Dive Aruba

Pros: Free transportation from hotel; nice divemaster
Cons: Junker van picked us up; very small older dive boat; windy conditions

Every time I don't listen to my gut instinct, I end up regretting it. Dive Aruba was no exception.

Bought a Dive Package Sight Unseen

When we signed up for diving at our condo following some tour operator...

Pros: Very calming, informative guide, nice equipment, knowledge of area.
Cons: A little pricy for a short dive.

My Fiancee and I first tried SCUBA diving in Aruba in December of last year. We chose to go through Dive Aruba for our first time. We became instantly hooked, and are getting certified before our honeymoon this summer.

What this review...

Pros: Small operation for personalized service.
Cons: No snacks provided between dives, only water and juice/soda. Bring your own fruit.

We booked with Aruba Pro Dive who subcontracted us to Dive Aruba. Clive the owner/dive master was helpful and friendly. We booked two tank dives for Monday, Tuesday, and Friday with a night dive on Wednesday. We were so pleased that we added a Friday ...

Pros: Small groups, safety minded, clear communication
Cons: rental equipment adequate but not great, should discourage clients from touching coral

We are intermediate divers (have done about 30 dives each and better buoyancy control than many of the divers we come across). We had a good experince with Clive and Dive Aruba. We called him on his cell phone, which we got from the phone book. He ...

Pros: Personalized service, friendly and safe environment, small dive groups, and extensive local knowledge
Cons: You do get wet before going in the water - small boat.

History: My parents bought a timeshare in Aruba and many years later passed it on to me. My father ...

Pros: Small groups, and a knowledgeable dive operator that will pick you up from your resort.
Cons: I didn't see any turtles, but I did see a seahorse. :)

August 2002 I got my open water certification. It wasn't until June 20, 2003 that I did my first op ...

Pros: Personalized experience. No frills. Small boat. Clive is personable and knowledgeable. Equipment in great condition.
Cons: Someone who wants a ton of frills would not be happy.

We had a great time diving with Dive Aruba when we visited Aruba this May (2007). We finished our open water certification with Clive, the owner of Dive Aruba. His price ($250 a person) is right in line with the rest of the operations on the island. BUT, ...

Pros: Personal service, knowledgeable and friendly
Cons: OK, the van was a little junky but who cares? It's about the diving.

Went with Clive and Dive Aruba. He showed up on time at the hotel and made me feel welcome. Small boat means small groups, we had six on our trip. He knows the area and lets you dive your own profile. We went on a drift dive and he let us take our time, no rush. I had a great time. He lent me a mask when mine started leaking badly.

Personal service from a small operator, not a dive factory where you're on their schedule.

Pros: Small groups, excellent lead, and allows extended time for individuals who have available air.
Cons: Novice or seasick prone diver may be intimidated by small boat.

Clive is professional and communicates exceptionally well (clear and detailed instruction with no language interpretation issues). While the dive boat is small for high wind/wave conditions, it is well maintained and ensures small dive parties. Clive personally assists the individual upon entry/exit and even swaps out the tanks between dives while his clients are swapping tales in the bow.

Pros: Small groups, personalized service, extended bottom time.
Cons: Smaller, older boat that is somewhat of a challenge getting in and out of.

Hey I checked around Aruba for a dive operation with which to dive and settled on Dive Aruba. Upon searching the web and emailing a few, I settled on Dive Aruba. Clive is a professional who obviously loves what he is doing. His "no nonsense" approach was what I wanted. Yes the boat is small and a little older and his transportation is not a "new" glitzy van, but I wanted to do some diving that gave me some freedom to explore. If you are looking for a cattle operation that pumps people in and out of the water, then go to Red Sail. If you want small groups that go for the diving, then try Dive Aruba. He gives you the flexibility to dive to your abilities and lets you use your computer to its utmost capabilities.

Pros: longer down time
clive knows the area
no cattle trips
Cons: Clive is by himself
crackers would be nice

Myself,son,and daughter are all 1st time divers and chose Dive Aruba due to Clives small operation. We were all very satisfied, and when back in Aruba we will most likely dive there again. Clive is very helpful and treats you like an adult doing an adult sport. His equipment is adaquit and served us well. My daughters gauge did leak a little. His boat is small and not the newest, but we were not there for a boat ride. He allows you to stay down until you feel you need to come up. We came up each time at 500 lbs. as taught. Again, we were very satisfied. There were no snacks, only water and juice.

Pros: Dives well planned and good briefing.
Cons: Boat uncomfortable. Be prepared to be scolded.

Overall our dive experience was average. When your first greeting is getting chewed out because of a little misunderstanding on nitrox tanks it is a little difficult to be relaxed. Although I thought I was clear I apologized to get the butt chewing over with. After the van ride scolding I was scolded in his office for not bringing my credit card, which he already had the info. We were diving four days so I did not bring with me on day one. The dives were good and well planned. He gave an excellent briefing before each dive. He is just a little too crabby for me.