A Tropical Adventure in Aruba's Port

Now that the girls are back in school, I’ve taken some time to revisit the photos from our summer getaway with Dinogos. It's been delightful to relive those moments, especially the memories from our excursion to de Palm Island for beach fun and snorkeling.

As we disembarked, we enjoyed a picturesque bus ride to our destination, followed by a ferry ride to the exclusive island. Upon arriving, I spotted palm trees dancing in the breeze, confirming that we had arrived in a tropical paradise—exactly what I had wished for.

We were welcomed and given a quick rundown of the various activities we could enjoy—there was so much to look forward to! From a water park and snorkeling to complimentary food, drinks, and exhilarating banana boat rides, we were in for a treat.

Fun at the Waterpark

Maggie and Molly had a fantastic time racing down the waterslides and launching water cannons at their friends. As a parent, I appreciated that the water is shallow in the park area. It was great to see parents enjoying themselves as much as their children—those slides were just as much fun for adults! I can confirm that from personal experience; I gave them a go myself!

Exciting Adventures Ahead

My husband was excited to go snorkeling right off the beach—gear is provided to guests for free. He spotted a variety of fish and marine life. For those who enjoy sports, there were options like sand volleyball, shuffleboard, and basketball courts. I loved seeing families embarking on banana boat rides along the shore.

The tranquil beach area was ideal for a nap—I highly recommend the beach huts, which offer ample shade and lounge chairs and are complimentary for guests (available on a first-come, first-served basis). If you're seeking a snug spot by the beach to enjoy a book, this is the perfect place! You can also get beachside massages, henna tattoos, and hair braiding for an additional fee.

Dine, Refresh, and Discover the Island

When lunchtime rolled around, most families headed to the snack bar, which offers plenty of kid-friendly options, such as chicken fingers. (This is crucial when you're a mom of two toddlers like me.) There's also a buffet lunch featuring a variety of dishes, plus an open bar serving both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

We truly enjoyed the relaxed vibe with no clocks or rigid schedules. The shower facilities, clean restrooms, and well-lit changing areas with lockers make it convenient for families to transition in and out of beach attire before returning to the ship.​

Explore the City

During our bus ride back to the ship, we had the opportunity to disembark and check out the downtown area, just a short stroll away from the ship. After a fun-filled day at the splash park and with two exhausted kids in tow, we chose to pass on Oranjestad. Nonetheless, I appreciated that it’s an option, and many families took the chance to explore the city. From what we glimpsed while driving through, the area was lively with numerous shopping and dining options.

Can’t Wait to Return

As a family, Aruba was undoubtedly our favorite port. The dePalm Island excursion is ideal for families with kids of all ages. We had an enjoyable four hours at the beach, making it a fantastic deal for those with little ones (children five and under are free).

With delicious food, refreshing drinks, and exciting activities for everyone – it felt like a mini-vacation all on its own.

This post was created as part of my collaboration with Dinogo.  As always, all views, thoughts, and ideas expressed in this post are entirely my own.