Aruba Certified Scuba Diving

Exploring Aruba’s Underwater World: A Practical Guide to the Certified Scuba Tour

If you’re a PADI-certified diver craving a quick but unforgettable underwater adventure, Aruba offers a fantastic option for around $80 per person. For roughly three hours, you’ll be exploring waters that stretch from 20 to 140 feet off Aruba’s coast—perfect for marine life spotting and visiting the famous Antilla Shipwreck. The tour keeps groups small—a maximum of six divers—and is led by a knowledgeable instructor, which means personal attention and a safe, well-guided experience.

We love the personalized feel of this tour — with just a handful of divers, you won’t be lost in a crowd. The shipwreck is a highlight that many reviews rave about, and the chance to see stingrays, moray eels, and yellow tail snappers makes it a true highlight for underwater enthusiasts. Another plus is the flexibility of scuba gear included (if you select that option), saving you from lugging your own gear through the airport.

One thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to make your way to the starting point at the Aruba Watersports Center. This is not a problem if you’re staying nearby, but those relying on public transport or cruise port shuttles should plan accordingly.

This tour is ideal for certified divers looking for a comfortable, small-group experience with a focus on high-quality sights. If you value expert guidance, marine wildlife, and visiting iconic wrecks, this tour will suit you well.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: Max of 6 divers, ensuring personal attention and a relaxed experience.
• Highlights Include: The famous Antilla Shipwreck, plus marine life like stingrays and moray eels.
• Tour Duration: About 3 hours, perfect for a quick yet fulfilling underwater outing.
• Inclusions: Use of scuba gear (if selected), local taxes, and expert guidance.
• Location & Meeting Point: Starts at Aruba Watersports Center, Noord; no hotel transport included.
• Reviews: Consistently high ratings, with many travelers citing great value, friendly guides, and stunning underwater sights.

A Deep Dive into the Aruba Certified Scuba Experience

What this Tour Offers and Who It’s For

This scuba experience is designed for certified divers who want to make the most of Aruba’s underwater treasures in a compact, well-organized trip. The three-hour window balances enough time to explore multiple dive sites, notably the Antilla Shipwreck, with the ease of a short outing. The small group size (often just three participants, according to reviews) ensures personalized attention from the instructor, which many divers find reassuring, especially in unfamiliar waters.

A key feature of this tour is the expert guidance provided by seasoned PADI instructors like Flo, who are praised for their professionalism and friendliness. As one reviewer put it, “Flo is an excellent instructor… he showed us many different fish.” The focus on marine life — from moray eels to yellow tail snappers and stingrays — adds excitement and photographic opportunities that keep both novice and experienced divers engaged.

Itinerary Breakdown and Highlights

Check-in & Preparation:
Your day begins at the Aruba Watersports Center, where you’ll complete paperwork and check your certification. Don’t forget to bring your certification card—the staff will need it to verify your qualification. You’ll then receive your scuba gear, if you’ve opted for gear use, and get a quick briefing on what to expect.

Boat Departure & Dive Sites:
The boat’s back roll entrance is the typical way into the water, a favorite among experienced divers for its ease. The first stop often includes exploring a wreck or reef, reaching depths of up to 50 feet. The Antilla Shipwreck, a Japanese cargo ship sunk during WWII, is the star here. Many reviews speak highly of this site, describing it as “worth it” and “beautiful,” with colorful coral and abundant fish.

Marine Life Encounters:
Expect to see moray eels, stingrays, and schools of yellow tail snappers. One reviewer remarked, “We saw a green turtle,” highlighting the chance to observe large, graceful creatures. Guides are skilled at pointing out marine life, making each dive both educational and awe-inspiring.

Second Dive & Return:
The second dive usually takes place in a shallower area, often around 25 feet, with some reviews mentioning a World War I wreck and coral formations. The duration of each dive means you’ll get plenty of underwater time, generally enough to explore thoroughly without feeling rushed.

Post-Dive & Return:
After the dives, you’ll head back to the dock, completing your roughly three-hour adventure. Many find this duration sufficient to satisfy their underwater curiosity without overeating into their day.

What Travelers Say

The reviews reveal a generally enthusiastic response. Many mention the value for money, with one reviewer exclaiming, “Great dive experience, just 3 of us went out, myself, my friend, and dive master Roni! Private experience for a great price.” The personalized nature of these trips is a big draw.

Guide quality is consistently praised: “Flo is an excellent instructor,” wrote one diver. This focus on safety and education makes the experience accessible and relaxing, even for those who might be nervous about certain sites.

However, not all reviews are perfect. Some mention murky water or less impressive coral in shallow areas, and a few noted the absence of wet suits or nitrox, which can be a consideration depending on your expectations.

Price and Value

At $80, this tour offers a competitive price point given the inclusion of gear, the small group size, and the iconic site visits. For certified divers, this represents a solid value, especially considering the personalized guidance and high-quality marine sights.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour starts at Aruba Watersports Center in Noord, which is near public transportation. Since hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll want to plan your arrival, especially if you’re staying farther from the meeting point. The 3-hour duration is ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing day, and the local taxes are included—no hidden fees.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is best suited for certified divers seeking a small-group, personalized trip with a focus on visiting famous wrecks and marine wildlife. It’s ideal for those who value guides’ expertise, want to avoid large crowds, and enjoy a balanced, well-organized outing. If you’re looking for adventure with educational moments and stunning underwater scenery, this tour checks all those boxes.

The Sum Up

For anyone holding a diving certification and eager to explore Aruba’s underwater world, this tour offers noteworthy value. The small group setting, led by experienced guides like Flo, ensures a relaxed, personalized experience that many travelers cherish. Seeing the Antilla Shipwreck and vibrant marine life up close is a highlight that makes this activity well worth the modest price.

While it might not include wet suits or nitrox, the quality of the marine sights and guidance more than compensates. It’s particularly suitable for those who want a quick, friendly, and memorable underwater adventure without the hassle of large tours or overly commercialized setups.

If your schedule allows and you’re comfortable diving, this trip guarantees stunning views, expert advice, and a memorable encounter with Aruba’s marine treasures. We think it’s an excellent choice for certified divers who appreciate small-group attention and authentic experiences.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own scuba gear?
No. If you select the gear included option, scuba equipment will be provided for you.

Is this tour suitable for first-time divers?
This tour is designed for PADI-certified divers, so you should already have your certification. First-timers need to complete certification courses beforehand.

How long are the dives?
You can expect two dives during the approximately 3-hour tour, with the first reaching up to 50 feet and the second around 25 feet.

Are there any age restrictions?
While specific age policies aren’t listed, the tour requires certification, so participants need to be experienced divers.

What about the water conditions?
Most reviews note good visibility, but some mention murky water at times, which can vary depending on weather and currents.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, the tour does not include hotel transportation, so you’ll need to meet at the Aruba Watersports Center.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel later, the fee is non-refundable.

In summary, this Aruba Certified Scuba Diving tour offers a well-organized, personal experience with some of the island’s best underwater sights. It’s best for divers seeking quality guidance, iconic wrecks, and vibrant marine life in an intimate setting. If that sounds appealing, you’ll find this tour to be a worthwhile addition to your Aruba adventure.