Diving in Aruba and Puerto Vallerta

[flyierT]

I am heading to Aruba in June and then to PV in July. I am looking for info on good reliable dive shops in both areas. If anyone knows of good areas to dive in around those areas that would be good to know also. I am hoping this is not jellyfish season in either areas.

 

[Tottsmom]

Just got back from Aruba Yesterday. GO with JADS. They were great. Small groups of no more than 6 divers. They will pick you up at your hotel and drop you back off. We stayed at the Renaissance Ocean Side. They have a dock right there and JADs picked us up there for several of our dives. I did not see ONE jellyfish while I was there! . JADs fills up quick so make your reservations. They do not have a set schedule so if there is something you want to see they maybe able to accommodate you. Have fun!

 

[lobsterlover]

I also dove with JADS in february and I had a fantastic time! I did their shore dives (just me and the DMs) on a relaxed Sunday and it was wonderful. A nice drift dive with some beautiful coral - a few turtles - lobsters - colorful fish... I also tried one of the companies off of the northern beach - (JADS didn't have room for me on the boat) and I was very unimpressed. Ended up getting paired with a buddy only AFTER he was in the water. I was annoyed to say the least. Go with JADS - and book in advance.

 

[Double "D"]

Gotta put a spot in for Clive at dive aruba. You also need to book in advance with him, he only takes6-8 on his trips, and was awesome. He is the only the only op the "penetrates" (not a real penetration by any means) the antilla- but- an awesome guided tour of the wreck- and he knows where all the good critters hang out. He also picks you up and is very reasonable. We definately will dive with him again when we return.

 

[Stichus III]

I agree with Tottsmom and Lobsterlover . Go with Jads.

 

[Scott Riemer]

I dove with Pacific Scuba in Puerto Vallarta.

 

[Tottsmom]

Just a note, When we dove the Antilla with JADs we did penetrate the wreck. I watched a 6 foot+ Green Moray Eel FOLLOW the DM and two of the other divers into the wreck. He was beautiful.

 

[silverfish]

JADs is Great. We dove with them last Nov. and I can't say enough good things about them. Very personable and made the schedule to suit us. The DMs were locals and showed us all kinds of good stuff. I would not dive Baby Beach without one of their DMs. Ask about Shark cave, it's what they call an "Extreme Shore Dive". Advance cert only, you giant stride off a cliff approx 15' into pounding surf. And the waves carry you out close to the descent point.I loved it and them. We dove with them 10 dives or so.

 

[arica]

What month and how was it? I'm thinking a trip in May/June of this year...

 

[maremd50]

I just returned from PV on January 28 - my fourth trip down there. I highly recommend diving with la ola ocean adventures. Alex and Donna, the owners, are both experienced divemasters. Both used to be with Pacific Scuba. Alex is a frequently requested DM in the area. He's grown up there and knows the sites like the back of his hand. On my last trip Alex and I rode a manta!!!! It was awesome!!! Anyway, they give very personalized service and I mean service. All of my dives were well over an hour, since they let you use all your air. They're fun people, the boats are nice and small (but not tiny, just not cattleboats), the food is good, they consider your wishes -- all in all I can't recommend them enough. The website is www.laolaocean.com. Enjoy yourself! Wish I had my next trip booked -