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De Palm Slope
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Usually we only list shore diving sites that can be accessed by car. You'll notice there is not a road to be seen on De Palm Island! De Palm Slope is listed as a shore dive because there is a nice passenger ferry that leaves from the mainland for an easy 800m ride. You may be charged extra for your gear.
Directions: A 100m South of the Southern 1A 4A intersection, turn West for 300m. Then turn left for 500m. Then turn right before the Spanish Lagoon. Wind your way to the coast for 400m. You may park in the large dirt lot. The ferry will be down to your right.
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Diver
Reviews: (Please share your
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here!)
12/01/2007 Nathan P (Avg: 3.93 Review) - My girlfriend and I are beginning snorkelers (one week ago was her first snorkel, and my third). We spent most of the last week snorkeling different sites around Aruba, and just tried DePalm today, our last day on the island. We absolutely loved DePalm. There were some massive parrotfish in the shallows, and plenty else to see. The water clarity, topography, and diversity and size of fish were the best of anywhere we have been. The number of other snorkelers and shallow water close to shore made us feel very comfortable in the water. Additionally, the staff was great and one of the nice snorkeling guides took us out past the reef into deeper waters (as deep as 50-60 feet, with great visibility), where we saw two groupers fighting over a small eel, and then a very large green moray eel (~5-6' long). This was by far our best snorkeling experience in Aruba and we will definitely be back.
02/16/2006 Anonymous (Avg: 3.09 Review) - Curiously intriguing and surprising……yet comfortable surroundings. I suggest binoculars.
05/03/2005 Wade Ralph (Avg: 4.74 Review) - Best shore snorkel in Aruba .. No questions asked. It will cost you $50 to do the all day all inclusive trip but well worth it. Tons of giant parrot fish, I also saw lots of trumpet fish, a barracuda, and I was able to swim with and photo a beautiful Hawkbill Sea Turtle. The staff was excellent here and the food and drinks were very good. Good visibility , the reefs here were virtually unaffected by Hurricane Ivan last fall.
01/30/2005 Anonymous (Avg: 3.29 Review) - I snorkel, so my evaluation is based on that. The site is great for diving. My complaint is that they over charge for the trip there. You used to be able to just pay the ferry ride over. Now, they make you pay 50 bucks to get there, they give you crappy food, and the next thing you know, it's time to go. I love the site for the snorkel, but the price is a turn off.
05/12/2004 Anonymous (Avg: 4.14 Review) - Best snorkel spot in Aruba. No cheap ferry-- you must buy a snorkel package for 50. Well worth it as you walk into the water from stairs (from the bar). Blue parrot fish, sea turtles, and crab are common. The coral close to the access point is not great. Best to swim out past the pink buoy to 20+ feet of water where you will find a "healthier coral" and turtles. Go with a group as the waves will toss you around this far out and you must pass over a shallow coral wall to get to the deep stuff.
11/03/2003 Anonymous (Avg: 4.33 Review) - There are large groups of enormous blue parrot fish and all kinds of other parrot fish as soon as you enter the water. They are fed so all the varieties are over-sized. Shallow reefs can be hazardous but deeper water near the buoys. Also saw octopi, peacock flounder, gold-tail eels, trumpets, hogfish. Bought an all-day snorkel package which was well worth it. It included transportation from resort, ferry to island, lunch, open bar, showers, equipment, easy entry from dock. DePalm owns the island and facilities and also offers snuba and sea trek with helmets for beginners.
05/19/2003 Bill Brown (Avg: 4.38 Review) - For beginner and intermediate snorkelers, wives, kids, this is a little like floating in an aquarium. You have to pay to go over for a half or full day, including food, deck chairs, showers, and stairs into the water, but it is worth it. DePalm feeds the fish, so you will find tons of large Parrot Fish and many others right. Go out to the right, past the buoys and snorkel along the slope.
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Site Photos
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Comments |
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This is a pristine area with great shorediving and plenty of facilities. Take a trip over to check it out first, if you like.
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| Aerial
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You can see the small ferry approaching the island. The trip makes for a nice morning or afternoon dive.
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Last Verification: February, 2001
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4.14
4.00
4.57
3.00
3.14