JADS Dive Center
JADS Dive Center
5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
By working in small groups this allows us the flexibility to adapt to our guests experience a/o needs. Most of our guests are boat diving from our 36' vessel conveniently docked behind the airport.We make scuba diving on your Aruba vacation convenient and enjoyable.Once you arrive at JADS you are more then a guest; you become family. On property: Bar & Grill, rinse area, washrooms...All experience levels are welcomed.
San Nicolas, Aruba
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,487 reviews
Excellent
1,398
Very good
69
Average
7
Poor
7
Terrible
7
Foodandbike
2 contributions
Feb 2022
Wonderful memories and a great experience for a first time diver with my advanced certified daughter. I communicated with several dive shops in advance of my trip. Susan always responded quickly with clear communication and fair prices and i had alot of questions since i needed to get certified and then come up with an itinerary with my daughter who is already an advanced daughter. My training with Erik was top notch and super thorough. Not only that but the open water dives were great. I highly recommend e-learning and then doing the open water dives with JAD and if you are in Aruba for a week you can accomplish 6-8 dives like we did. I loved Rocky beach but the Arashi reef has great and abundant sea life, while Jane Sea wreck had the most beautiful coral. the Antilla was a great wreck and a must do. equipment was great quality and always ready to go. Was super impressed how the larger groups were mobilized and organized and got everyone in and out of the water without wasting anyone time. A+ experience. We will be back next year.
Written March 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navy Vet
Parsippany, NJ189 contributions
Aug 2021
First time with JADS and actually found them by luck as I was looking for another dive outfit that I had gone with before that moved.
I really lucked out as not only did they have space for me last Monday but after reviewing the other two dive outfits nearby one was super crowded at 15 people (full boat) and the other was only shore diving that first day with non certified folks.
So it was a super relief to find that there were only 6 of us with JADS that morning for a 2 tank dive. I decided to book another 2 mornings of diving with Sue and all 3 days were great and the boat was never more than 8 people all week (not crowded).
Sue also took pictures that she shared with the group through a download link which was an added touch.
We saw rays, eels, tons of turtles, beautiful wrecks and other sea life of interest and had the opportunity to do some swim through stops and some drift exploring.
I am glad that I stumbled across them in the marina down from SE Aruba Fly and Pure Diving at the end of the street and had three really good mornings of diving with JADS on a boat that was less crowded than the other places. Even when they took a family of 4 out with our small group the one morning for OW certification they had a separate guide/instructor and the boat still was not crowded with a total of 8 that morning where the two groups went their separate ways.
As an advanced OW diver with 100+ dives I would recommend them for all skill levels as they were a well run outfit and it was god getting back in the water after being out for 2 years. All tanks that I received were 3000+ psi and while I didn't rent their equipment because I bring my own I would say their rental equipment looked in very good condition.
I would definitely come back and use their services again as a preferred outfit to dive with and they were located minutes from the airport which was a short drive for me from Costa Linda and close to many of the desirable dive sites.
I really lucked out as not only did they have space for me last Monday but after reviewing the other two dive outfits nearby one was super crowded at 15 people (full boat) and the other was only shore diving that first day with non certified folks.
So it was a super relief to find that there were only 6 of us with JADS that morning for a 2 tank dive. I decided to book another 2 mornings of diving with Sue and all 3 days were great and the boat was never more than 8 people all week (not crowded).
Sue also took pictures that she shared with the group through a download link which was an added touch.
We saw rays, eels, tons of turtles, beautiful wrecks and other sea life of interest and had the opportunity to do some swim through stops and some drift exploring.
I am glad that I stumbled across them in the marina down from SE Aruba Fly and Pure Diving at the end of the street and had three really good mornings of diving with JADS on a boat that was less crowded than the other places. Even when they took a family of 4 out with our small group the one morning for OW certification they had a separate guide/instructor and the boat still was not crowded with a total of 8 that morning where the two groups went their separate ways.
As an advanced OW diver with 100+ dives I would recommend them for all skill levels as they were a well run outfit and it was god getting back in the water after being out for 2 years. All tanks that I received were 3000+ psi and while I didn't rent their equipment because I bring my own I would say their rental equipment looked in very good condition.
I would definitely come back and use their services again as a preferred outfit to dive with and they were located minutes from the airport which was a short drive for me from Costa Linda and close to many of the desirable dive sites.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin Knight
5 contributions
Nov 2020
Highly recomended. Read on...
I looked at diving options on Aruba and JADS seemed to provide a good value. Although their shop is at the south end of the island, their dive boat leaves from different locations depending on the dives planned. The week I dove, we left for every dive from a Marina next to the airport.
My first dive was Tuesday night. It was a night shore dive where I was 1:1 with a guide. The guide contacted me the afternoon before the dive and shared a map location via WhatsApp for the planned meeting spot. Once we met there we drove to the dive site and got ready. I had brought my own dive lights because other shops I have dived with charged a light rental fee. When the guide realized one of his lights would be better than mine, he let me use if for no extra charge. The dive was lovely, and afterwards I asked him to suggest a dinner spot. He went to the counter and helped me order. It turned out that the spot didn't take credit cards and I didn't have extra cash. The guide gave me back some of the tip I had given him to buy me dinner. I generous gesture for sure!
I then spent the next 3 days diving off the boat -- two tank dives. The briefings were clear and the boat pick up was flawless at the end of the drift dives. Water and snacks were provided. They have a freshwater hose on shore to rinse yourself and your gear. The other nice bonus is that the divemaster took photos and videos on every dive and shared the images via a download link a few hours after we got back. They also stored my gear day to day and set up everything for me, including changing tanks between dives. I'm fine doing that stuff, but it's a nice level of service. Again, this shop was about 40% less expensive than the one next to where I was staying.
I looked at diving options on Aruba and JADS seemed to provide a good value. Although their shop is at the south end of the island, their dive boat leaves from different locations depending on the dives planned. The week I dove, we left for every dive from a Marina next to the airport.
My first dive was Tuesday night. It was a night shore dive where I was 1:1 with a guide. The guide contacted me the afternoon before the dive and shared a map location via WhatsApp for the planned meeting spot. Once we met there we drove to the dive site and got ready. I had brought my own dive lights because other shops I have dived with charged a light rental fee. When the guide realized one of his lights would be better than mine, he let me use if for no extra charge. The dive was lovely, and afterwards I asked him to suggest a dinner spot. He went to the counter and helped me order. It turned out that the spot didn't take credit cards and I didn't have extra cash. The guide gave me back some of the tip I had given him to buy me dinner. I generous gesture for sure!
I then spent the next 3 days diving off the boat -- two tank dives. The briefings were clear and the boat pick up was flawless at the end of the drift dives. Water and snacks were provided. They have a freshwater hose on shore to rinse yourself and your gear. The other nice bonus is that the divemaster took photos and videos on every dive and shared the images via a download link a few hours after we got back. They also stored my gear day to day and set up everything for me, including changing tanks between dives. I'm fine doing that stuff, but it's a nice level of service. Again, this shop was about 40% less expensive than the one next to where I was staying.
Written November 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
Harrisburg, Pa.89 contributions
Sep 2021
I have booked dive trips with Jads for several years. It has always been a great experience. When I decided to complete my PADI Rescue Diver Course I thought why do it in a cold quarry? Why not do it on my next trip to Aruba? I had such a great experience diving with Jads that I decided to complete my Emergency First Responder (EFR) and Rescue Diver courses with Jads.
I completed the PADI e-learning for both courses prior to arriving in Aruba.
Sue was my instructor for the EFR course. Sue did a review of the course material and took the time to ensure everyone was comfortable with the information presented in the e-learning and the review. The practical exercises were fun and provided practice for a real-world situation.
Rudy was my instructor for the Rescue Diver course. This was a physically challenging course and very rewarding. Rudy ensured all divers were comfortable with the material covered and the skills they were going to perform in the water. Rudy took the time to go over techniques and skills until everyone was comfortable and could perform each skill. He made the course fun and enjoyable. I was able to practice skills both from the shore and from a boat. This provided a great experience the I could not have gotten by completing the course at a local quarry.
Sue and Rudy were both great instructors and I highly recommend them both.
Jads is a great dive operation with wonderful people.
Bonus: If you are spending the day at Baby Beach Jads rents beach chairs and floats at very reasonable prices.
Sue, Rudy, and JP... See you next year.
I completed the PADI e-learning for both courses prior to arriving in Aruba.
Sue was my instructor for the EFR course. Sue did a review of the course material and took the time to ensure everyone was comfortable with the information presented in the e-learning and the review. The practical exercises were fun and provided practice for a real-world situation.
Rudy was my instructor for the Rescue Diver course. This was a physically challenging course and very rewarding. Rudy ensured all divers were comfortable with the material covered and the skills they were going to perform in the water. Rudy took the time to go over techniques and skills until everyone was comfortable and could perform each skill. He made the course fun and enjoyable. I was able to practice skills both from the shore and from a boat. This provided a great experience the I could not have gotten by completing the course at a local quarry.
Sue and Rudy were both great instructors and I highly recommend them both.
Jads is a great dive operation with wonderful people.
Bonus: If you are spending the day at Baby Beach Jads rents beach chairs and floats at very reasonable prices.
Sue, Rudy, and JP... See you next year.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken Paradise
1 contribution
Mar 2020
hi to all,
First of all, I dont do reviews or testimonials, so this is a first for me.
I contacted Jads Dive Shop in Aruba for a private instructor to help me complete my AOW course.
Sue, (Marine Biologist, Teacher, PADI Instructor) was just friggin awesome; could not have asked for a better instructor.
Knowledgeable, professional, and a hoot to boot, she completely put me at ease and as a result I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 day/4 dive experience in Aruba.
Dive boat Capt. and rest of the crew were also friendly, professional and competent.
Will be going back to Aruba next year and will only go to Jads.
I highly recommend Jads, ask for Sue, she's the best.
Sincerely,
Ken Paradise
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
First of all, I dont do reviews or testimonials, so this is a first for me.
I contacted Jads Dive Shop in Aruba for a private instructor to help me complete my AOW course.
Sue, (Marine Biologist, Teacher, PADI Instructor) was just friggin awesome; could not have asked for a better instructor.
Knowledgeable, professional, and a hoot to boot, she completely put me at ease and as a result I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 day/4 dive experience in Aruba.
Dive boat Capt. and rest of the crew were also friendly, professional and competent.
Will be going back to Aruba next year and will only go to Jads.
I highly recommend Jads, ask for Sue, she's the best.
Sincerely,
Ken Paradise
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lakies04
Amsterdam, The Netherlands128 contributions
Jun 2022
I really enjoyed diving with JADS and would recommend them without hesitation. Susan was quick to respond to my inquiry for open spots available for diving. The information I received on the boat and which dive sites are visited on which day was complete. Transportation can be arranged for pick up and drop (for a cost). The safety on board the boat was thorough, boat captain was great. I dove with Eric and found he was attentive to making sure none of us had strayed off, and pointed out some marine life. Susan spotted between dives that my BCD was self inflating and the boat captain worked his magic and fixed it making the second dive 100 times better. Very professional and competent operation would definitely dive with JADS again.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas F
Monson, ME84 contributions
Oct 2020
We booked over the phone and were given very good directions. (My bride and I chose not to use our phones for the week as a challenge) Everything went smoothly that morning. Rudolph was a great leader underwater. We did two dives at Rocky Beach Reef. The dives were long, over an hour each. We saw tons of eels. I got some amazing photographs. The shop provided plenty of fresh water. Bring your own snacks. We even got a great local fresh catch restaurant recommendation, that was fantastic and very inexpensive. Thank you JADS!
Written November 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary
New York City, NY14 contributions
Sep 2020
Rudolf and Sue are amazing! This was such a great experience. I booked the discovery dive with Rudolf on Day 1 (the only day I had originally planned). At first, I was so nervous and thought I was going to have to back out of it during skills. I am so thankful how much patience Rudolf has. He guided me every step of the way and stayed by my side. When I was able to perform my skills, I was so extremely happy and I was ready to continue the dive. I did hold onto his arm for majority of the time and he continued to check to make sure I was okay the entire time through signals. I dove deeper than i imagined I would. After that, additional dives were booked for the rest of the trip. I personally didn’t dive each time but my boyfriend did as these were more for experienced (certified) divers. I stayed on the boat and snorkeled but I will speak on behalf of my boyfriend, and he was beyond thrilled. As per him, each dive was better than the last. Sue guided him through each dive and she was absolutely amazing. Both of them also very funny and have the best senses of humor. I highly recommend going to JADS for giving and to be with Rudolf and Sue! I do have to share this for Rudolf’s wife.. he will mention her and she is so beautiful. He is so proud to be her husband. I am sure she knows but if she does happen to read this, it will make her smile.
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frederick R
Indianapolis, IN2 contributions
Mar 2022
Just got back from Aruba and diving with JADS was a highlight. Susan was great about information and details beforehand so that everything was organized including a pick up and drop off at my hotel. She also arranged to have a guide to take my wife snorkeling as she does not dive. Susan guided us one day and Eric the next, both were terrific providing good briefings and monitoring where everyone was with air consumption. I used my own gear but saw plenty of theirs on other divers and it looked to be in good shape. The boat is good sized and is not over packed with divers. Definitely recommended.
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carroll Heyward
6 contributions
Jan 2020
My Family visited Aruba for first a conference and then planned to stick around for some vacation. I wanted to dive, and after some research I landed on JADS. The whole experience could not have gone better. Jean-Pierre was very responsive and very professional before the trip in finding out my experience level, what I needed, and all my credentials. He was also very accommodating, when my wife decided to come snorkeling the first day.
They came and picked me up from the hotel all three days. The dive guide Rudolf was very nice, smart and extremely knowledgeable. If I remember correctly he had around 10,000 dives and had worked as a dive instructor in Egypt and South America. The boat captain was also nice.
We dove over three days : Arashi, Antilla, Airplanes, Bali, Jane C, and Barcadere. Some were ship wrecks or Airplanes, all had excellent reefs with many beautiful fish.
Rudolf was also very helpful in improving my technique for breathing and buoyancy.
All in all I highly recommend JADS to anyone that plans on Diving in ARUBA. They have great service, and they take safety seriously.
-Carroll
They came and picked me up from the hotel all three days. The dive guide Rudolf was very nice, smart and extremely knowledgeable. If I remember correctly he had around 10,000 dives and had worked as a dive instructor in Egypt and South America. The boat captain was also nice.
We dove over three days : Arashi, Antilla, Airplanes, Bali, Jane C, and Barcadere. Some were ship wrecks or Airplanes, all had excellent reefs with many beautiful fish.
Rudolf was also very helpful in improving my technique for breathing and buoyancy.
All in all I highly recommend JADS to anyone that plans on Diving in ARUBA. They have great service, and they take safety seriously.
-Carroll
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jschwerz
Stony Brook, NY2 contributions
Hi, I've read in the reviews that instructors will pick you up from your hotel and take you to your dive site. Does that mean any hotel, or one specific area? Thanks in advance!
joernp13
Forest Row, UK7 contributions
As fare as I know it could be anywhere. I was picked up at the Cruiseship terminal.
Jill T
South Royalton, VT10 contributions
My wife and I are travelling to Aruba and staying at La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino. We are not certified in Scuba diving but would like to get certified and dive. We will be arriving June 29 and staying for five days. Do you have classes and are available to take us rookies? What is the cost? THANKS!
Brian S
1 contribution
I did this, Sue from Jad's was super helpful in laying out what needed to be done ahead of time prior to coming to Aruba. I did all of the online eLearning 1-2 weeks ahead of time (it's a required paid course, nothing in person, no pool work) and then in Aruba - day 1 was all training in a local lagoon, the rest of my days were open water dives (included the final check out dives to get certified, plus some extra days of diving after that exploring nature for fun that we wanted to do). Phenomenal experience. I'm glad I didn't waste time doing stuff in a local swimming pool in a gym in New York.
Obiewankenobi
Key Largo, FL60 contributions
I am a certified diver but it has been a while since I have dived. I could use a little patience and hand-holding to get up to speed. Would that be a problem? Also I have no equipment (zero).
Karen K
Nanaimo, Canada96 contributions
I have gone with JADS dozens of time. Just let Sue or any of the team know that you are a bit rusty ahead of your dive date so they can factor that in. They have always been very accommodating from what I've seen. They also offer refreshers if you prefer that route. That said, I have gone with them and seen everything from newbies to experienced divers work with the group. They can provide any equipment you need and I have found much of it to be better than other places I have gone. The only thing is a wetsuit of your own is really nice if you can swing it. 3mm full or shorty is fine as water is so warm.
mkenn363
Michigan City, IN2 contributions
we dove with you last year on your boat near the airport. . Do you ever do the southern reefs drift dives. Most of our dives last year were near the dump, and heard we would see more reefs if we can dive near your shop. Do you have 2 boats at different places?
Steve T
1 contribution
Hi mkenn
I was a visitor diver , but i think i can answer that question.
They do dives on different locations on different days, so if i'm correct the Wednesdays is near their shop and its one boat that move from location.
For correct information please send them an email :P
lhsartin
White Lake, NC
Do they offer beginner lessons?
JADSDIVEARUBA
2 contributions
Yes, we do. Trip advisor does not allow me to send my email and website information to you. Please google JADS Dive Center Aruba and then send us an email and I will send you all the information that you need.
Barry W
Fort Worth, TX45 contributions
We be coming by ship would like to dive with you. looks like late afternoon. will this be problem?
clayrufus
San Diego, CA10 contributions
Just email them directly at Jads (just go to their website for email address). They're very good about a prompt response. I suspect they may do a charter.
giuntamom
Boston, MA25 contributions
We are staying at the Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino in October. Tried diving in deep water once but could not do. Would like to walk in off beach. Is that possible up near our hotel? Where are you located? What is the cost?
Thank you.
Crazy_Bill_Florida
Florida53 contributions
Yes. One day they picked up at the dock in front of your hotel. We had a reef dive a 30 feet and a wreck dive at 40 feet right off shore. The wreck is called Antilla. Both of these are easy. Just talk to them about wanting a shallow dive and your reservations. Tell them you are interested in shallow dives. They are super cool about accommodating their guests.
AlanH1
Morton Grove, IL285 contributions
Hi, thinking about diving the week of Thanksgiving this year. We have dove all around the Caribbean and Central America/Mexico and I was wondering what people thought of the diving in Aruba? Thanks all!
Alan
bevsensualparty
Pompano Beach, FL190 contributions
LOVED EVERY DIVE I TOOK IN ARUBA.
I was there this past christmas, the people at JADS dive shop was on point for everything. Totally recommend them.
I will be diving with them next time I'm in Aruba, maybe even for thanksgiving!
84NancyP
Gulf Shores, AL239 contributions
My husband and I are stopping in Aruba for one day of our Princess cruise on October 29. We are only scheduled to be in port from 1:00-7:00. Would it be possible to make arrangements for a 2-tank dive for that afternoon? We are both experienced divers, but we do not want to haul our gear aboard the ship for one afternoon of diving during the cruise.
Thank you,
Nancy
bevsensualparty
Pompano Beach, FL190 contributions
I know you probably have the answer to your question already.
Like everyone said earlier, contact them directly, they will make the accommodations, including picking you up from the port. If memory serves me correctly, they did a boat dive from the pier behind the holiday inn. Which is closer than where the regular boat dives leaves from. In any case, all your diving needs are met and will be waiting for you on the boat. Contact Sue directly, you won't be disappointed.
Have a great time
Beverly
JADS Dive Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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