Floating on the turquoise water off Aruba’s coast, with a glass of Prosecco in hand and the Caribbean sun warming your shoulders, sounds like a scene from a travel magazine. But it’s a real option here — private floating cabanas on the water at De Palm Island, where you get your own sundeck with stairs straight into the ocean. These cabanas start at $269 for a Sea Star cabana that fits two people, and they’re available daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This article covers the different cabana types, what’s included, how to book, and who each option suits best — whether you’re a couple looking for a quiet day or a family needing space for a dozen people.
Private floating cabanas on De Palm Island start at $269 and include a sundeck, stairs to the ocean, plush towels, a private shower, and a complimentary bottle of Prosecco.
Yes, renting a floating cabana is worth it if you want a dedicated, shaded spot on the water with direct ocean access and amenities like a fridge and shower. But entry tickets to De Palm Island are sold separately, and prices shift seasonally — so the total cost adds up faster than the base cabana price suggests.
Couples wanting privacy
Families with kids
Groups celebrating something
| Cabana Type | Best For | Standout Feature | Capacity | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Star Private Cabana | Couples or solo travelers | Most affordable floating option at $269 | 2 people | Book at least 72 hours ahead for the full refund window |
| Sand Dollar Private Cabana | Small families or groups of friends | Fits up to 4 people for $289 | 4 people | Only $20 more than the Sea Star — worth the upgrade for extra space |
| Turtle Private Cabana | Large families or groups | Fits up to 12 people for $399 | 12 people | Best value per person — roughly $33 each if you fill it |
| Barracuda Private Cabana | Large groups wanting identical setup | Same price and capacity as Turtle at $399 | 12 people | Choose based on availability — both offer the same inclusions |
Sea Star Private Cabana: The Compact Floating Retreat
The Sea Star Private Cabana is the entry-level floating option, priced at $269 and designed for up to two people. It’s a good pick if you’re traveling as a couple or solo and want a private spot on the water without paying for space you won’t use. Each cabana comes with a sundeck that has stairs leading directly into the ocean, plus plush towels, luxury beach lounges, a private shower, and a refrigerator stocked with ice-cold water and juice. You also get a complimentary bottle of Prosecco.
Reserve your Sea Star cabana through the De Palm Island private cabana page. You’ll need to purchase entry tickets separately — those aren’t included in the cabana price.
Cabanas are available from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Take the ferry from the mainland — the ride takes about 20 minutes. Head to the cabana check-in area once you’re on the island.
Your cabana will have your name on it. Use the private shower to rinse off after swimming, grab a cold drink from the fridge, and claim your lounge chairs on the sundeck.
The stairs from your deck go straight into the ocean — no crowded beach entry. When you’re ready to wrap up, pack your belongings by 5:00 pm. The cabana closes at that time.
If you’re short on time or money, skip the Sea Star and go for the Sand Dollar — the extra $20 gets you double the capacity, which is a better deal if there’s even a chance you’ll have company.
Sand Dollar Private Cabana: The Sweet Spot for Small Groups
The Sand Dollar Private Cabana costs $289 and fits up to four people, making it the most logical choice for a small family or a group of friends. It includes the same amenities as the Sea Star — sundeck, ocean stairs, towels, lounges, private shower, fridge with water and juice, and a bottle of Prosecco — but with more seating and deck space. For just $20 more than the two-person cabana, the value jumps considerably.
This cabana works best if you have two adults and two kids, or three adults who want their own loungers. The fridge holds enough drinks for a full day, and the Prosecco is a nice touch for the adults. If your group is larger than four, skip this one and go straight to the Turtle or Barracuda.
Turtle and Barracuda Private Cabanas: Maximum Capacity, Same Price
Both the Turtle Private Cabana and the Barracuda Private Cabana cost $399 and fit up to 12 people. They’re identical in price and inclusions — sundeck, ocean stairs, towels, lounges, private shower, fridge, and Prosecco — so your choice comes down to availability on your preferred date. At roughly $33 per person if you fill all 12 spots, this is the most cost-effective floating option on De Palm Island.
Book the Turtle or Barracuda cabana at least 72 hours before your visit to keep the full refund option open. Cancellations made after that window get no refund unless you purchased Trip Protection.
These larger cabanas are best for extended family outings, birthday groups, or any gathering where you want everyone in one spot. The deck space accommodates multiple loungers and still leaves room for people to stand and chat. If your group is smaller than eight, you’re better off with two Sand Dollar cabanas — the cost is similar and you get two private showers and fridges.
VIP Palapas and Beach Cabanas: Land-Based Alternatives
If floating on the water isn’t your thing, De Palm Island also offers land-based options. VIP Palapas start at $275 and are open to all ages, while Beach Cabanas cost $399 and require guests to be 10 or older. Both include similar amenities — loungers, shade, and proximity to the island’s other attractions — but you won’t have direct ocean access from your spot. For families with young kids, the VIP Palapa is a solid backup if floating cabanas are sold out, since there’s no age restriction.
Beach Cabanas are restricted to ages 10 and up, so families with younger children can’t use them. The VIP Palapa has no age limit and costs less, making it the better land-based choice for families.
Premium Seating is also available at $55 per person, but it’s in high demand and doesn’t include the private amenities of a cabana. If you’re on a tight budget, this is the cheapest way to secure a reserved spot, but you’ll share the area with other guests.
What’s Included and What’s Not
Every private floating cabana includes a sundeck with stairs to the ocean, a private entrance, plush towels, luxury beach lounges, a private shower, a refrigerator with ice-cold water and juice, and a complimentary bottle of Prosecco. What’s not included: entry tickets to De Palm Island. Those are sold separately and are required for everyone in your group, regardless of age. Prices for entry tickets vary seasonally, so check the De Palm Island website for current rates.
Price range for floating cabanas, not including the separate entry ticket required for every guest.
De Palm Island holds EarthCheck Gold Certification and GSTC-recognized certification, which means they follow sustainability practices. The island asks guests to dispose of waste responsibly, respect wildlife and marine life, use freshwater wisely, and leave only footprints. These aren’t just suggestions — the island’s ecosystem is fragile, and the certifications are a real commitment to protecting it.
Practical Section: Booking, Cancellations, and Timing
| Policy Detail | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Cancellation window | Full refund if canceled at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time |
| Partial refund | Available for cancellations made 72+ hours prior, minus processing fees |
| No refund | Within 72 hours — unless you purchased Trip Protection |
| Operator changes | De Palm Tours reserves the right to cancel, change, or substitute tours or activities |
Booking Windows and Availability
Cabanas are available daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, but availability fluctuates with demand. Peak season — roughly December through April — sees the highest booking rates, so reserve at least a week in advance if you’re visiting during that window. Off-season months like September and October often have same-day availability, but don’t count on it.
Cost Breakdown for Different Group Sizes
For two people, the Sea Star at $269 plus two entry tickets is the cheapest floating option. For four people, the Sand Dollar at $289 plus four entry tickets beats buying two Sea Stars. For 12 people, the Turtle or Barracuda at $399 plus 12 entry tickets is the best per-person value. Always factor in the entry ticket cost when comparing — the cabana price alone doesn’t tell the full story.
Prices are subject to seasonal changes, so the $269–$399 range can shift. Check the booking page for your exact dates before making plans.
What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. The cabana has a private shower, so you can rinse off before heading back to the mainland. Leave glass containers at home — the island encourages responsible waste disposal, and glass on the beach or in the water is a hazard. If you’re bringing a camera or phone, a waterproof pouch is a good idea since you’ll be stepping straight into the ocean from your deck.
- Floating cabanas cost $269–$399, but entry tickets are sold separately and add to the total.
- The Sand Dollar at $289 for four people is the best value for small families or groups.
- Book at least 72 hours ahead to keep the full refund option open.
- Beach Cabanas are restricted to ages 10+, so families with younger kids should choose VIP Palapas or floating cabanas instead.
Before You Go: Aruba Floating Cabana Questions Answered
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
The cabana comes with a fridge stocked with water and juice, plus a complimentary bottle of Prosecco. You can bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, but glass containers aren’t recommended. The island has dining options if you want a full meal.
Is the cabana worth it for just two people?
If you value privacy and direct ocean access, yes. The Sea Star at $269 gives you a private sundeck, shower, and fridge — things you won’t get with general admission. But if you’re on a tight budget, premium seating at $55 per person is a cheaper reserved option.
What happens if it rains?
De Palm Tours reserves the right to cancel or change activities due to weather. If they cancel, you’ll typically be offered a refund or reschedule. If you cancel due to weather within 72 hours without Trip Protection, you won’t get a refund.
Are the cabanas shaded?
Yes, each floating cabana has a shaded structure with a roof. The sundeck around it is partially exposed, so you can choose sun or shade. The loungers are positioned to give you options throughout the day.
Is there a downside to the floating cabanas?
The main downside is the separate entry ticket cost, which isn’t obvious at first glance. Also, the cabanas are only available from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, so you can’t arrive early or stay late. If you want a full day from morning to evening, this won’t cover it.
Why a Floating Cabana Changes Your Island Day
Most people spend their beach day jostling for a patch of sand, hauling coolers, and making trips back to the car for forgotten items. A floating cabana removes all of that — you arrive, settle into your private deck, and the ocean is literally steps away. The real value isn’t just the shade or the Prosecco; it’s the fact that you don’t have to think about logistics for seven hours. If you’re planning a trip to Aruba and want a day on the water without the usual hassle, our family-friendly Aruba guide covers more ways to spend your time on the island.
References
De Palm Island. “Private Cabanas.” De Palm Island, 2025. ↗
If you’re still deciding on activities, the Seabob adventure tour guide covers another way to explore Aruba’s waters, and the shipwreck dive sites article is a good read if snorkeling or diving is on your list. For families, the donkey sanctuary post offers a completely different kind of day that pairs well with a morning on the water.
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