We visited DePalm Island in December 2004 and actually had a bit of food as we were there in the afternoon. The food was very good, the drinks were surprisingly strong and the Parrot Fish are amazing!! I had a blue swimsuit on, same color as they are, and I think they thought they'd found Mama!!!
Some of the areas of coral kill near the shore were unfortunate to see...not sure if it was heat or abuse by folks walking on it.
The changes (still in process) all are making it a better place... so far!
The WaterPark is complete. While not huge, those using it seemed to be having FUN!
Especially, liked the new beach area on the "pretty side" ... still need water shoes ... but it's nice. TONS of Beach Chairs in both sun and shade! No problem finding a good place to sit!
The old restaurant area is now a Hamburger - Hot Dog - French Fry Grill. The large open bar is also there.
A new pier over the water has the regular buffet ... serving both breakfast and lunch. Very nice view!
Still, VERY EASY for anyone to see bunches of Blue Parrot Fish! Just walk down the stairs of the Snorkel Deck and there they are!
Construction is still in process so more changes coming ....
LuLu ... Visit SOUTH CAROLINA!
11/21/09 Crown Princess 2/18/10 Island Pricess B2B Ft.Lauderdale to Acapulco and back (total 20 days)
OVER 40 (started young) Princess, Celebrity, RCCL, HAL, NCL, Costa, Disney, Carnival, Sitmar (Princess bought), and (a very long time ago) SS Bahama Star
All I could think was how great this would be for a first time snorkeler.Really, you don't even need to snorkel -- just a swim mask would be fine! It's impossible NOT to see fish!
This was my very first time snorkeling after my DH trying for 10 years to get me to do it!!
I fell in love with snorkeling and I believe because it was at De Palm Island. Not to deep, tons of those beautiful blue fish and a dock with steps to get in. The perfect place for a beginner!!
. Not to deep, tons of those beautiful blue fish and a dock with steps to get in. The perfect place for a beginner!!Lynn
All I could think while there was how wonderful it would be if everyone's first snorkel experience could be at DePalm Island!
LuLu ... Visit SOUTH CAROLINA!
11/21/09 Crown Princess 2/18/10 Island Pricess B2B Ft.Lauderdale to Acapulco and back (total 20 days)
OVER 40 (started young) Princess, Celebrity, RCCL, HAL, NCL, Costa, Disney, Carnival, Sitmar (Princess bought), and (a very long time ago) SS Bahama Star
Sure looks like DePalm Island gets a big thumbs up from the members of our community! bumping this up for the benefit of others who may be cruising to Aruba soon - with thanks again to Lulu, who originated the thread with her report, and both Lulu and LocaLady for their updates.
Hope anyone who goes to DePalm Island in the WINTER 2008 - 2009 season will PLEASE update!
LuLu ... Visit SOUTH CAROLINA!
11/21/09 Crown Princess 2/18/10 Island Pricess B2B Ft.Lauderdale to Acapulco and back (total 20 days)
OVER 40 (started young) Princess, Celebrity, RCCL, HAL, NCL, Costa, Disney, Carnival, Sitmar (Princess bought), and (a very long time ago) SS Bahama Star
thanks for this info, we're going 5/03/09 on Caribbean Princess and this was our 1st choice for Aruba, thought the other beach tours by the hotels would be too crowded?? gave us wonderful advise. much appreciated.
tipsyq .... We'll be there on Emerald Princess on Feburary 1st. I'll be sure to post an update when we return.
LuLu ... Visit SOUTH CAROLINA!
11/21/09 Crown Princess 2/18/10 Island Pricess B2B Ft.Lauderdale to Acapulco and back (total 20 days)
OVER 40 (started young) Princess, Celebrity, RCCL, HAL, NCL, Costa, Disney, Carnival, Sitmar (Princess bought), and (a very long time ago) SS Bahama Star