Anyone been diving in Aruba???

[cruzegirl]

I'm hoping to go in March and would like some input from previous divers that have dove in Aruba.... Any info. would be appreciated..Thanks...

[Arubalisa]

Dh and I have dove Aruba quite a few times...what specific questions do you have?

[bruce-r]

Check this thread

[w&k]

Cruzegirl-

 

We are going to be in Aruba April 5 off the Empress Mar 27 sailing, and we're diving at quite a few of the stops.

 

From everything I've read so far, I'm E-mailing Clive at Dive Aruba. He seems to be the type of operator I'm looking for.

 

Have you set your dives yet?

 

Wendy

[Ruth]

Cruzegirl-

 

We are going to be in Aruba April 5 off the Empress Mar 27 sailing, and we're diving at quite a few of the stops.

 

From everything I've read so far, I'm E-mailing Clive at Dive Aruba. He seems to be the type of operator I'm looking for.

 

Have you set your dives yet?

 

Wendy

Hello Wendy, we are booked with Clive in December for the week and again in March...only one day..we will be on a cruise then...He is very personable...and can only take seven divers at a time...I liked that...In March we will fill the boat up with friends...in Dec it is just me, my husband and our 16 yr old son. Looking forward to it...

All the Best

[cruzegirl]

Hi all,

Ok, the kind of information I'm looking for is about dive operators of course in Aruba.... The seminar's hosting hotel is Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort and Hotel casino... So that's the general area but I'm trying to find a less expensive hotel... I didn't plan to get a car so I need a dive operator that can provide transportation if they are far away from the hotel area...... But also want a safe operator with small groups...

I haven't set my dives yet as I'm still trying to get someone to go with me... I have to admit to being nervous to travel internationally by myself.... Haven't done that before.... So any advice would be great.....Thanks.......:)

[Ruth]

Hi all,

Ok, the kind of information I'm looking for is about dive operators of course in Aruba.... The seminar's hosting hotel is Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort and Hotel casino... So that's the general area but I'm trying to find a less expensive hotel... I didn't plan to get a car so I need a dive operator that can provide transportation if they are far away from the hotel area...... But also want a safe operator with small groups...

I haven't set my dives yet as I'm still trying to get someone to go with me... I have to admit to being nervous to travel internationally by myself.... Haven't done that before.... So any advice would be great.....Thanks.......:)

Clive said he stops by the hotels to pick up for dives...7 people per boat...so small group....

All the best

[w&k]

Hi Ruth - I just sent a return E-mail to Clive late last night.

 

His dive schedule lists Wednesdays as the Jane Sea wreck, and wrecks are really not our thing. Research on the internet gave conflicting reports, so I asked for further information.

 

Hopefully it will turn out to be a 'reefy' wreck or we will be able to adjust the site. He sounds like a really good operator.

 

Cruzegirl - Nothing to it - international is just like home. Just pay attention, and don't wander off in the dark alone.

 

Wendy

[cruzegirl]

Ruth or Wendy,

Have either of you been diving with Clive before?? Is his boat really that "little"? I see the one on the website that looks like a tiny fishing boat.... I'm used to bigger boats, not necessarily larger groups but like the larger boats for safety reasons......

[Arubalisa]

Unique Sports is a two minute walk from the Wyndham and a PADI Gold Star Resort. 1 tank dives afternoons 7 days, 2:00/2:30 pm or 2 tanks Tues-Sunday 9 am.

[cruzegirl]

Has anyone been to the Mills Resort/spa or know anyone who has stayed there? Or have you been by it? What's your opinion??

[Arubalisa]

Has anyone been to the Mills Resort/spa or know anyone who has stayed there? Or have you been by it? What's your opinion??

The Mill is across the street from the Wyndham and not directly "on the beach/water". Having said that, they do have their own small section of beach adjacent to the Wyndham, with chaises and palapas, you just have to willing to "hoof it" to get there. Another positive is that it is located at the southern end of Palm Beach and within walking distance of all of the resorts with the exception of the Marriotts.

 

The resort facility itself is not 4 star. You are getting what you are paying for. In all of our visits to the island we have always found no matter where we stay, you are going to get out of the resort pretty much what you paid for. Thus, Hyatt, Marriott and Radisson are the most expensive. If you don't have to have all the "fluff" a place the Mill or Holiday Inn are just fine. One step up from these would be the Rui Aruba Grand which is directly north of the Wyndham. They have a spectacular stretch of beach.

[bruce-r]

Have either of you been diving with Clive before?? Is his boat really that "little"? I see the one on the website that looks like a tiny fishing boat.... I'm used to bigger boats, not necessarily larger groups but like the larger boats for safety reasons......

The boat I went out with him on was a little smaller than that one, which looks to be newer and a little larger. FWIW that boat is about the same size as most of the small boats in Cozumel, if not a little larger.

[cruzegirl]

Hey Lisa,

I don't want to pay the $250-$450 price of the Marriott and such. My requirement are pretty easy. Safety, pool, kitchenette, and beach access.... A hot tub would be nice but not needed.... And a restaurant on site....... between the airfare there $800-$950, I don't want a $1000+ hotel bill too... We'll see......still trying to get a co-worker to go and split the costs.....:p

Bruce,

the boats are really that small? I feel if anyone moved around on it would flip over......lol..... Interesting...... I'm so used to our big boats out here in California............ :D

[Arubalisa]

Hey Lisa,

I don't want to pay the $250-$450 price of the Marriott and such. My requirement are pretty easy. Safety, pool, kitchenette, and beach access.... A hot tub would be nice but not needed.... And a restaurant on site....... between the airfare there $800-$950, I don't want a $1000+ hotel bill too... We'll see......still trying to get a co-worker to go and split the costs.....:p

 

Bruce,

the boats are really that small? I feel if anyone moved around on it would flip over......lol..... Interesting...... I'm so used to our big boats out here in California............ :D

The Mill will suit you just fine. Just was not sure if you expected an oceanview and had champagne and caviar taste :D You just never know on these boards. :rolleyes:

 

Enjoy, Aruba is beautiful, above and below. Happy bubbles.

[cruzegirl]

I know what you mean....You never know what someone will expect on these boards..... Safety and cleanliness are most important....... And diving:p :D

That's the whole reason for going to this..... lol.......I do have the same course closer to me, Vegas but Aruba, sand, warmth and ocean sound much better..........:)

[diverearl]

Dh and I have dove Aruba quite a few times...what specific questions do you have?

Hi Arubalisa, can you tell me if there is any really good shore dives on Aruba and where can we rent tanks? Thanks, earl.

[Arubalisa]

Hi Arubalisa, can you tell me if there is any really good shore dives on Aruba and where can we rent tanks? Thanks, earl.

http://www.shorediving.com has a list of shore dives.

I've often wondered about a shore dive at Mangel Halto Reef (aka Spanish Lagoon)

 

For tank rental, maybe try contacting http://www.jadsaruba.com/