One of the most iconic images of Aruba is of Flamingo Beach, where graceful pink birds tiptoe across powder white sand set against turquoise blue water. It’s just as beautiful in real life as it appears in photos. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting.

Prior to my recent trip to Flamingo Island Aruba (whose real name is Renaissance Island Aruba), the last time I swam with a bird was in cottage country north of Toronto. There, my experience was more battle than bucolic. A Canada Goose chased me out of the water, simultaneously smashing me with its powerful wings and splattering me with what appeared to be 10 pounds of projectile goose poop.

Flamingo Beach on Aruba

My avian encounter on Flamingo Beach on the Caribbean island of Aruba was much more elegant. During my day at  the exclusive Renaissance Aruba Private Island, a trio of hot pink flamingos tiptoed by, cocking their heads ever so gracefully, as though asking permission to ripple the calm waters circling my lounger.

Swim alongside flamingos at Renaissance Island Aruba – A private island paradise

Swimming alongside flamingos is just one of the unique experience guests enjoy on Renaissance Island, an 8-minute water taxi ride by luxury yacht from Oranjestad, the capital of the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba. 

Comprised of two sections, Iguana Island (for families) and the aptly-named Flamingo Beach (adult-only), Renaissance Island Aruba is a private island and offers a quiet retreat from the already blissfully peaceful main beach zones on Aruba’s Eagle and Palm Beaches.

If you’re wondering which beaches in Aruba have flamingos, this beach is the only one. Flamingos are not native to Aruba so you won’t see them in flocks on the island. There are six flamingos on Renaissance Island and they are captive as their wings have been clipped so it’s more of a zoo than a natural experience.

Day Pass to Flamingo Island on Renaissance Island

Travel writer Caitlin Martin researches champagne with a side of flamingos at Flamingo Island/Renaissance Island Aruba @caitlinlmartin

Although the hotel occasionally makes Day Passes available (see Travel Planner below for details), Renaissance Island Aruba is available exclusively for in-house hotel guests at the Renaissance Aruba All Inclusive Resort & Casino a luxury resort featuring 565 rooms in two settings, the family-friendly Renaissance Ocean Suites and adults-exclusive Renaissance Marina Hotel.

New VIP cabanas at Renaissance Island Aruba

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino guests get access to Renaissance Private Island,  the most beautiful private beach in Aruba – plus spa cove – but our #unexpectedaruba media group got to check it out too

While a full day on Renaissance Island Aruba is swanky enough on its own, guests staying at the hotel can ramp up the luxury quotient by renting one of the new ultra-private VIP ocean-front cabanas at the adult-only ‘Flamingo Island,’ a swanky Caribbean oasis featuring lounge chairs, seating area, water hammocks and complimentary food and beverages along the shoreline of the beach with flamingos.

Enjoy the VIP experience by renting a private cabana at Flamingo Island

As part of my introduction to #unexpectedAruba a media visit hosted by the Aruba Tourism Authority and award-winning female travel writer  Susan Campbell (follow her @suectravel), I was generously invited to spend a day checking out this new VIP beach cabana service. I loved it so much they practically had to drag me away at the end of the day and it was the perfect way to spend a day with the flamingos in Aruba.

Home for the day in a private cabana flanked by a palm tree on Renaissance Island

Ideal for a romantic couples’ escape, luxury splurge, wedding or honeymoon celebration or girls’ getaway on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful destinations, here’s what you get when you rent a private VIP cabana on Renaissance Island:

Cost of Ultimate Private Cabana Flamingo Beach  

The Ultimate private cabana is larger than the other three cabanas and comes with its own deck and hanging hammock

Rental cost $200 USD per day excluding 15% service charge

Rental period 9 am to 7 pm

Amenities: 2 bottles of Voss still water, 2 bottles of Voss sparkling water, bottle of sparkling wine, refreshing tray‐passed bites, Personalized Cabana Server Service, cold towels, 2 water floats and wifi

Max 6 adults per cabana

Cost of Private Cabana on Flamingo Beach 

Rental cost $150 USD per day excluding 15% service charge

Rental period 9 am to 7 pm

Amenities: 2 bottles of Voss still water, 2 bottles of Voss sparkling water, bottle of sparkling wine, refreshing tray‐passed bites, Personalized Cabana Server Service, cold towels, 2 water floats and wifi

Max 4 adults per cabana

Note: Prices vary by season and are subject to change without notice. Advance reservations are mandatory  and cancellations must be received a minimum of 48 hours in advance. For cancellations with less than 24 hours or no show will be charged 100% of the rental price. Reserve your cabana directly with the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.

Enjoy a luxury VIP experience at the new private cabanas at Renaissance Aruba Private Island

With a private cabana as a home base, I spent a blissful afternoon snorkelling with tropical fish, nibbling on fresh fruit dipped in melted chocolate, sipping bubbly and yes, floating alongside graceful flamingos.

By the end of the day, when I finally stopped swooning, I got to thinking that Canada’s most iconic water fowl should take hospitality lessons from their feathered brethren in Aruba. With a few lessons in avian etiquette, maybe they too could get a beach named after them some day. Although I have to admit, Goose Beach just doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as Flamingo Beach.

For more tips on visiting Aruba and other amazing Caribbean islands, sign up for the free A Taste for Travel newsletter or read these posts:

Where to sample Dutch tapas on the Caribbean island of Aruba

6 Great Girlfriend Getaways in the Caribbean 

Finding Vegan Heaven at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort on Aruba  

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Worth checking out!