Aruba, a captivating Caribbean gem known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, offers a multitude of attractions for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience. This was our second time visiting, and having not been able to get to De Palm Island before, we knew we just had to make it happen!
De Palm Island stands out as an oasis of tranquility and adventure and even better – it’s the only All Inclusive Island too (unlike Renaissance Island). This small private island, nestled off the coast of Aruba, promises an extraordinary day filled with relaxation, exploration, and exhilaration and it absolutely delivered!
When we visited, we were part of a P&O Cruise aboard Britannia. We picked up the bus from the port and within 20 minutes we were pulling into the carpark for De Palm Island where we caught a small boat over to the island.
Instantly we were greeted by a friendly member of staff who took us into the small gift shop where you could purchase rash vests, water shoes and more, to find our guide who walked us to our private Cabana. If you have the opportunity, a private cabana is absolutely worth the investment. The video explains more but the permanent base and a fridge stocked with champagne was absolutely worth it.
What to do at De Palm Island?
The Island has some amazing activities, not to mention the food and drink.
You’re able to go out for a Sea Trek (where you wear scuba type helmets and walk on the sea floor) as well as utilising the free snorkels and fins. However, be mindful that the pier you get in the sea from is on the leeward side of the island, so the water can be a bit choppy. As a result of this, the snorkeling isn’t quite as clear as we’ve seen in other places such as Bonaire. Theres also water slides and beach games to enjoy as well as a massage area for an extra fee.
We took the chance to rent a private cabanna which also put us on the beach where the flamigos were walking freely. Whilst there are clear lines that you’re not supposed to cross, it was evident that some people were being allowed to cross the line to take the perfect picture for their Instagram account! I’d strongly recommend this as it gives you an area to call home for the day. What was a shame for us is that the tripo back to the cruise ship was so early – we could easily have stayed a few more hours.
Would we visit De Palm Island again? Absolutely!