Renaissance Island: Aruba's Exclusive Flamingo Paradise

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Discover Aruba's exclusive Renaissance Island: home to Flamingo Beach, pristine shores, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

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Aruba
Oranjestad
Renaissance Island

Escape to Renaissance Island, a 40-acre private island off the coast of Aruba, and discover a unique tropical oasis. Home to the famed Flamingo Beach, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, this island offers an unforgettable experience accessible via a short water taxi ride.

A brief summary to Renaissance Island

Local tips

Arrive early to secure the best spots on Flamingo Beach, especially during peak season.
Day passes are limited, so inquire frequently before your vacation and upon arrival at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.
Bring snacks or a small meal from Oranjestad to avoid higher prices on the island.
To protect the flamingos, note that children may only visit Flamingo Beach from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Consider using biodegradable sunscreen to help preserve the pristine water and marine life.

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Getting There

Water Taxi

Access to Renaissance Island is via an 8-minute water taxi ride from the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in Oranjestad. The water taxi departs every 15 minutes from behind Lucy's Bar, starting at 7:30 AM, with the last boat leaving the island at 6:45 PM. This service is complimentary for hotel guests. Non-hotel guests can access the island by purchasing a day pass, subject to availability. Day passes are released online one week before the date, typically on Saturdays at 9:00 AM local time, and cost $150 per person, including a meal and a drink. Alternatively, non-guests can book a spa treatment at Island Cove Spa, which includes a day pass to the island; prices start at $160 USD.

Discover more about Renaissance Island

Renaissance Island, a 40-acre cay off the coast of Aruba near Oranjestad, is a unique destination offering visitors a private island experience. Originally named Sonesta Island, it was purchased by Sonesta Hotels and opened in 1989. In 1991, it was renamed Renaissance Island after Sonesta was acquired by Ramada Renaissance Hotels. Today, it is owned and operated by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. The island boasts white sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and a variety of bird species. It is most famous for Flamingo Beach, where pink flamingos roam freely, creating a surreal and picturesque scene. These flamingos, not native to Aruba, were brought from Bonaire as fledglings and are well-cared for on the island. Flamingo Beach is an adults-only area, though children can visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. In addition to Flamingo Beach, Renaissance Island offers Iguana Beach, a family-friendly beach named for the iguanas that inhabit the area. Other activities include exploring nature trails, relaxing in private cabanas, indulging in spa treatments at Spa Cove, and enjoying water sports. Two sunken airplanes, a Beechcraft Model 18 and a Convair 400, serve as dive sites off the coast. Access to Renaissance Island is primarily for guests of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, with complimentary water taxis departing every 15 minutes. Day passes are available for non-guests, but they are limited and subject to availability based on hotel occupancy.