Spend a day on a private coral islet off Aruba with included bus transport, open bar, snorkeling tours and a private Turtle Cabana—ideal for families and first-time snorkelers. Read on for what to pack and how to make the most of your seven-hour island escape.
Spend a day on a private coral islet off Aruba with included bus transport, open bar, snorkeling tours and a private Turtle Cabana—ideal for families and first-time snorkelers. Read on for what to pack and how to make the most of your seven-hour island escape.
Book with De Palm Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by De Palm Tours · Oranjestad
De Palm Island sits a short boat hop off Aruba’s northwest shore, a compact coral islet built around powder-white sand, shallow lagoons and a fringing reef that makes the water here startlingly clear. Save the hotel routine for another day: this curated day trip—'De Palm Island with Bus Transportation and Turtle Cabana'—packages round-trip hotel transfer, an open bar, unlimited food, and a surprising mix of high-energy waterplay and low-slung relaxation. You step off the shuttle at the De Palm Island dock and the island’s defining features unfold: a crescent beach rimmed by living coral, snorkeling channels that thread through coral heads, a shallow lagoon with calm swimming, and a private Turtle Cabana where you can claim shade and a base for the day. The reef is a classic Caribbean fringing formation of coral heads and seagrass flats where parrotfish, sergeant majors and angled damselfish patrol shallow gardens; guides supply snorkel gear and lead a free snorkeling tour so even novices can locate the best spots. For families the island is a standout: a new kids water park and body-drop slides turn the shoreline into a playground, while banana boat rides and water-sport rotations keep energy high. If you want to slow the rhythm, drift to the cabana, order from the all-inclusive menu and watch flamingos—trained as part of the island’s attractions—pace a small lagoon with improbable pink bills against the blue horizon. Practical details matter: departures typically leave around 10:00 am with round-trip bus pickup from most hotels; cruise passengers should book through their line. The full-day duration (approximately seven hours) gives plenty of time to snorkel, try slides, and unwind without feeling rushed. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and water shoes for the rougher rocky patches near the dock. What elevates this trip is the combination of easy logistics and a concentrated taste of Aruba’s nearshore ecology: accessible coral formations, approachable snorkeling, activity options for children, and the privacy of a cabana that insulates you from the island’s busy resorts. For visitors who want a single, fuss-free day of both play and pause, the De Palm Island experience reads like a coast-to-coast sampler—snorkel the reef in the morning, race a banana boat in the afternoon, and retire to a shaded cabana with a cold drink as the sun lowers over the Caribbean. This is a practical, family-minded outdoor outing that delivers the island’s marine highlights in one carefully managed package: bright water, healthy reef life, and the easy logistics of included transport make it an efficient, memorable day on Aruba’s waves. Confirm your pickup time at your hotel’s Activities Desk or Guest Services, arrive ready to swim and explore, and follow guides’ safety briefings for a smooth, fun day.
The experience runs approximately seven hours, with a typical departure around 10:00 am and return in the late afternoon.
Yes—round-trip bus transportation from most hotels is included; confirm your pickup time at your hotel’s Activities Desk or Guest Services.
Yes—snorkel gear is included and guides lead a complimentary snorkeling tour for guests.
Cruise passengers are advised to book tours through their cruise line rather than directly to ensure timing and return to ship.
Yes—the trip is all-inclusive with unlimited food and beverages available during your stay on the island.
The Turtle Cabana is a reserved shaded area included with the package, offering a private base but not fully secluded grounds.
De Palm Tours operates in Aruba and offers a range of day trips, island experiences, VIP palapas, and airport transfers. The company features multiple De Palm Island packages that allow visitors to spend a full day on a coral island with included food and drinks, water activities such as snorkeling, banana boat rides, and private or beach cabana options. De Palm Tours also runs land-based excursions including Aruba Adventure Highlights, which stops at California Lighthouse, Natural Bridge, Ayo Rock Formations, Baby Beach, and Eagle Beach with snorkeling and a local lunch aboard an air-conditioned bus. The Authentic Aruba Tour by Bus highlights cultural stops such as San Nicolas murals, Royal Aruba Aloën, and Bodegas Papiamento Distillery with round-trip transportation included. For travelers seeking elevated comfort, De Palm Tours offers VIP palapas — Seahorse, Marlin, and Starfish — with lounge chairs, towel service, and complimentary Prosecco options. The operator provides convenient airport services including Roundtrip Express Airport Transportation and Private Airport Transportation Arrival with meet-and-greet service. An adults-only Palm Pleasure Sunset Sail is available for a relaxed evening on the water. De Palm Tours focuses on curated Aruba experiences that combine beaches, snorkeling, cultural visits, and easy transportation. Information about each trip, available amenities, and booking options is provided through tour descriptions. Travelers can choose from island days, cultural half-day tours, VIP cabanas, and reliable airport transfers to match different comfort levels and interests. Booking details, schedules, and current availability are listed on the tour descriptions and official booking channels online.
Book with De Palm Tours