De Palm Island is Aruba’s private all-inclusive playground: a five-minute ferry, then unlimited food, drinks, water slides, and some of the easiest snorkeling on the island. But at over $100 per adult, is De Palm Island worth it? Here is the honest local answer.
Book De Palm Island in advance
What the ticket includes
- Ferry across, plus all food and drinks (yes, including bar drinks).
- A water park the kids will not want to leave.
- Snorkeling with the island’s famous electric-blue parrotfish.
- Banana boat rides, beach loungers, and salsa lessons.
Who loves it — and who should skip it
Families with kids get the most value, because the slides plus unlimited snacks solve an entire day. Cruise passengers love the efficiency too. However, couples seeking quiet sand should skip it — the energy is closer to a resort pool deck than a hidden cove. For calm, our beach guide points you better.
Practical tips before you book
Go early, because the first ferries beat the crowds to the loungers. Also, bring water shoes for the rocky snorkel entries. Booking ahead matters in high season — check current De Palm Island availability on Viator, where most options cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
The verdict
For families and cruise days, De Palm Island earns its price with zero-stress fun. Meanwhile, independent travelers may prefer building their own day from our things to do guide — a catamaran sail plus a Baby Beach afternoon costs similar and feels more like the real island.
Some links on this page are affiliate links — full disclosure.
Yes, De Palm Island has flamingos
De Palm Island keeps a flock of Chilean and Cuban flamingos — and unlike Renaissance Island, you can book this one in advance. Standard tickets let you see them from a distance; the cabanas and VIP palapas are the upgrade that gets you close enough to mingle, with private bar and concierge thrown in. For families who cannot secure a Renaissance day pass, this is the reliable flamingo plan.
De Palm Island prices and ticket options
| Ticket | Typical price | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| All-inclusive day pass (you drive to the ferry) | From about $112 | Ferry, food, open bar, snorkel tour, banana boat, water park |
| Day pass with hotel transport | From about $119 | Round-trip pickup from most hotels |
| Add-ons | Extra | Flamingo interaction, Snuba and the Sea Trek helmet walk |
Prices vary by seller and season, so compare live rates before you book. A standard ticket lets you see the flamingos from a distance; getting close to feed them is a paid upgrade.
How to get to De Palm Island
The ferry terminal is south-east of Oranjestad past the airport, near Balashi; from downtown, turn right at the third roundabout and follow the De Palm Island signs. Parking is free, the crossing takes a few minutes, and ferries run all day. If you buy at the terminal, do it before 2 p.m.
Is De Palm Island worth the money?
Do the math: a buffet lunch, a few cocktails, a snorkel trip and a banana-boat ride would easily cost more than the ticket if bought separately. If you will use most of it, especially with kids, it is good value. If you only want a quiet beach and one drink, it is not.
Keep in mind it is a coral island, so the beach is rocky in places; water shoes help.
De Palm Island or Renaissance Island?
They are often confused. Renaissance Island is the one with flamingos wandering the beach, but day passes are scarce and it is adults-only at Flamingo Beach. De Palm Island is easy to book, family-friendly and packed with activities, with its flamingos kept in a separate area. Read our Renaissance Island day pass guide if flamingos are the priority.
