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.
