Iguana Beach
Aruba

Overview

The only way to reach Iguana Beach and Flamingo Beach is by boat, since they are both located on Renaissance Island just off Oranjestad. Access is included for guests of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, and a complimentary water taxi runs all day between the resort and the island.

If you’re not staying at the Renaissance Hotel, you can sometimes buy a day pass (around $125 per person), but these are limited and sell out quickly. Many people have to try multiple times before finally securing one, so book early if you can.

The water taxi departs directly from the Renaissance Marina in downtown Oranjestad. The ride itself is part of the fun — a short 10–15 minutes, skimming past the harbor before dropping you at the dock in front of Iguana Beach. You can watch planes landing at the nearby Queen Beatrix Airport during the ride; it’s surprisingly scenic for such a short trip.

While many people come to Renaissance Island for the flamingos and choose to stay or book a cabana at the neighboring Flamingo Beach, I found that the flamingos actually roam freely between the beaches.

Iguana Beach is known as the family-friendly side of the island, with more space, calm water, and shady palapas that make it comfortable for kids and parents. In my case, I enjoyed it more than the crowded, adults-only Flamingo Beach because it felt like a little wildlife sanctuary with both iguanas and flamingos around. Iguana Beach is also bigger than Flamingo Beach.

Best time to visit Iguana Beach

• Time of day: Early morning is peaceful and best for photos with the iguanas and flamingos. By midday, more guests and day-pass visitors arrive.
• Season: Aruba’s weather is sunny year-round; high season (December–April) is busier, but summer feels calmer.
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are usually quieter. Weekends sometimes feel more lively with families.
• Weather-wise: Trade winds keep it breezy; bring a light cover-up if you stay all afternoon.

Tips for visiting Iguana Beach

• Don’t miss the iguana feeding session — staff provide food, and it’s fun to see dozens of iguanas gather.
• You can also spot flamingos here, not just at Flamingo Beach.
• Reserve a cabana in advance if you want guaranteed comfort and shade.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen; even with shade you’ll get plenty of sun.
• Day passes are limited — check with the Renaissance Resort early.

What to bring to Iguana Beach

• A beach bag with towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops.
• Snorkel mask if you want to explore the shallows.
• Small cash or card for food and drinks at Papagoyo Bar & Grill.
• Swim gear for kids — the water here is calm and safe.

Iguana Beach isn’t just about laying in the sun — the island is set up so you can spend a full day here without getting bored. Here are the best things to do based on my visits and what other travelers loved:

Relax in the shade & cabanas

The beach has plenty of palapas and loungers, which are free to use, but the real luxury is renting a private cabana. The cabanas come with butler service (not really a butler, as you can't call them, but have to chase them if you want something), coolers with drinks, snorkel gear, and direct access to the water.

Wildlife & iguana feeding

As the name suggests, this is the place to see iguanas. They wander freely along the sand and rocks, and staff organize a daily feeding session where you can safely feed them. It’s fun to watch dozens of iguanas gather all at once. Flamingos also roam through Iguana Beach, which surprised me the first time I saw them here.

Walk the mangrove trails

Behind the beach you’ll find short nature paths through mangroves and coastal vegetation. They’re easy walks, but they give you a nice change of scenery and the chance to spot lizards, crabs, and seabirds.

Paddleboarding & water sports

The calm lagoon makes this a good spot to try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. Some cabanas include free gear, while other rentals can be arranged through the resort. It’s especially nice in the morning before the wind picks up.

Beach volleyball

A net is often set up on the sand for a game of beach volleyball. It’s a fun way to meet other travelers — I’ve joined in with both locals and tourists, and the vibe is always lighthearted.

Beach massage huts

For ultimate relaxation, you can book a treatment at the beachfront massage huts. Imagine listening to the waves while getting a massage just steps from the sea — it’s one of those splurge experiences that feels unforgettable.

Plane-spotting

Because the island sits near the flight path to Queen Beatrix International Airport, you’ll occasionally see planes fly low overhead. I actually liked this — it’s a unique backdrop for beach photos, and kids seem to love watching the landings.

Tennis courts

On the private island you’ll also find tennis courts, open for guests who want a more active break between lounging sessions. It’s a fun way to mix up a full day on the island.

Fitness center 

There’s even a small gym facility on the island. It’s not huge, but it has treadmills, weights, and a view that makes workouts less of a chore. If you are staying in an Airbnb without a gym, it's a great place to work on your beach body.

Snorkeling at Iguana Beach is easy and laid-back, thanks to the calm lagoon waters that protect the shoreline. While this isn’t the most dramatic reef snorkeling in Aruba, it’s perfect for families, beginners, and anyone who wants to float around without dealing with strong waves.

Where to snorkel: The best snorkeling spots at Iguana Beach

The best snorkeling is along the rocky edges of the lagoon, especially near the jetty and mangroves. These spots attract small schools of colorful fish. If you swim out a little further (still within the calm area), you’ll notice clearer water and slightly more variety.

What you will see underwater

Expect to spot sergeant majors, parrotfish, damselfish, and butterflyfish. You might also see crabs and small rays close to the sandy bottom. It’s not a place for big reefs or turtles, but the shallows are lively enough to keep kids and casual snorkelers entertained.

Best time to snorkel at Iguana Beach

Morning is the best time — the water is calmest, visibility is highest, and you’ll likely have more space before the crowds arrive. Afternoons can get a little choppier as the trade winds pick up.

Safety tips and snorkeling guide

• Stay within the marked swimming area — boat traffic is nearby.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
• Keep an eye on children; the water is shallow but supervision is important.
• Don’t touch or chase fish and rays — let them come to you.
• If you’re not a strong swimmer, bring a snorkel vest for extra safety.

Snorkel gear rental at Iguana Beach

If you book a cabana, snorkel sets are often included. Otherwise, bring your own gear — rentals on the island are limited and not always available. Most guests I’ve met said they preferred packing a simple mask and snorkel in their luggage.

My personal honest opinion

If you’re an experienced snorkeler looking for vibrant reefs, you’ll find much better spots in Aruba like Boca Catalina or Mangel Halto. But for a relaxed dip between cocktails and iguana feedings, Iguana Beach is perfect. I actually like the fact that it’s stress-free — no waves pushing me into rocks, just a safe spot where even kids can try snorkeling for the first time.

A day on Iguana Beach comes with plenty of food and drink options — the island has two restaurants, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty.

Papagayo Bar & Grill

The Papagayo Bar & Grill is the main dining spot on Iguana Beach. It’s more than just a snack shack — think wood-fired pizzas, juicy burgers, fresh salads, and seafood dishes. I tried their thin-crust pizza after snorkeling, and it really hit the spot. What I like most is that you can choose to sit at shaded tables under palm trees or enjoy full service right from your beach chair.

Mangrove Beach Bar & Fish Shack

The Mangrove Beach Bar is located closer to Flamingo Beach, but it’s only a short walk away if you’re staying on the Iguana side. It’s the place to grab a refreshing frozen cocktail, a rum punch, or a light snack in the afternoon. The bar’s tropical setting under the mangroves makes it one of those “vacation-only” spots where time slows down.

If you stay at one of the Renaissance Aruba hotels, you get privileged access to the private island (which includes Iguana Beach). Staying at the resort means you can hop on the complimentary water shuttle and enjoy the island’s beaches, dining, and activities without needing a separate day pass.

For couples seeking a more intimate escape, Renaissance also offers a “Lover’s Island Overnight” package (sometimes called the Private Island Overnight). With this, you and your partner can spend the night on the island itself — sleeping in a cabana, having a private dinner, and waking to a sunrise breakfast at Iguana Beach. The package typically includes:

• Private boat transfer to and from Renaissance and the island
• A romantic, multi-course dinner on Iguana Beach with wine and music
• Overnight stay in a cabana with amenities, snacks, and drinks
• Breakfast served at Papagayo Bar & Grill the next morning
• Option to extend cabana use into the day for a later checkout

The Lover’s Island package is extremely exclusive and expensive — rates reportedly start at around USD 2,499 per couple plus taxes and fees. It’s more of a once-in-a-lifetime romantic splurge than a standard hotel booking.

How to get to Renaissance Island?

Iguana Beach is part of the Renaissance Private Island, so the only way to reach it is by the island’s water taxi. The boat departs directly from the lobby of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in downtown Oranjestad. It runs about every 15 minutes throughout the day, and the ride takes just 10–15 minutes.

If you’re a hotel guest, the shuttle is included with your stay. If you’re visiting on a day pass, you’ll need to check in at the hotel desk first before boarding.

Practical tips for getting there:

• The shuttle runs about every 15 minutes during the day.
• You board from inside the hotel lobby — the boat literally pulls up through a channel into the hotel.
• Bring your room key or day pass confirmation; they check before boarding.
• If you’re arriving from the cruise terminal or airport, a short taxi ride to the Renaissance hotel gets you to the boat dock.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

The Renaissance Hotel is located right across from the Aruba cruise terminal, making Iguana Beach one of the easiest private island excursions for cruise passengers.

How far is Iguana Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: Less than 1 km (0.6 miles) to the Renaissance Hotel
• Walking time: 5–10 minutes to the boat dock
• Boat ride: 10–15 minutes from hotel to Iguana Beach

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport)

A taxi from the airport takes you straight to the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Oranjestad, where you board the water shuttle.

How far is Iguana Beach from the airport?

• Distance: 5 km (3 miles) to the Renaissance Hotel
• Driving time: 10 minutes by taxi
• Taxi fare: Around $15–20 USD
• Boat ride: 10–15 minutes from hotel to Iguana Beach

From Oranjestad

If you’re staying in Oranjestad, you can often walk to the Renaissance Hotel. From there, just hop on the complimentary water shuttle to the private island.

How far is Iguana Beach from Oranjestad?

• Distance: Walking distance if downtown
• Time: 5–15 minutes depending on your hotel location
• Cost: Free if on foot; a short taxi otherwise

From Palm and Eagle Beach

Palm and Eagle Beach are about 15 minutes north of Oranjestad. A taxi is the easiest way to get to the Renaissance Hotel for the island shuttle.

How far is Iguana Beach from Palm and Eagle Beach?

• Distance: 6–8 km (4–5 miles) to the Renaissance Hotel
• Driving time: 15–20 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $20–25 USD
• Boat ride: 10–15 minutes from hotel to Iguana Beach

From San Nicolás

Coming from the far southeast of Aruba takes longer, but it’s a straightforward drive down the main coastal road to Oranjestad.

How far is Iguana Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: About 20 km (12 miles) to the Renaissance Hotel
• Driving time: 30–35 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–40 USD
• Boat ride: 10–15 minutes from hotel to Iguana Beach

Taxi to Iguana Beach

Taxis are widely available at the airport, cruise port, Palm Beach, and Eagle Beach. For the return trip, you don’t need to prearrange — plenty of taxis wait outside the Renaissance Hotel.

Approximate taxi fare to Iguana Beach

• From airport: $15–20 USD
• From Palm/Eagle Beach: $20–25 USD
• From San Nicolás: $35–40 USD

Public transport to Iguana Beach

Local buses connect Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, and Oranjestad. If you’re comfortable using them, you can ride to the bus terminal in downtown Oranjestad, which is a short walk to the Renaissance Hotel. From there, hop on the boat. Check the latest Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Iguana Beach by rental car

If you’re renting a car, drive to Oranjestad and park near the Renaissance Hotel. You won’t take your car onto the island; you’ll switch to the water taxi.

Parking

There’s a public parking lot next to the Renaissance Mall, and street parking in downtown Oranjestad. Spaces can be limited during peak times, so plan to arrive early if you’re driving.

Iguana Beach Aruba is the quieter, family-friendly side of the Renaissance Private Island, yet it still surprises with roaming flamingos, daily iguana feedings, and calm waters perfect for kids and casual snorkelers. It’s a spot I’d recommend to families, couples who want something more relaxed than Flamingo Beach, and anyone who enjoys a laid-back day surrounded by wildlife without leaving Oranjestad.