Suggestions needed for New Years 2018 Trip to Aruba

[stever2002]

Looking for some advise for a resort and dive shop. I'm the only diver of a family of four. The kids are now 21, so adult beverages will be consumed by all parties. We heard about Barcelo & Riu Palace Antilles which have the advantage of being all-inclusive. Besides that, we have heard about the Hilton. Does anyone have any recent first-hand knowledge on any of these properties?

Also, what dive group should I look into? I am OW/AOW/Nitrox Certified and we were in the Grand Caymans this Summer where I went down to 100' with no issue, but I do like to work down to that. Maybe a first dive down to 60' or so, then move deeper as the week progresses.

If all is well, I maybe able to get the kids into a resort course, otherwise, I'll also be snorkeling with them on my top-side days.

Thanks,
-PH

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort 5 times (7 weeks) but haven't been to Aruba since 2008. It has been totally renovated since then.
On Palm beach there is the Holiday Inn, Barcelo Aruba, RIU Palace, RIU Palace Antillas. On Eagle beach there is the Tamarijn, Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Dutch Village. All Inclusive
Eagle beach is very quiet. Palm beach is more lively with lots of restaurants (if you want to eat off resort) and shops which would be better with adult kids.

Dive Aruba - Scuba Classes, Dive Trips and Equipment Rentals is the highest recommended dive shop on Aruba. I always dove with Romeo at Native Divers Aruba PADI Open Water Diving certifications and found them to be a good dive op. (but that was 9 years ago) and JADS Dive Center Aruba is recommended a lot.