De Palm Island
Aruba
Just off the western coast of Aruba, De Palm Island attracts visitors from the main island looking for an all-inclusive beach day. Reachable only by boat, De Pam Island has white-sand beaches, wild flamingoes, and vibrant coral reefs right along the shore. Travelers will also find a beachside resort, a children’s water park, and plenty of fun water sports and activities.
The Basics
De Palm Island’s all-inclusive packages make it easy to spend an entire day in the water or lounging on the beach with unlimited food and drinks. Relax under a cabana or grab a snorkel and get a glimpse of the beautiful coral reefs teeming with tropical sea life. Packages cover food and an open bar, snorkeling, ziplining, banana boat rides, air jumpers, the Blue Parrotfish Water Park (kids love the waterslides), salsa lessons, and other daily activities such as beach volleyball and field games. Upgrades from the basic package include other watersports such as SNUBA and the Sea Trek, an underwater helmet walk.
Things to Know Before You Go
Beach chairs and palapas are available, but you should bring your own beach towel.
The coral island makes a great snorkeling spot but is tough on snorkelers’ feet; bring water shoes.
The kids’ corner offers kids activities, typically on weekends only.
How to Get There
Ferries and catamarans depart regularly for De Palm Island from Port De Palm. Package tours offer round-trip transportation from most Aruba hotels. If exploring Aruba by car, parking at Port de Palm is free, and ferry tickets are available at the terminal. The ferry terminal is just outside downtown Oranjestad, about two miles (3.2 kilometers) past the airport.
When to Get There
To make the most of an all-inclusive, full-day pass, it’s best to arrive in the morning. Aruba is busiest from January through April, when it would be wise to book your pass to De Palm Island in advance.
Blue Parrotfish at De Palm Island
Snorkeling trips, right off the beach at De Palm Island, give big payoff, with views of abundant underwater life within the snorkeling area. Of particular interest are the native blue parrotfish, found in most of the Caribbean but particularly in Aruba. This vibrant blue fish makes for excellent underwater photo ops.
Ways to explore
A ticket for De Palm Island includes a ferry ride out to the island and an all-inclusive day at the island’s beach resort. Spend the day lounging on the beach and swimming and snorkeling along the shore, or make the most of the water park, body-drop slides, banana boat rides, and salsa classes. When you need a break from the beach, tuck into the unlimited lunch buffet or grab a cocktail from the open bar.
Optional upgrades include SNUBA® diving, the SeaTREK® underwater helmet walk, private beachfront cabanas, and access to the flamingo area.
Accessibility
The island is wheelchair accessible, but contact the resort in advance.
Age limits
The island has activities for kids of all ages. Reduced-rate tickets are available for children under 9, while children under 3 can visit for free. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Note that banana boat rides have a minimum age of 10 years, and alcoholic beverages are only available to visitors 18 and up.
What to pack
Towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, cash (the gift shop is cash only)
What to wear
Swimsuit; flip-flops, sandals, or water shoes (the beach and coastline are rocky)
Not allowed
Drones, skateboards, scooters, glass bottles and containers, boomboxes, nudity or inappropriate swimwear, pets (except for service animals)
Amenities
Cabana rentals, snorkeling equipment and twice-daily tours (provided), basketball and beach volleyball courts, water park, buffet restaurant and grill station with unlimited food, open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), beach chairs, gift shop, restrooms, showers
Address
De Palm Island is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southeast of Oranjestad. Ferries and catamarans depart about every 15 minutes for the island from the De Palm Island ferry terminal. You can either drive to the terminal or opt for a hotel pickup or transfer.
Driving
To reach De Palm Ferry Terminal from Oranjestad, it’s about a 15-minute drive south along Route 1. There’s plenty of free parking at the ferry terminal, where you can purchase your tickets for the island.
Public transportation
It’s easy to get to the ferry terminal even if you don’t have a car. When booking your De Palm Island trip, select the ticket option with bus transport included to arrange pickup from your Aruba hotel.
Best times to visit
The island is open from 10am to 5pm, but it’s best to catch the first ferry to maximize your time. The last ferry to the island leaves at 2pm.
Best days to visit
De Palm Island is open daily year-round, including holidays, but it’s best to visit midweek and avoid holiday weekends if you want to avoid the crowds.
Best months to visit
January–August is Aruba’s dry season, and provides the best beach weather. For sunny weather, fewer crowds, and competitive prices on flights and hotels, come between April and August.
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