The Palm Island

Set just off the west cost of Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, is Palm Island, a private coral island that permits the public to visit on a paid day-pass. A five-minute ferry ride from the De Palm Island ferry terminal in the island’s capital, Oranjestad, Palm Island, despite being small has a great deal to offer.

There is a small beach, but swimmers are restricted to near-shore activities in order to protect both the humans and the abundant sea-life just off shore. Still, it’s a fine spot to sun and stroll through the water.

The Parrotfish (named because it is home to many of these fish) Water Park is a sterling feature of Pam Island. Equipped with water-slides, a small swimming pool and a buffet restaurant, it is also a snorkelling destination. If you prefer to browse shops, there are excellent retail kiosks with original gifts.

Best of all, thanks to shallow enough waters, visitors can explore the surrounding seas of the coral island on foot, where they can view the tropical fish and even take curiosity photographs of an old downed Cessna 414 aircraft (a terrific fish tale; the one that got away!). Tourists who engage in this activity use the SeaTREK helmet diving system, safe for those who have no experience diving or cannot even swim. It’s a must-do for your Aruba vacation!