We just returned from a wonderful time in Aruba. The original dive shop we contracted with was NOT what we were expecting so we went hunting .
We were very lucky to come across JADS Scuba. JADS is on the southern tip of the island away from the cruise ships and tourist traps. The owner, JP, is a great guy and made us feel at home the second we walked in the door. They are a small shop, but you would never know it from the personalities and the expertise of their staff. You felt like family the minute you walked in the door!
My regulator decided to die out on me, and JP KINDLY allowed me to try two different reg's. That is a first from any dive shop I have ever been at (thank you JP). They are authorized dealers for many brands and have a great selection.
If you want to dive with 20 other people, dont go to JADS. If you want to take risks, dont go to JADS. JP is VERY concerned with safety and small groups. He wont let you dive if he doesnt feel the conditions are right, no matter how much you offer to pay him.
We didnt have more than three people on any dive. Then rental gear is top notch, and gets turned over every few months. All the dives were catered to us and our skill level. JADS is very into DPV's and computer diving.
We had 5 good days of diving, from a wreck dive at the Jane C, to the fab Baby Beach. The highlight of my trip was a VERY advanced dive of a volcanic cliff. I was honored JP allowed me on the dive, but it was only after days of him assessing my skills. You can see a picture of the dive on our main page and in the gallery.
We stayed on the northside of the island where all of the major hotel and resorts were. Aruba is very clean, and people are freindly. Renting a car is a must to see the island. We rented a Jeep on the last day of the trip (see the gallery) and other than the cliff dive, it was the most fun I have had in years.
For our upcoming group trip we are making arrangements to stay in San Nicholass, as our divers prefer the true essance of the island's versus the tourist traps.
Aruba and JADS cant be beat!
We were very lucky to come across JADS Scuba. JADS is on the southern tip of the island away from the cruise ships and tourist traps. The owner, JP, is a great guy and made us feel at home the second we walked in the door. They are a small shop, but you would never know it from the personalities and the expertise of their staff. You felt like family the minute you walked in the door!
My regulator decided to die out on me, and JP KINDLY allowed me to try two different reg's. That is a first from any dive shop I have ever been at (thank you JP). They are authorized dealers for many brands and have a great selection.
If you want to dive with 20 other people, dont go to JADS. If you want to take risks, dont go to JADS. JP is VERY concerned with safety and small groups. He wont let you dive if he doesnt feel the conditions are right, no matter how much you offer to pay him.
We didnt have more than three people on any dive. Then rental gear is top notch, and gets turned over every few months. All the dives were catered to us and our skill level. JADS is very into DPV's and computer diving.
We had 5 good days of diving, from a wreck dive at the Jane C, to the fab Baby Beach. The highlight of my trip was a VERY advanced dive of a volcanic cliff. I was honored JP allowed me on the dive, but it was only after days of him assessing my skills. You can see a picture of the dive on our main page and in the gallery.
We stayed on the northside of the island where all of the major hotel and resorts were. Aruba is very clean, and people are freindly. Renting a car is a must to see the island. We rented a Jeep on the last day of the trip (see the gallery) and other than the cliff dive, it was the most fun I have had in years.
For our upcoming group trip we are making arrangements to stay in San Nicholass, as our divers prefer the true essance of the island's versus the tourist traps.
Aruba and JADS cant be beat!
