenaissance.com
De Palm Island in Aruba
Next up is De Palm Island, which is like an all-inclusive playground in paradise.
Waterslides, snorkeling in the crystal clear water, banana boat rides and beach volleyball games are just a few of the fun activities you’ll find on this stretch of sand, which is a 10 minute drive from the capital Oranjestad and accessed via a quick boat ride.
Simply purchase a half or full day pass, and most activities along with food, drinks and transportation from your hotel are included.
But let’s get back to the birds.
About a dozen Chilean Flamingos live on De Palm Island, sharing the sandy shoreline with the likes of sunbathing iguanas and elegant, cobalt-blue peacocks. For some reason, many guidebooks don’t mention that you’ll find them here, likely because the flock only arrived on De Palm Island in the last few years.
Interestingly, these flamingos sport mostly grey and light pink feathers versus the vibrant fuchsia hue of their friends over on the Renaissance Aruba private island, since they’re younger. Standing about four or five feet tall, the birds hang out in a salt lagoon bordered by a tiny fence to ensure visitors don’t go near them (and yes, there are security guards so don’t even think about hopping over).
READ MORE: Playground in paradise: Fun and flamingos on De Palm Island, Aruba
The reason the flamingos on De Palm Island are so protected is because this species is listed as threatened, and breeding programs are in place to try and reverse their decline. However, you can still get quite close since the fence is short enough that it won’t interfere with your photos.
To up the experience, spring for a cabana rental or premium seating on this roped-off stretch of beach and you’ll get to admire the birds all day long from the comfort of your lounger. This is also the only way you’ll be allowed to actually walk with them.
Cost to visit De Palm Island
Pricing (USD, as of 2026):
- De Palm Island with transportation: $129/age 10+, $109/age 3-9, free for 2 and under
- De Palm Island (without transportation): $119/age 10+, $104/age 3-9, free for 2 and under
- Cabana (up to 10 people): $399/day
- Premium seating: $55 age 10+
Book here:
A secret hack to visit Flamingo Beach
Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: the secret trick to visiting Flamingo Beach without securing a Renaissance private island day pass. And folks, it’s as easy as booking a spa treatment.
The island has an area called Spa Cove, offering treatments like hydrating facials, detoxifying body wraps and relaxing massages. Their Sea Escapes packages generally start at $250 USD for individuals and $385 USD for couples for an open-air massage, drink…and of course, the boat ride over.
That means for just a bit more than you’d spend on a day pass you get a luxe spa treatment at Okeanos Spa, a cocktail and guaranteed spot on the island!
Globe Guide note: Make sure you book your treatment on the island, since the Renaissance also has a spa inside the resort which won’t get you access to the island.
Is visiting the Aruba flamingos ethical?
Chances are by now you’re wondering how the Aruba pink flamingos ended up here in the first place, and most importantly, if it’s ethical to visit them. I reached out to both De Palm Tours and the Renaissance, and here’s the scoop:
“Our flamingos come from Chile. They live in saltwater lakes that now are polluted and dried out because of global warming. Therefore, they are on the almost extinct list.
We have security watching them the whole day to be sure guests do not get to close or make them feel uncomfortable and treat them with respect. We have placed small fences so people know until where they can go. These fences feel very comfortable for the flamingos and when it’s busy they will stay behind them. When they want, they can walk out of them and walk freely over the beach. So it’s not the animals that are restricted, but the guests! We have a vet checking them every month and we feed them pallets and give them fresh water twice a day.”
-De Palm Island, Aruba
It’s a similar situation over on Flamingo Beach, Aruba:
“The flamingos have been with us since forever. One day they flew in and never left. They are not captured on the island, they wander freely around and sometimes they cross over to the other side. We feed them proper flamingo food, sometimes we give them shrimp as a treat to maintain their pink colour. We have a vet that comes in on a regular basis to check their health.”
-Renaissance Aruba
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- Playground in paradise: Fun and flamingos on De Palm Island, Aruba
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Is it anything to do for handicapped .
Hi., when I book a spa service do I need to let them know that we want to visit the flamingo beach as well?
Hi Vicki, no you won’t need to as it’s all in the same spot 🙂 But never hurts to mention, I suppose!