Single diver in Aruba, how safe are the operations down there?

[asunrun]

I will be in Aruba for a wedding in the begnning of August. I (female) am a diver, but my boyfriend is not (he's not even a big swimmer). I'd like to get a few dives in while I'm down there, but I'm hesitant to go single (obviously with a dive operation) because of the whole, "how safe is Aruba, really?" question. Can anyone offer advice or recommend any dive operations? I was thinking RedSail just because they're a pretty well known operation (albeit, quite commercial). Any help or insights would be much appreciated. I just want to feel safe, and I know my parents (although I'm an adult) would appreciate it.

Thanks!
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[El Orans]

Searuba!

 

[mike_s]

You won't have any trouble in Aruba. most of the operations put a DM in the water with you.

If you dive on the "west" side of the island, your max depth will be 50 to 70 feet. South side of the island has a few spots that are deeper.

Redsail is well known, but that's part of the problem. They are known as being a "cattle boat" operation. They do the cruise boat excursions in Aruba also. Most folks have no major complaints about them besides them being to crowded.

Do a search on Aruba and you'll find all kinds of respones. There are several operatos on the island. Red Sail has the negative reputation based on being crowded. Mermaid has a really bad operation reputation. The rest all have good reputations. I dove with Pelican (located at the Holiday Inn dock) and enjoyed them. they were very safe. But the other's I'm sure are just as good from the reports I've read.

Do a search here and just use the word Aruba in the search field and you'll find tons of stuff.

Also, you can get all kinds of usefull info on Aruba at http://www.aruba.com/msgbrd

hope that helps.

-Mike

 

[dlndavid]

what Mike said sounds like good information and advice, welcome to ScubaBoard.

 

[smokey braden]

asunrun,
welcome to this board.
i've dove with this op and glad that i did.
http://www.divearuba.com/
regards,

 

[tstormdiver]

I have dove with Peican Adventure while on a cruis & was very pleased with them. There were perhaps 8-10 divers with 3 divemasters along.

 

[Amazon]

searuba....

 

[Ken abucs]

A couple of people have mentioned Searuba. Can you give us more info? Where are they located? How big is the boat? Do they make you follow the leader? or are you free to explore on your own?

Thanks,

Ken

 

[El Orans]

http://www.searuba.com/

AFAIK, you can follow the DM or go out on your own (depending on skill-level).

 

[changinlat]

How about answers to the other questions.

How big is the boat?
How many divers do they take out?
How many dive masters are on the boat / in the water?