On my recent family vacation in Aruba, I was lucky enough to visit Flamingo Beach. Our time there was truly magical, especially for baby Nikola. But visiting Flamingo Beach, which is located on a private island owned by the Renaissance Hotel, isn’t so easy. So, today, I’ll share my top tips for visiting the Flamingo Beach in Aruba. Hope you guys enjoy!

You may be wondering: is the flamingo native to Aruba? And the answer is: no. While there are four native flamingo species in the Americas and the Caribbean, and two in Africa, the six or seven flamingos who live on the Renaissance Aruba Resort’s private island were brought in by the hotel so guests could enjoy these wondrous creatures. Fun Flamingo Fact: they’re pink because they eat shrimp…wonder if all our island snacking will give me that same glow?

The Renaissance Hotel gives priority access to Flamingo Beach to its own guests. If you stay at the Renaissance Hotel, the cost of visiting Flamingo Beach is included in your hotel fees. On the day of your visit, just catch a water taxi (it leaves from the Starbucks inside the hotel, and runs every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p,m. To board, simply scan your key card and you’ll be on your way to flamingo heaven! 

Now, non-hotel guests can visit Flamingo Beach in Aruba. But, to do so, you’ll need to purchase an island day pass, which costs $125 and includes your boat ride, a drink and lunch on the island. Keep in mind that only 30 tickets for non-guests are available each day. And, if the Renaissance Hotel is over 80% full, the staff can choose to not allow non-guest visitors that day. 

Also, if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you’ll have to visit https://renaissancearuba.idaypass.com/ the day before your planned visit to Flamingo Beach. Tickets go on sale at 7 a.m. for the next day, but they sell out quickly, so be sure to set that alarm and click quickly. It’s also important to remember that you can only purchase five day-passes in one transaction, so if you’re with a large group, a few people will need to reserve passes. 

You can’t bring outside food or drink to the island, but you can enjoy the great offerings at the island’s Papagayo Bar & Grill or Mangrove Beach Bar. You can also purchase flamingo food on the island (the machines accept U.S. quarters), and that’s a great idea, since it’s the best way to attract a flamingo for your perfect Instagram photo. 

That’s key because, when you reach Flamingo Beach, remember: you can’t try to hold, touch or chase a flamingo. And families, take note: Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island is adults-only. Lucky for me and baby Nikola, children may visit daily between 9 and 10 a.m., as long as they are closely watched by a responsible adult. That’s actually a great time for a visit, since flamingos are more active early in the morning. But, even if you’re traveling with kiddos, your day doesn’t have to end at 10 a.m. 

When you get off your water taxi, you’ll notice Flamingo Beach is to the right of the dock. But Iguana Beach, to the left, is open to families all day long. (It’s gorgeous, even if there are no flamingos to enjoy!) 

Another great option? You can book a massage at the Spa Cove at Renaissance Island and get a little relaxation after your fun in the sun. To reserve your spot, just email the spa or give the staff a call. For guests of the Renaissance Hotel, a couple’s massage is 50 minutes and starts at $295 per couple. If you’re just visiting for the day, the spa will add a surcharge of $25 per person, or $50 per couple. 

For a more family-friendly activity, visit Red Sail Sports—they rent snorkels, paddleboards and floats for an added fee. Or, since your visit includes towels and the use of lounge chair, you can just soak up the sun and gorgeous surroundings before leaving the island by its 7 p.m. closing time.  

Have you ever visited Aruba and Flamingo Beach? What was the best part of your visit? Comment below!