Thread: UP-DATED Report: "Passport To Paradise at De Palm Island"

Passport to Paradise at De Palm Island

Ships Excursion - 4 1/2 Hours (Sometimes, longer excursions are offered ... but this was the only one by our ship this time....)

Lot's of very good improvements have been made to De Palm Island in the past few years! The old shallow beach has been replaced with the Blue Parrotfish Waterpark. Additional decks have been added with shtirs (real steps ... not ladders) into the water for snorkelers/swimmers ... as well as a large covered deck over ther water where the breakfast and lunch buffets are served. A new beach area with a lovely view has been added.

The Blue Parrotfish are my favorites and they're so easy to see. Just step down a snorkel deck (anyone who can walk into a swimming pool can do this with no problem) ...and THERE THEY ARE along with other colorful fish! I don't bother to use snorkel gear -- just a swim mask. Honestly, they can be seen without even getting into the water.

Lots of chairs are everyplace ... not a problem ... and there are NO pesky vendors.

The TOTAL use of the facilities, unlimited alcoholic beverages, snorkel equipment, etc. are INCLUDED in the cost.

We always have a great time there and will go back the next time we're in Aruba.

Originally Posted by LuLu

Passport to Paradise at De Palm Island

Ships Excursion - 4 1/2 Hours (Sometimes, longer excursions are offered ... but this was the only one by our ship this time....)

Lot's of very good improvements have been made to De Palm Island in the past few years! The old shallow beach has been replaced with the Blue Parrotfish Waterpark. Additional decks have been added with shtirs (real steps ... not ladders) into the water for snorkelers/swimmers ... as well as a large covered deck over ther water where the breakfast and lunch buffets are served. A new beach area with a lovely view has been added.

The Blue Parrotfish are my favorites and they're so easy to see. Just step down a snorkel deck (anyone who can walk into a swimming pool can do this with no problem) ...and THERE THEY ARE along with other colorful fish! I don't bother to use snorkel gear -- just a swim mask. Honestly, they can be seen without even getting into the water.

Lots of chairs are everyplace ... not a problem ... and there are NO pesky vendors.

The TOTAL use of the facilities, unlimited alcoholic beverages, snorkel equipment, etc. are INCLUDED in the cost.

We always have a great time there and will go back the next time we're in Aruba.

just saw this, there are so many posts to keep up with here ! ha. thanks for this one, sounds so great and has made us look forward to our tour there now even more. only 48 days more !!

Originally Posted by tipsyq

just saw this, there are so many posts to keep up with here ! ha. thanks for this one, sounds so great and has made us look forward to our tour there now even more. only 48 days more !!

Wish we were going to be there with you! Have FUN!

Please be sure to let us know how YOU liked it! There can never be too many opinions (good or bad) on an excursion.

Originally Posted by LuLu

Passport to Paradise at De Palm Island

Ships Excursion - 4 1/2 Hours (Sometimes, longer excursions are offered ... but this was the only one by our ship this time....)

Lot's of very good improvements have been made to De Palm Island in the past few years! The old shallow beach has been replaced with the Blue Parrotfish Waterpark. Additional decks have been added with shtirs (real steps ... not ladders) into the water for snorkelers/swimmers ... as well as a large covered deck over ther water where the breakfast and lunch buffets are served. A new beach area with a lovely view has been added.

The Blue Parrotfish are my favorites and they're so easy to see. Just step down a snorkel deck (anyone who can walk into a swimming pool can do this with no problem) ...and THERE THEY ARE along with other colorful fish! I don't bother to use snorkel gear -- just a swim mask. Honestly, they can be seen without even getting into the water.

Lots of chairs are everyplace ... not a problem ... and there are NO pesky vendors.

The TOTAL use of the facilities, unlimited alcoholic beverages, snorkel equipment, etc. are INCLUDED in the cost.

We always have a great time there and will go back the next time we're in Aruba.

O.K., so unlimited alcoholic beverages, Aruba, and snorkeling. Sounds just about perfect. Great update, Lulu.

1st "sunny" aruba was not to be that day! Was pouring while docking, eased up for part of day, but remained m.cloudy, then mid afternoon showers & then torrential rain again.

Went on the de palm island tour w/ship and it was great ! Wished had more time there. Beautiful set up, showers, lockers, & changing room very clean. Had bkfst & lunch buffet, very nice food,in a bldg on the water. Also a small snack hut,w/ hambs, hot dogs etc. All unlimited drinks. Beaches were well maintained and plenty of lounges & straw shaded areas.

The areas to get into water for snorkeling were very easy to use, steps going into water and water was shallow. Could see the fish & coral right from steps. People on beach watched to make sure no-one stood/stepped on coral formations. Had a cery cute water park and the kids had a ball if they're yells were any indication. Not really for adults in my opinion. Beach was quiet & restful. Overall, had a good time and recommend it.

Thanks for the good report, Debbie So sorry it was rainy for you, though.

Back from a January 2012 port stop in Aruba and, once again, went to DePalm Island! Even more improvements had been made. The buffet area on a deck over the water had been expanded and more covered shaded areas had been added. It's our favorite thing to do in Aruba!