Dive Operator in Aruba and Dominican Republic

[San_Antonio_Ex]

Hi all - we are going on the Carnival Valor in January and plan to dive in Aruba and Dominican Republic. Does anyone have a good dive operator recommendation for these two places? My friend likes to use the cruise ship excursions and I have always preferred private excursions. If you have any experience with either the cruise ship dive excursion or a private operator in Aruba or the Dominican Republic, I would love some advice!! I'm a pretty new diver (PADI certified with 7 dives) and my friend is an intermediate diver. Thanks!!!

[San_Antonio_Ex]

We are looking at ScubaFun in DR and Native Divers in Aruba. Has anyone used either of these operators?? If not, do you have any other recommendations?:)

[Slimmer]

How did you make out with your diving? I'll be diving in DR in March, heard that it's beautiful. I don't have anything really planned for Aruba....but if the wife sleeps late...I'm going for a morning dive, lol.

[winchesterdog]

Just got back from a Princess cruise to Aruba - I did a morning dive with Red Sail Sports (through the ship). It was a satisfactory experience but I would not hesitate to secure a tour from a private operator on the island.

[Laurie S.]

We're diving with Dive Aruba and in Samana, H20. I've read very good things about Dive Aruba, but don't know too much about H20. However, both shops are allowing my boyfriend (who is an MSDT) and me to go off on our own and not be bothered with a guide or group, which is great.