DePalm Island

[merishka]

Hi...Been to DePalm only once several yrs ago through DePalm Tours. Is there a way to just drive, park, ferry and do your own thing on the island? There's someplace you can rent gear to snorkel, a place to eat & drink, facilities to use? Cost?

Thanks.

[Arubalisa]

http://www.depalm.com/de_palm_island/de_palm_island.html

According to their website:

"The best snorkeling spot on Aruba: beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish.

• Exclusive "Home" of the friendly Blue parrotfish.
• Water park including six water-slides and over 70 family fun water features.
• All-inclusive food & beverage.
• White sandy beaches, lounge chairs & cabanas.
• Snorkeling equipment & instructions.
• Entertainment activities.
• General facitlities, changing rooms and showers.
• Roundtrip ferry-boat between Port De palm at Aruba and De Palm Island."

De Palm Island By Bus (fullday)
Price: USD $93.00 / 46.50
Departure: 9:00 a.m.
Duration: 8 Hrs
Days: Daily

[merishka]

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

http://www.depalm.com/de_palm_island/de_palm_island.html

According to their website:

"The best snorkeling spot on Aruba: beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish.

• Exclusive "Home" of the friendly Blue parrotfish.
• Water park including six water-slides and over 70 family fun water features.
• All-inclusive food & beverage.
• White sandy beaches, lounge chairs & cabanas.
• Snorkeling equipment & instructions.
• Entertainment activities.
• General facitlities, changing rooms and showers.
• Roundtrip ferry-boat between Port De palm at Aruba and De Palm Island."

De Palm Island By Bus (fullday)
Price: USD $93.00 / 46.50
Departure: 9:00 a.m.
Duration: 8 Hrs
Days: Daily

I don't want to use a tour operator...I want to know if it's possible to just drive to that area, park, ferry over and do our own thing (snorkel, lay around, eat, drink) all same 'ol just at a diff area of Aruba. Thanks for the other info tho. I think it's what we did several yrs ago, or similiar. We did the half day thing w/the jeep tour as well. Thanks again.

[Arubalisa]

If you are asking to use the boat and island free of charge, the answer is no. You have to buy the "pass" to get on the island, regardless of whether you take their bus to the ferry or drive yourself to the ferry. Without buying the "pass" you cannot even get aboard the ferry.

To snorkel for "free" you are much better off just heading up to Malmok/Boca Catalina and slipping into the water there at one of the coves.

[merishka]

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

If you are asking to use the boat and island free of charge, the answer is no. You have to buy the "pass" to get on the island, regardless of whether you take their bus to the ferry or drive yourself to the ferry. Without buying the "pass" you cannot even get aboard the ferry.

To snorkel for "free" you are much better off just heading up to Malmok/Boca Catalina and slipping into the water there at one of the coves.

Right, I understand....so therefore we drive our car and park at ferry. Buy the pass for the ferry and can spend however long we want and do what we wish on the island. Of course if we want to snorkel, eat or drink we have to pay additional to the facilities on the island? The ferry pass is just that, a pass to ride from point A to point B? How often does the ferry commute back and fourth?

[Arubalisa]

The pass is all inclusive and includes use of the entire island:

Water park including six water-slides and over 70 family fun water features.
All-inclusive food & beverage.
White sandy beaches, lounge chairs & cabanas.
Snorkeling equipment & instructions.
Entertainment activities.
General facitlities, changing rooms and showers.
Roundtrip ferry-boat between Port De palm at Aruba and De Palm Island."

[Arubalisa]

For additional info on De Palm Island, also see:
http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/de+palm+island.html

[Liz - Aruba Lover]

Originally Posted by merishka

Hi...Been to DePalm only once several yrs ago through DePalm Tours. Is there a way to just drive, park, ferry and do your own thing on the island? There's someplace you can rent gear to snorkel, a place to eat & drink, facilities to use? Cost?
Thanks.

You cannot purchase just the ferry to the island. The island is all-inclusive. You need to buy the pass. The ferry takes about 10 mins. and run contineous. If you miss one ferry, you would have to wait about 1/2 hour for the next ferry.


When I went, we drove ourself. If you drive, adult admission is $85 full day (9 am-5:30 pm); $75. for 1/2 day (12 noon-5:30 pm). Children are 1/2 price ages 3-12. Under 3 free. Plus 3% tax. Includes all food and drinks. There are 2 places to eat. The buffet (1/2 way decent food) and a place with hot dogs, burgers, fries. Snorkel gear is included.