Community Forum

Randi · 11-15-2009, 10:08 AM

Hi Everyone,
I was hoping for a recommendation, please. My cousin is coming to Aruba for the first time (staying in the high rise district) and wants to take his kids scuba diving (with instruction first). His children are 13 and 11.

Can anyone of you avid scuba divers please recommend someone who is certified, reliable and most of all safe. With all of the stories as of late with some of the accidents, not to mention a few of the scuba stories you have posted, I want to recommend someone FANTASTIC.

I know that my BB friends will have some good advise.

Thanks all!!!

*Arubalisa* · 11-15-2009, 11:17 AM

Randi you may wish to read my review of Aruba Watersports at http://bloggingtoaruba.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/09/scuba-and-the-1.html

They are a small operation. My daughter took a discover scuba class and I took a refresher course. We were the only 2 people in the class. Basically it was one on one instruction.

Our dive consisted of dh, dd, myself, the instructor and only one other person. The instructor held dd's hand and guided her the entire time. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

DANNYO · 11-15-2009, 01:33 PM

Randi,
Red sail has a good discover scuba,its done at the Surf Clubs pool so you could see it first hand how they are.Classes are small and the instructors are good.

Chadd · 11-15-2009, 05:04 PM

I've been very happy with the instructors at Red Sail. I've done my open water and advanced open water certifications through them.

Randi · 11-15-2009, 05:25 PM

They are staying at the Hyatt, would that make a difference where they signed up for the classes?

I was a little worried about some of your recent posts about the dive boats/issues! Can't help being a "mother" even if its not to my own children!!

Randi · 11-15-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

Randi you may wish to read my review of Aruba Watersports at http://bloggingtoaruba.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/09/scuba-and-the-1.html

They are a small operation. My daughter took a discover scuba class and I took a refresher course. We were the only 2 people in the class. Basically it was one on one instruction.

Our dive consisted of dh, dd, myself, the instructor and only one other person. The instructor held dd's hand and guided her the entire time. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

Lisa, this also looks promising...where is this place located?

*Arubalisa* · 11-15-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randi

Lisa, this also looks promising...where is this place located?

They are right between the Radisson and Occidental and used the Radisson's pool for check outs. I really thought they were ideal for our purposes because it was such a small group.

FWIW, I just reviewed the PADI dive operators on theri website www.padi.com and Aruba Watersports is still part of their organization. Unfortunately some dive outfits on the island claim they are, but actually the are not.
PADI Special Advisories - Dive Centers & Resorts

mrem3200 · 11-15-2009, 06:21 PM

I have always wanted to try scuba but have never really looked into it. Can someone give me a rough idea of how much training is required to be able to go on a dive. Thanks.

Rick

*Arubalisa* · 11-15-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrem3200

I have always wanted to try scuba but have never really looked into it. Can someone give me a rough idea of how much training is required to be able to go on a dive. Thanks.
Rick

http://www.padi.com/scuba/scuba-diving-guide/start-scuba-diving/try-scuba-diving/default.aspx
"How the Resort Course Works [aka Discover Scuba Course]

Your scuba instructor will spend a little time with you to explain the basic principles of scuba diving and give you an overview of your scuba gear, which is supplied by the dive shop.

Once you feel comfortable, your instructor will take you in the pool to help you learn basic scuba skills. Then, if you like, you can go with your instructor for a short discovery dive up to 40 feet/ 12 metres. Most Discover Scuba Diving experiences about an hour or two."

In our case dd first viewed the Discover Scuba video (some instructors use a flip chart). This was followed by a short familiarization in the swimming pool before heading out onto the wreck.

Randi · 11-16-2009, 10:49 AM

Arubalisa, is this the place you used?
http://www.visitarubaplus.com/uniquesports/

The only two places actually PADI certified is that place and Red Sail sports also suggested by Chadd and DannyO

11-15-2009, 10:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
Randi Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,481 Images: 9	attention scuba divers! Hi Everyone, I was hoping for a recommendation, please. My cousin is coming to Aruba for the first time (staying in the high rise district) and wants to take his kids scuba diving (with instruction first). His children are 13 and 11. Can anyone of you avid scuba divers please recommend someone who is certified, reliable and most of all safe. With all of the stories as of late with some of the accidents, not to mention a few of the scuba stories you have posted, I want to recommend someone FANTASTIC. I know that my BB friends will have some good advise. Thanks all!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Randi Next Aruba trip in

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11-15-2009, 11:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boca Catalina Posts: 10,084 Images: 167	Randi you may wish to read my review of Aruba Watersports at http://bloggingtoaruba.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/09/scuba-and-the-1.html They are a small operation. My daughter took a discover scuba class and I took a refresher course. We were the only 2 people in the class. Basically it was one on one instruction. Our dive consisted of dh, dd, myself, the instructor and only one other person. The instructor held dd's hand and guided her the entire time. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Blogging to Aruba ~ Cat Resource Directory ~ Our-Cruises ~ Pictures of Aruba

11-15-2009, 01:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
DANNYO Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marriott Surf Club Posts: 1,564 Images: 1	Randi, Red sail has a good discover scuba,its done at the Surf Clubs pool so you could see it first hand how they are.Classes are small and the instructors are good. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

11-15-2009, 05:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chadd Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Arikok Antilla Natural pool Posts: 1,155	I've been very happy with the instructors at Red Sail. I've done my open water and advanced open water certifications through them. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

11-15-2009, 05:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
Randi Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,481 Images: 9	They are staying at the Hyatt, would that make a difference where they signed up for the classes? I was a little worried about some of your recent posts about the dive boats/issues! Can't help being a "mother" even if its not to my own children!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Randi Next Aruba trip in

11-15-2009, 06:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
mrem3200 Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 30	I have always wanted to try scuba but have never really looked into it. Can someone give me a rough idea of how much training is required to be able to go on a dive. Thanks. Rick Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

11-16-2009, 10:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
Randi Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,481 Images: 9	Arubalisa, is this the place you used? http://www.visitarubaplus.com/uniquesports/ The only two places actually PADI certified is that place and Red Sail sports also suggested by Chadd and DannyO Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Randi Next Aruba trip in