Palm Jumeirah

The world’s largest man-made island! A complete revelation, the renowned largest man-made island in the world, the Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s proudest developments. There was so much hype about its construction that in 2002 when opened for sale, 4000 villas sold in the first 72 hours. Many celebrities including the Beckhams, Robert De Niro and Michael Schumacher were some of the first owners of the private properties. The construction of this 7-square kilometres island began in June 2001 and the handover of the first residential units was announced by the developers in 2006.

The Palm doubled Dubai’s shoreline extending it 6,5 kilometers into the Arabian Gulf. Interestingly, the island is sinking at 5 millimetres per year. Many of Dubai’s top 5-star hotels are located on the Palm. Walldorf Astoria, the One and Only and Sofitel to mention a few are some of the best high-end hotels in the world. It must be a surreal experience to stay in a luxury hotel on an artificial island.

On the HERO Signature tour, we cruise along the curve of the Palm. On the way you are able to get great views of the elaborate villas and lavish hotels. Cruising the waves with the open ocean on your right and the Palm on your left is quite unique. The views from the ocean are truly spectacular and allow you to appreciate just how incredible the Palm is. On the boat tour, we travel approximately 20-50 metres from the shoreline (depending on conditions) which gives you the amazing view of the properties on the fronds of the Palm. If you are lucky, you might even spot someone famous!