How to Visit Flamingo Beach

What the Flock?

Yes, you read that correctly, Flamingo beach is a real thing! I don’t know about you, but pink flamingos have always fascinated me. When I heard about this place and saw pictures, I immediately added it to my bucket list. I mean, who wouldn’t want to relax on a dreamy Caribbean beach while pink flamingos wander around? If you’re interested in experiencing Flamingo Beach, then keep reading because I’m going to tell you everything you need to know in order to visit this beautiful destination.

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Where is Flamingo Beach?

You can’t find beautiful, pink flamingos on just any old beach. The one and only flamingo beach is located in Oranjestad, Aruba on the private island of the Renaissance Resort & Casino Hotel. The island boasts two private beaches. Flamingo beach, which caters towards adults only while the other, Iguana beach, is perfect for families. If you’re an adult you can visit both sides of the island, however children must remain in Iguana beach only. I am assuming the reason is to prevent any issues between these pink feathered creatures and small, grabby hands.

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How to Access Flamingo Beach?

There are two ways to see the famous flamingos at the Renaissance Hotel’s private island:

• As a guest of the hotel, which includes access to their private beaches
• As a non-guest by purchasing tickets for the day for about $125 per adult and $63 for children (between 5-12 years of age). Tickets can be purchased a few days in advance and include a meal and a drink.

In my opinion, I think staying at the hotel is your best bet. If you already have another hotel in mind, you could stay there and transfer to the Renaissance hotel on your last day/night. This would actually make a lot of sense since the hotel is in the direction of the airport and only a short 10 minute drive away. The price of a room for a one night stay is typically cheaper or the same amount as paying for tickets to the private island to just see the flamingos. You should also consider that you will most likely eat and possibly have drinks during your visit, increasing your total to visit the island for only a day.

Keep in mind, as a non-guest, access to flamingo beach is not guaranteed. Renaissance Hotel doesn’t always sell the passes because they want to prevent overcrowding the beach. For this reason, if you are set on visiting flamingo beach, I suggest you spend at least one night of your stay at the Renaissance Hotel.

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How to Get to Flamingo Beach?

The only way to get to flamingo beach is by boat. The boat to the private island departs from the hotel lobby every 15 minutes starting at 7 AM and ending at 6 PM. In order to board the boat, you must present your room key or day pass.

Note: They actually scan your room key to make sure that it is active.

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How to Attract the Flamingos for Beautiful Pictures?

Well, flat out…this can be tough. To me, it seems this is all dependent on the time of day you visit the beach and what you have to offer the flamingos. I spent two separate days at flamingo beach and think I pretty much figured it out. From my experience, I believe it is best to either get there early or stay as late as possible. On the day I arrived early, there were barely any people at the beach so it allowed me to snap many pictures of the flamingos without random people in the background. On the day that I stayed late, I was also able to take some great shots since most people had left for the day and the best part is the flamingos roamed more of the island and did not just stand by the rocks. Every now and again, you maybe able to get a shot with them in the water, but typically there are a lot of people surrounding them and trying to get that perfect Instagram shot too.

If you want to get up close and personal, buy them food! This will be the best way to get some great photos and interact with the flamingos. When you enter flamingo beach you will cross a bridge that has a red dispenser on the right hand side. You can go to the bar and exchange $1 for four quarters and fill up a cup with some food pellets.

Food = Love! I poured some pellets in my hands and approached the flock of flamingos and they immediately were interested in me. That’s when I had my husband just snap away! It worked like a charm! Don’t be afraid to get close if you have food, they don’t peck at all and lightly grab the pellets from your hand with their beak.

Remember: The flamingos are considered wild animals and roam the island as they please. They may get annoyed and honk at you, so don’t be disappointed if they don’t follow your lead and pose for photos. Give them a break and come back at a later time.

Fun Fact: Did you know flamingos actually get their pink color from their diet? The natural pink dye called canthaxanthin is obtained from brine shrimp they consume.

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What Else is there to do on Flamingo Beach?

Clearly, the flamingos are the main attraction, but the private island has SO much more to offer its guests. Looking for some luxury, rent a private cabana for the day. This can be booked in advance through the hotel. If you’re looking for a deeper relaxation, experience the serene Spa Cove, which offers spa treatments overlooking the water. If you’d like more excitement, Renaissance Island offers a range of water sport activities, including snorkeling and kayaking. The island also has a restaurant, Papagayo Bar & Grill and a bar, Mangrove Beach Bar.  These are great to enjoy a light lunch, mid-day snack or refreshing drink.

Aruba is definitely a new and trendy destination and I’m pretty sure flamingo beach has a lot to do with it. The whole travel community seems to be talking about this small island and what it has to offer. I hope that you have the opportunity to visit flamingo beach in the future because it truly is one dreamy destination!

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Check out my experience at Flamingo Beach on YouTube!

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3TxogUVNIc

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