Renaissance Island is one of those places in Aruba that feels completely magical every time I go.  The island is home to the famous Flamingo Beach, and trust me—lounging in the sand while flamingos stroll past you is just as incredible as it sounds.  The whole vibe is equal parts relaxing, luxurious, and completely Instagram-worthy.

 

Getting there is part of the fun.  You hop on a quick water taxi right from the Renaissance Aruba Resort in Oranjestad.  Boats leave regularly from the Marina Hotel (lower lobby behind the Starbucks in the mall) and also stop at the Ocean Suites before heading over. The ride is only about 12 minutes, but it gives you gorgeous views of the coastline before pulling up to the dock.

 

I always recommend catching one of the earlier boats if you can.  That way, you’ll have your pick of spots—front row chairs with unobstructed water views, or one of the shady areas if you want a little break from the sun.

 

Once you’re on the island, there’s so much to enjoy.  Of course, Flamingo Beach is the star of the show. It’s adults-only for most of the day, but kids can visit between 9–10 AM, which is such a fun way for families to experience it together.  If you’re traveling with little ones (or just prefer a livelier vibe), Iguana Beach is the family-friendly side, with calm waters, plenty of lounge chairs, and lots of iguanas hanging out.  On my last visit, the flamingos wandered over to the family side too—such a treat to see them up close in different areas of the island.

 

A fun tip: bring a quarter if you’d like to feed the flamingos.  If you forget, you can always grab change at the restaurants.  And don’t miss hanging around the dock area around noon—that’s when the staff feeds the iguanas, and it’s amazing to watch them gather for lunch.

 

Food and drinks are easy to come by here.  On the family side, Papagayo Bar & Grill serves tasty meals—I had a pulled pork sandwich with fries and a cold Chill beer last time, and it was perfect.  On the adults’ side, the Mangrove Beach Bar has light bites, cocktails, and plenty of tropical drinks to keep you refreshed throughout the day.

 

Beyond the beaches, there’s a nature trail tucked behind Flamingo Beach that’s worth exploring.  It winds through the mangroves and gives you a little taste of Aruba’s wild side—keep an eye out for soldier crabs, bright blue kododos, and tropical birds along the way.

 

The island also has plenty of extras to keep you busy: complimentary towels, floats, and snorkel gear, plus hammocks by the mangroves if you’re in the mood to just swing and relax.

 

One important thing to know: outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but with everything available on the island, you won’t go hungry or thirsty.

 

Parking is super easy too. If you’re driving, you can park at the Renaissance Ocean Suites or near Wind Creek Crystal Casino at the Marina Hotel, making it stress-free to catch the water taxi.

 

Every time I visit Renaissance Island, I leave feeling like I’ve been somewhere truly special. Between the flamingos, the calm turquoise water, the good food, and the laid-back island vibe, it’s one of those Aruba experiences you’ll never forget.

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Be sure to Read my Blog post for a more in depth review!