Flamingo Beach Aruba: Renaissance Flamingo Island vs. De Palm Island?

You’ve seen the photos — Aruba’s famous pink flamingos strutting along crystal-clear beaches. And if you’re anything like I was, you’re probably wondering: How do I actually see these flamingos in real life?

When my husband and I first started planning our trip to Aruba, I went into full research mode. I quickly found out there are two private islands where you can see flamingos in Aruba: Renaissance Island (also called Flamingo Island) and De Palm Island.

At first, we were tempted by the idea of a couple’s massage on Renaissance Island. But once we discovered De Palm Island’s Sea Trek helmet diving, all-inclusive drinks, and unlimited banana boat rides — we were sold. We’ve now visited De Palm Island twice: once as a couple, and once with our kids and extended family.

So if you’re planning a trip to Aruba and trying to decide which flamingo island is worth your time (and money), this guide is for you. I’ll break down the key differences, what’s included at each, and my honest experience — so you can book the option that’s best for your trip.

Flamingos in Aruba: The Quick Version

Can You Really See Flamingos in Aruba?

Yes — but not on just any beach.

These flamingos don’t roam wild across public beaches. They live on two privately owned islands: Renaissance Island and De Palm Island. Both offer curated experiences where guests can view and interact with the birds — but access is limited.

Flamingos in Aruba aren’t native, but they’ve become a beloved part of the island experience. Depending on which island you choose, you’ll need to book a day pass, hotel stay, or special experience to see them in the flesh. Continue reading for all the details you need.

What to Know About Flamingo Island Aruba (Renaissance Island)

Access & Pricing

There are three ways to visit Flamingo Island: by staying at the Renaissance Hotel, booking a spa treatment at Spa Cove, or purchasing a day pass. If you’re not staying at the resort, passes are released every Saturday at 9 AM for the upcoming week — and they sell out fast.

Flamingo Island Pricing Overview
Day Pass: $125 per adult, $60 for kids ages 6–12, free for kids under 5
Spa Cove Treatments:
— 50 min (no lunch): $250
— 75 min (no lunch): $280
— 50 min (with lunch & 1 drink): $270
— 75 min (with lunch & 1 drink): $300
Kids only allowed on Flamingo Beach from 9–10 AM

What’s Included & What to Expect

Your pass includes a short boat ride from the hotel to the island, with departures every 15 minutes from the dock behind the Renaissance Convention Center. Once on the island, you’ll find two beaches, a spa, flamingo-viewing areas, and a restaurant and bar.

Meals are not included in the day pass, but you can purchase lunch at Papagayo Restaurant and drinks at the beach bar. If you’d like to feed the flamingos, dry food is available for purchase. The island is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, and beach chairs are first-come, first-served. Towels are not provided, so you’ll need to bring your own.

Why I Didn’t Choose Renaissance Flamingo Island

When my husband and I were planning our first trip, we seriously considered booking a spa package at Renaissance Island. The idea of getting a massage by the water and enjoying a quiet, adults-only beach sounded amazing. But once we discovered that De Palm Island offered Sea Trek, we knew we had to try it.

Renaissance also didn’t offer food or drinks in the day pass, and the limited flamingo access for kids made it a less ideal choice for our future family trip. Ultimately, De Palm just offered more of what we wanted — and we didn’t have to race the clock to grab a limited pass.

De Palm Island Aruba – My Favorite Way to See Flamingos

Why We Chose It (Twice!)

For our first visit, it was just the two of us. I considered Renaissance for a romantic spa day, but De Palm offered something more unique: Sea Trek helmet diving — an underwater walking experience that looked too cool to pass up. That, plus all-inclusive food, drinks, and activities, made it an easy decision.

We upgraded to premium seating, which gave us plush loungers, towels, and full bar service — but the best part was the flamingos. They were brought directly to our seating area and roamed freely while we relaxed. The vibe was calm, quiet, and mostly adult — honestly, I don’t even remember seeing kids around. It was peaceful and memorable in all the best ways.

On our second visit, we came back with a group of 12. With three kids in the group, we opted for a private cabana that came with a designated time slot to visit the flamingo area. This allowed the kids to take photos and interact with the birds — something you can’t do on Renaissance Island unless you visit during a one-hour window. It was the perfect mix of adventure, comfort, and family-friendly fun.

And honestly? I’d go back a third time. But if I were planning a romantic or more relaxing getaway, I’d probably give Renaissance Island a try for the spa experience and quiet, adults-only beach vibe.

De Palm Island Pricing Overview
With Transportation: $129 (ages 10+), $105 (ages 3–9)
Without Transportation: $115 (ages 10+), $89 (ages 3–9)
Flamingo Access Upgrades:
— Premium Seating (ages 10+): +$55 per person
— Private Cabana: varies by size/group
Optional Add-ons:
— Sea Trek or Snuba: starts at $65

What’s Included with a De Palm Day Pass

Once you’re on De Palm Island, everything is included — food, drinks, beach amenities, and activities. And unlike many all-inclusive day trips, the quality here was genuinely impressive.

There are two dining areas: a buffet serving fresh chicken, fish, rice, and veggies, and a grill station offering burgers, hot dogs, and fries. I’ll admit — I usually lower my expectations with buffets, but I enjoyed the food both times. Everything was fresh, well-seasoned, and a pleasant surprise.

On the activity side, you get access to snorkeling gear, guided reef tours, water slides, a kids’ aqua play zone, banana boat rides (ages 10+), salsa lessons, and beach games. Beach chairs and palapas are available on a first-come basis, but if you want something more private, cabanas and VIP palapas are available to reserve.

We took advantage of the round-trip transportation option on our first visit, which made things completely stress-free. On our second trip with family, we made our own way there and had no issues navigating it independently.

How Flamingo Access Works at De Palm

The flamingos don’t roam the entire island — but if you upgrade your experience, you can interact with them up close in two different ways:

• Premium Seating is best for adults or couples. The flamingos are brought directly to your seating area and walk freely among the loungers while you relax. It’s peaceful, intimate, and makes for amazing photos — all without leaving your spot.
• Private Cabana access is perfect for families or larger groups. You’ll be assigned a time slot to visit the flamingo area, where you can take photos and spend time with the birds. Kids are allowed with this option, making it one of the few ways to include them in the experience.

Both upgrades elevate the day significantly and ensure that flamingo time isn’t a rushed or overcrowded experience.

Flamingo Beach Aruba: Which Island Is Best for You?

Choose Flamingo Island (Renaissance Island) If…

You’re looking for a peaceful, adults-only escape. Renaissance Island is ideal for couples who want a more refined beach day — especially if you’re already staying at the hotel or want to book a spa treatment by the sea. The flamingos roam freely on Flamingo Beach (with a picture-perfect backdrop), and it’s definitely the more serene of the two islands.

Just know that access is limited. Day passes sell out quickly, and children are only allowed near the flamingos for one hour each morning. If you’re after quiet vibes and a romantic setting, this might be your spot.

Choose De Palm Island If…

You want a day that’s packed with activity, fun, and zero planning stress. From the moment you arrive, everything’s taken care of — unlimited food and drinks, water slides, snorkeling, banana boat rides, and yes, a flamingo experience that works for both couples and families.

Whether you’re lounging with a cocktail while flamingos stroll by, or your kids are splashing around before a scheduled flamingo photo session, De Palm feels like the best kind of all-in-one day. It’s social, easygoing, and great for all ages — and if you’re into trying something new, I highly recommend adding on Sea Trek.

Book Your Flamingo Experience in Aruba

Whether you’re dreaming of flamingos walking by as you sip a cocktail or planning a fun-filled island day with the kids, Aruba has an experience for you. Here’s how to book the one that fits your travel style best:

Book De Palm Island (My Top Pick)

If you’re looking for a no-stress, all-inclusive day with great food, nonstop fun, and flexible flamingo access, this is the one I’d recommend — especially for families or first-timers.
👉 Reserve on Viator👈

Book Flamingo Island (Renaissance Island)

For couples or adults wanting something quieter and more exclusive, Renaissance Island offers a peaceful retreat — with those iconic flamingo photo ops.
👉Stay at Renaissance Aruba Resort👈
👉Buy a Day Pass to Flamingo Island (Official Site)👈

No matter which island you choose, be sure to bring your camera (as well as other Aruba essentials), your curiosity, and a little flexibility. And if you’re heading to De Palm Island — seriously, don’t skip the Sea Trek. It’s definitely one of the coolest things to do in Aruba.

Visiting Aruba FAQ:

Final Thoughts

As someone who has traveled to Aruba multiple times and personally experienced both the planning stress and the excitement of visiting flamingos, I know how confusing it can be to pick the “right” island. That’s exactly why I created this comparison — to give you a detailed, firsthand look at what it’s really like to visit De Palm Island and how it compares to the more famous Renaissance Flamingo Beach.

I’ve done the research, booked the tickets, upgraded the seating, and brought the entire family — so you don’t have to guess. Whether you’re planning a romantic couple’s getaway or a fun-filled family day, I hope this guide gave you everything you need to make the best choice for your trip. And if you’re anything like me, don’t be surprised if you end up coming back again. Aruba has that effect.