Palm Islands & the World

Always in constant renovation, the Palm Islands and the World are home to a mix of leisure, residential, marina, and commercial structures. Visit the islands on a speedboat, rigid-inflatable boat (RIB), or Jet Ski tour, which typically takes visitors from the Dubai Marina to the Palm Jumeirah archipelago.

You can also take in bird’s-eye views over the islands on a "flightseeing" tour aboard a helicopter or seaplane. Heading to the observation deck at the Burj Khalifa or one of the city's many other skyscrapers is another way to see the sprawling development from above.

• There are a wide variety of small-group and private tours that allow you to view the islands either by boat or helicopter, some in combination with Dubai city tours.

• The layout of the islands is best appreciated from above.

• Expect soaring temperatures of up to 110°F (43°C) in the summer.

• Dubai's famed Atlantis hotel, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, and Lost Chambers Aquarium are set on Palm Jumeirah.

• January and February are considered peak season on the islands, and prices are hiked accordingly.

Getting to the islands is easiest by car or an organized tour with transportation included. Travelers can also take a 10-minute ride out to the tip of the palm from the Palm Gateway Monorail station, situated on the coast.

Visiting—or staying on—the Palm Islands and the World is possible year-round, and the islands' attractions, such as shops, beach clubs, and resorts, are open all year. However, the best months to visit for a quieter (and slightly less sweltering) experience are November–December and March–April.

After your visit to the luxurious Palm Islands and the World, take in some more of Dubai's extravagance. Scale the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa; snap a photo with the record-setting Dubai Frame; or zipline through the city on the XLine Dubai Marina.

Yes, visiting the Palm Islands and the World Islands is worth it, particularly if you're interested in land use innovations or want to spend some time hanging out at the beach or shopping. They're home to all sorts of attractions, including Atlantis Aquaventure and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

If weather is your sole consideration, the best month to visit Palm Islands and the World Islands is January, as it's the coolest month of the year. However, the winter season is also the high season in Dubai, with accommodation prices to match. March and November are cheaper, attractive alternatives.

The Palm Islands are accessible by car and taxi from the mainland, and there’s plenty of parking if you drive. You can also take the Dubai Metro to the Palm Gateway Station and switch onto the Palm Jumeirah Monorail. To get to the World Islands, book a boat trip.

Yes, there are many guided tours that visit the Palm Islands or the World Islands. They typically include transportation (including boat transportation for the World Islands) and guide services, and some include other perks such as lunch or admission fees. Many also include round-trip transportation from Dubai hotels.

Yes, the Palm Islands and the World Islands have accommodations and dining options. The Palm Islands are particularly developed, with family-friendly resorts like Atlantis drawing overnight guests. Resorts on the World Islands include Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort and the Côte d'Azur Resort.

Plenty of attractions near the Palm Islands and the World Islands are worth visiting. Jumeirah Beach and La Mer Beach are close to the World Islands, while the Dubai Marina is right by the Palm Jumeirah. Other nearby attractions include the Dubai Frame, Jumeirah Mosque, and Safa Park.