Things to Do in Aruba

Just off of the western coast of Aruba, De Palm Island attracts visitors from the main island looking for an all-inclusive beach day. In addition to hosting an array of outdoor activities, De Palm Island also offers simple rest and relaxation on its three beaches.

 

De Palm Island's all-inclusive packages make it easy to spend an entire day in the water or lounging on the beach with unlimited food and drinks. Relax under a cabana or grab a snorkel and get a glimpse of the beautiful coral reefs teeming with tropical sea life. Packages cover food and an open bar, snorkeling, ziplining, banana boat rides, air jumpers, the Blue Parrotfish Water Park (kids love the waterslides), salsa lessons, and other daily activities such as beach volleyball and field games. Upgrades from the basic package include other watersports such as SNUBA and the Sea Trek, an underwater helmet walk.

 

 

Ferries and catamarans depart regularly for De Palm Island from Port De Palm. Package tours offer round-trip transportation from most Aruba hotels. If exploring Aruba by car, parking at Port de Palm is free, and ferry tickets are available at the terminal. The ferry terminal is just outside downtown Oranjestad, about two miles (3.2 kilometers) past the airport.

 

To make the most of an all-inclusive, full-day pass, it's best to arrive in the morning. Aruba is busiest from January through April, when it would be wise to book your pass to De Palm Island in advance.

 

Snorkeling trips, right off the beach at De Palm Island, give big payoff, with views of abundant underwater life within the snorkeling area. Of particular interest are the native blue parrotfish, found in most of the Caribbean but particularly in Aruba. This vibrant blue fish makes for excellent underwater photo ops.

There once was a time when Seroe Colorado was an outpost for oil tycoons. Here on Aruba’s southeastern tip, an oil refinery in the 1950s supported a community of American expats who lived on the rocky cliffs. Today the village is pretty much gone, the oil money moved elsewhere, though people still flock to this section of coast to see the natural bridge. Spanning above the cobalt waves, the bridge was formed by waves eroding the brittle, limestone coast, and now serves as a popular sight for hikers and visiting photographers. Reaching the bridge isn’t easy, however, as it means traversing a bumpy drive to the coastline of Seroe Colorado, and navigating a tangle of unmarked trails that cross the craggy landscape. For the best chance of finding the bridge, follow the arrows, painted in white, emblazoned on some of the rocks.

Insider Tip: For the best chance of finding the bridge, park at the lot adjacent to the lighthouse and follow the trails leading north along the cliffs.