Scuba Diving Certifications in Aruba: A Complete Guide

If you’re looking for a fantastic place to learn scuba diving, Aruba is it. With clear waters, rich marine life, and well-established dive schools, its the perfect place to try diving for the first time or advance your skills with professional certifications.

In this guide, we’ll cover the different scuba certifications available in Aruba, their costs, the time commitment required, and what you can expect from each course.

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Why Get Scuba Certified in Aruba?

If you’re looking to get scuba certified, Aruba’s calm waters, expansive coral reefs, and well-organized diving infrastructure make it an ideal destination. Additionally, the island offers year-round warm water, good visibility, and a range of dive sites that are perfect for training.

As a bonus, completing your scuba certification on vacation allows you to explore some of Aruba’s famous dive spots like the SS Antilla Shipwreck and Pedernales Wreck as part of your training. Who wouldn’t want to complete their certifications in this epic underwater world?

Recommendation: Get a PADI Certification

While there are other scuba diving certification groups, like SSI (Scuba Schools International) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world’s most widely recognized scuba certification agency, with over 6,600 dive centers globally.

PADI’s broad recognition means your certification is accepted almost anywhere you go. It also offers consistent training standards and makes it easy to trust the quality of instruction no matter where you get certified. Additionally, PADI certifications never expire, and the organization offers refresher courses like the PADI Reactivate program. It’s an accomplishment that lasts a lifetime!

Available PADI Scuba Courses in Aruba

Let’s take a close look at all of your diving options, whether you’re just getting started or are already open water certified and want to continue your training.

1. Discover Scuba Diving

For those who have never dived before and are curious to try, the Discover Scuba Diving experience is the perfect introduction. Often referred to as a “Resort Course,” this scuba diving course allows you to experience it without needing full certification.

The course typically involves a short theory session, pool practice, and a guided open water dive with an instructor. This one-day course is perfect for beginners who want a short, fun experience while on vacation. It does not qualify you for any kind of long term certification.

• Course Overview: Classroom orientation, pool session to practice basic skills, followed by a shallow dive (up to 40 feet) under instructor supervision
• Duration: 1 day
• Cost: $100 – $150
• Prerequisites: None
• Ideal For: Complete beginners, families, or tourists short on time

2. PADI Open Water Diver Certification

The PADI Open Water Diver Certification is the most popular scuba certification and the best way to get fully qualified to dive. This course includes theory lessons, confined water training, and several open water dives to practice skills in real-world conditions.

After completing the course, you’ll be certified to dive up to 60 feet (18 meters) and can explore the waters around Aruba and beyond – without supervision.

• Course Overview: Includes classroom or online theory lessons, pool sessions for confined water training, and open water dives in the beautiful waters of Aruba
• Duration: 3 – 4 days
• Cost: $400 – $600
• Prerequisites: Must be at least 10 years old and in good health
• Ideal For: Beginners looking to become trained independent divers

3. PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Certification

Take your skills to the next level with the Advanced Open Water Certification. This course is the next step after completing your Open Water Certification. It includes five adventure dives, including a deep dive and an underwater navigation dive, along with three additional dives of your choice.

With Aruba’s impressive wreck diving opportunities, a wreck dive is highly recommended. Other options include deep water, underwater photography, night diving, dive against debris, fish identification, underwater naturalist, dry suit, and search and recovery.

After completing the Advanced Open Water Diving Certification in Aruba, you’ll be able to explore 100 feet (30 meters) deep without an instructor in tow.

• Course Overview: Includes classroom or online theory lessons and then five dives, such as a deep dive and navigation dive, along with three electives like wreck diving or night diving
• Duration: 2 – 3 days
• Cost: $350 – $500
• Prerequisites: Must have a PADI Open Water Certification
• Ideal For: Open water divers looking to expand their diving skills and take on more adventurous dive experiences

4. Scuba Refresher Program / Reactivate Program

If it’s been a while since your last dive, a Refresher Program or Reactivate Program can help you brush up on your skills. These courses are designed to reacquaint you with scuba techniques and safety procedures. It includes a short classroom session, a pool practice, and a guided dive to ensure you’re comfortable getting back in the water.

• Course Overview: Includes a short theory review, pool session, and supervised open water dive
• Duration: 1 day
• Cost: $100 to $150
• Prerequisites: Prior Open Water Certification
• Ideal For: Certified divers who haven’t been diving in over six months or one year

5. PADI Open Water Checkout (Referral Program)

The Open Water Checkout, also known as the Referral Program, allows you to begin your Open Water Diver training at home with the academic and pool training and then complete your scuba certification in Aruba’s beautiful waters.

This option is great for those who want to maximize their time diving while on vacation or for those that live in places that don’t offer great diving opportunities at home. Trust me, if you do your certification dives in Aruba, you’ll fall in love with diving far faster than if you’re in a cold quarry with poor visibility!

• Course Overview: Four open water dives over two days in Aruba
• Duration: 2 days (diving only)
• Cost: $250 to $350
• Prerequisites: Completion of Open Water Diving Certification theory and confined water training at home
• Ideal For: Vacationers who want to complete their Open Water certification while enjoying Aruba’s dive sites

6. PADI Divemaster, Rescue Diver, and Specialty Certifications

For experienced divers looking to add specializations, Aruba offers various PADI Specialty Courses, including wreck diving, underwater photography, and night diving.

Advanced divers can also pursue professional-level certifications like Rescue Diver and Divemaster. These courses are perfect for those looking to make scuba diving a more significant part of their lives, like if you want to become a scuba instructor.

• Course Overviews: The Rescue Diver course focuses on emergency preparedness, while Divemaster prepares you for leadership roles in diving. Specialty courses certify you for specialty diving scenarios.
• Duration: Varies (Rescue Diver: 3 – 4 days, Divemaster: 1 – 2 weeks, Specialties: 1 – 2 days)
• Cost: $500 to $900 (varies based on course)
• Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water Certification
• Ideal For: Divers looking to go pro or specialize in a specific area of diving

Where to Get PADI Certified in Aruba

If you’re looking to start your scuba journey while on vacation, knowing where to go is important. Here are the 6 dive shops that offer PADI scuba certifications in Aruba.

1. Aqua Windies

• Website: aquawindies.com
• Phone: +297 583 5669
• Address: Dr Horacio E Oduber, Blvd 4, Horacio, Oranjestad, Aruba
• Courses: Discover Scuba, Open Water, Advanced, Reactivate, Dive Master, Rescue Diver, Specialties

2. JADS Dive Center

• Website: jadsaruba.com
• Phone: +297 584 6070
• Address: Nanki Club Seroe Colorado 245E, Baby Beach, San Nicolaas, Aruba
• Courses: Discover Scuba, Open Water, Advanced, Dive Master, Rescue Diver, Specialties

3. Nautilus Dive Center Aruba

• Website: facebook.com/Nautilusdivearuba
• Phone: +297 563 3172
• Address: Hyatt Place, l-12, Wayaca 6B, Oranjestad, Aruba
• Courses: Discover Scuba, Open Water, Advanced, Reactivate, Referrals, Rescue Diver, Specialties

4. Red Sail Sports Aruba NV

• Website: redsailaruba.com
• Phone: +297 523 1600
• Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 348 A, Palm Beach, Aruba
• Courses: Discover Scuba, Open Water, Advanced, Reactivate, Dive Master, Rescue Diver, Specialties

5. S.E. Aruba Fly’N Dive

• Website: se-aruba.com
• Phone: +297 588 1150
• Address: Lg Smith Blvd 1a, Oranjestad, Aruba
• Courses: Discover Scuba, Open Water, Advanced, Dive Master, Rescue Diver, Specialties

6. Aruba Watersports Center

• Website: arubawatersportscenter.com
• Phone: +297 586 6613
• Address: Sabana Liber 76, 5424 Nw 72nd Ave, ARUBAi, Aruba
• Courses: Discover Scuba, Open Water, Advanced, Dive Master, Rescue Diver, Specialties

Not sure scuba diving is for you?
Check out alternative options to explore the underwater world in Aruba.

Booking Your Aruba Scuba Certification Training

If you’re interested in completing a scuba diving course in Aruba, it’s important to plan ahead. Begin by researching dive shops on the island and contacting them in advance to inquire about their courses, schedules, and pricing.

Many dive shops in Aruba offer PADI, NAUI, or SSI certifications, so it’s helpful to confirm which agency they are affiliated with, especially if you have a preference. I recommend PADI due to its wide recognition worldwide. Reviews and ratings from other divers can also provide insight into the quality of instruction, safety standards, and overall customer experience.

When choosing the right dive shop for you, consider factors such as the class size, equipment quality, and the experience level of the instructors. Some dive shops may offer more personalized training with smaller groups, while others may focus on a more fast-paced, larger-scale program.

Location is also key—select a shop that’s convenient to where you’re staying, or near a dive site you want to explore. Additionally, check for package deals that may include equipment rental or even accommodation, as some shops partner with local hotels to offer comprehensive packages.

Finally, remember that availability can be limited, especially during peak travel seasons, so booking early. It will ensure you secure your preferred course dates. Whether you’re completing your first certification or advancing your skills, careful planning will help you make the most of your Aruba scuba diving certification.

FAQs about Aruba’s Scuba Certification