Renaissance Island, Santa Cruz Travel Guide

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

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Renaissance Island

Escape to Renaissance Island, a 40-acre private paradise off the coast of Aruba, and home to the famed Flamingo Beach. Accessible only by water taxi, this island offers pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the unique experience of mingling with pink flamingos in their tropical habitat.

A brief summary to Renaissance Island

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Renaissance Island.

Arrive early to secure the best spots on Flamingo Beach, especially during peak season.
Bring quarters to purchase flamingo food from the dispensers and attract the flamingos for photos.
Note that children are only allowed on Flamingo Beach from 9-10 AM.
Consider booking a spa treatment at Island Cove Spa for guaranteed access to the island and a relaxing experience.
Bring snacks or a small meal from Oranjestad to avoid higher prices on the island.

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Explore Renaissance Island on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Renaissance Island, mapped for you.

Getting There

Water Taxi

The primary access to Renaissance Island is via a water taxi 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 guests of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. Non-guests may be able to purchase a day pass for approximately $150 per person, which includes the water taxi. The boat ride is approximately 8 minutes.

Discover more about Renaissance Island

Renaissance Island, a 40-acre cay off the coast of Aruba, is a unique tropical escape. Once known as 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. This private island offers visitors a chance to experience Aruba's natural beauty in an exclusive setting.The island features two distinct beaches: Flamingo Beach, an adults-only oasis where pink flamingos roam freely, and Iguana Beach, a family-friendly option. The flamingos, while not native to Aruba, have become a major attraction, delighting visitors with their presence. Aside from the iconic flamingos, Renaissance Island boasts transparent waters perfect for snorkeling, luxury private cabanas, the Okeanos Spa, mangrove forests, nature trails, and a variety of wildlife, including iguanas and pelicans.To access this idyllic retreat, visitors typically need to be guests of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. A water taxi provides complimentary transport to and from the island. Day passes are sometimes available for non-guests when the hotel occupancy is low, offering a chance to experience this private paradise. However, day passes are limited and sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Alternatively, booking a spa treatment at the Island Cove Spa can also grant access to the island.Whether relaxing on the beach, exploring the island's natural beauty, or capturing memorable photos with the flamingos, Renaissance Island offers a unique and unforgettable Aruban experience.