JADS Dive Center
JADS Dive Center
4.9
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
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.9
1,610 reviews
Excellent
1,517
Very good
71
Average
7
Poor
7
Terrible
8
Drea
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Solo
I rated the experience excellent. My goal for this dive was to see sea turtles and a shipwreck for the first time. I did a two tank dive at Antilla Reef and Antilla Wreck on a Thursday. Each week they have different dive locations. The dive location information on the website was clear and very helpful! Communication via email was also prompt and helpful.
JADS offered a pickup service in addition to diving which was great since I did not have a vehicle. It was a reasonable rate of $20 there and back. The driver was on time and such a lovely person!
The instructors and the captain of the shop were friendly, informative and made the whole experience super fun. All of them put my nerves at ease as I was going by myself with a group of people I just met on the boat. I rented my scuba gear from JADS and all of it was in great condition!
At the first location, the Antilla Reef, we immediately saw several sea turtles up close! There were a large variety of colorful tropical fish to see. We saw puffer fish, lionfish, lobsters, and an octopus.
At the second location, Antilla Wreck it was initially packed upon arrival with other boats with snorkelers and an underwater submarine tourist boat. They announced we would wait until some of the boats left which did not take long. The crew also gave us a heads up on the submarine tourist boat and to be cautious not to get too close which was good to know just in case. It was never an issue during the dive.
Overall it was an excellent experience. I highly recommend! A+++
JADS offered a pickup service in addition to diving which was great since I did not have a vehicle. It was a reasonable rate of $20 there and back. The driver was on time and such a lovely person!
The instructors and the captain of the shop were friendly, informative and made the whole experience super fun. All of them put my nerves at ease as I was going by myself with a group of people I just met on the boat. I rented my scuba gear from JADS and all of it was in great condition!
At the first location, the Antilla Reef, we immediately saw several sea turtles up close! There were a large variety of colorful tropical fish to see. We saw puffer fish, lionfish, lobsters, and an octopus.
At the second location, Antilla Wreck it was initially packed upon arrival with other boats with snorkelers and an underwater submarine tourist boat. They announced we would wait until some of the boats left which did not take long. The crew also gave us a heads up on the submarine tourist boat and to be cautious not to get too close which was good to know just in case. It was never an issue during the dive.
Overall it was an excellent experience. I highly recommend! A+++
Written January 23, 2025
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.
Matthew B
10 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
I had an amazing experience with JADS. All the way from the email communication weeks ahead of the trip through the last step off the boat, everything was great. A buddy and I booked a 6 dive package (3 days) and decided to add on a night dive. My buddy needed rental gear and I had my own. The email communication to set up all the details was very clear, timely, and friendly. I worked with Susan via email and she was also the dive instructor so it made it a seamless experience. Every morning, Sue explained the day’s dives and confirmed we were comfortable with the plan. The dives themselves were breathtaking. So much life on the reefs and the wrecks were stunning. Visibility was 60+ feet every day with the sun shinning. On the night dive, we dove with Rudolf (the other dive instructor) and he took us on a beautiful adventure right off the beach! On the evening before our last day of diving, we emailed Sue at 6PM and asked if we could do Advanced Open Water cert and use the previous days dives toward the experience dives (since the met the criteria). Even late in the evening she was responsive and willing to work with us and we were able to get our Advanced OW cert. One of the best parts of JADS is that they dive on Sundays. You’ll find most of the island shuts down on Sundays (prime tourist travel day) including dive operators. JADS was the only one I could find that dove Sundays and I was glad I found them!
Written August 26, 2024
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.
Christopher
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
Spent a few days in Aruba to do some diving with a friend. Researched many options but JADS had amazing reviews and was the only one willing to dive on Sundays when most of the island is shutdown. Susan (Sue) was responsive via email, very thorough in her communication, and helpful in making everything a smooth experience! She was even able to accommodate some last minute requests for us to do our Advance OW cert!
Every day on the boat, both the Dive Master (Sue) and the boat captains were communicative and made sure we all understood the plan. This was helpful and comforting for me as a relatively new diver by most standards.
All equipment was good quality, the boat was clean, and the dives were beautiful!
Every day on the boat, both the Dive Master (Sue) and the boat captains were communicative and made sure we all understood the plan. This was helpful and comforting for me as a relatively new diver by most standards.
All equipment was good quality, the boat was clean, and the dives were beautiful!
Written August 30, 2024
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.
David Z
3 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We've been diving Aruba for years but needed to find a new dive shop after our old dive master Clive retired. As with most advanced divers our concerns were how a shop handles the mix of inexperienced divers with the group and also allowing at least an hour underwater. We are happy to report they did fairly well on both counts. We dove with them two days to check them out. Both days had 7 divers plus the guide (Rudolf). (7 Divers can get a little crowded at times. We have been spoiled in the past with smaller groups of only 3-5 so not a fan of 7)
Both days were drift dives (Our favorite). They don't anchor which is nice, but we were a little surprised they did not use a drift line to keep the group together with the surface current while everyone was getting in the water. All four dives had a couple of divers low on air at 30-40 minutes. The way Jads handled it having only one dive master was impressive. While that would end the dive for many operators, we were able to remain at depth exploring while those short on air were above us for their safety stop and then picked up by the boat. Pretty seamless and no time lost on the dive for us.
As for dive time, Rudolf called for time to do the safety stop consistently at 50 minutes into the dive. (a few minutes too early for that hour dive, all 4 dives showed 55 minutes dive time on our computers.)
One of our initial hesitations on trying Jads was that they are based at the south end of the Island and we are at the north end. However we were able to do all the paperwork by email, and the boat dives leave from just south of the airport which is only a few more minutes then leaving from the marina in town.
About the boat: We are used to diving on pretty small boats. Jads has a larger boat which is both good and bad. The good, the ride is way smoother in the swells then the small boats we are used to. For our group size there was plenty of room. The bad is if there was a second group it would have been very crowded. The other negative of the boat is the seat is very low to the floor which is not very comfortable, and hard on the knees getting up with your tank on to walk to the back platform. Not an issue for many, but at 69, skiing has taken its toll.
Rudolf was professional and gave a good briefing prior to each dive. The pace under water pace may have been just a tad slow at times for us compared to the current which tended to cause the divers to bunch up too much. (part of the problem of seven divers).
All in all, we had enjoyable dives which is the important point. And yes, we will dive with them again.
Both days were drift dives (Our favorite). They don't anchor which is nice, but we were a little surprised they did not use a drift line to keep the group together with the surface current while everyone was getting in the water. All four dives had a couple of divers low on air at 30-40 minutes. The way Jads handled it having only one dive master was impressive. While that would end the dive for many operators, we were able to remain at depth exploring while those short on air were above us for their safety stop and then picked up by the boat. Pretty seamless and no time lost on the dive for us.
As for dive time, Rudolf called for time to do the safety stop consistently at 50 minutes into the dive. (a few minutes too early for that hour dive, all 4 dives showed 55 minutes dive time on our computers.)
One of our initial hesitations on trying Jads was that they are based at the south end of the Island and we are at the north end. However we were able to do all the paperwork by email, and the boat dives leave from just south of the airport which is only a few more minutes then leaving from the marina in town.
About the boat: We are used to diving on pretty small boats. Jads has a larger boat which is both good and bad. The good, the ride is way smoother in the swells then the small boats we are used to. For our group size there was plenty of room. The bad is if there was a second group it would have been very crowded. The other negative of the boat is the seat is very low to the floor which is not very comfortable, and hard on the knees getting up with your tank on to walk to the back platform. Not an issue for many, but at 69, skiing has taken its toll.
Rudolf was professional and gave a good briefing prior to each dive. The pace under water pace may have been just a tad slow at times for us compared to the current which tended to cause the divers to bunch up too much. (part of the problem of seven divers).
All in all, we had enjoyable dives which is the important point. And yes, we will dive with them again.
Written December 24, 2024
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.
Larissa B
8 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
We had an amazing time diving with JADS!
Susan was very helpful with all my doubts about our dive options, and also arranged a car to pick us up at our hotel.
The dive was awesome, peaceful and safe. Our instructor was well experienced, made us feel really safe and guided us by stunning little places at rocky beach.
Also, comparing with other dives we did during vacations in other places, we’ve noticed that JADS equipments were way better. That was really important for us to feel comfortable during the dive, especially my husband, that had no issues with his mask even with his big beard.
Susan was very helpful with all my doubts about our dive options, and also arranged a car to pick us up at our hotel.
The dive was awesome, peaceful and safe. Our instructor was well experienced, made us feel really safe and guided us by stunning little places at rocky beach.
Also, comparing with other dives we did during vacations in other places, we’ve noticed that JADS equipments were way better. That was really important for us to feel comfortable during the dive, especially my husband, that had no issues with his mask even with his big beard.
Written December 4, 2024
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.
Cheryl J
3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
This was my first time using JADS and I was very impressed, what a great team they are and they run the dives very well. Diving with Susan, Rudolf and Luan, I hope I spelled that correctly, was great.
Communication with Susan before the trip was smooth and efficient.
Once you know where to get the boat at Veradero Marina, it's so easy to unload your gear and go and they are very organized on the boat. From organized gear to between dive snacks and even a camera rinse tank. They even allowed me to leave some of my gear with them. They never rushed the divers to get back to the boat and always 1 hour per dive or very close to it depending on the site.
I will be a return JADS customer for many years to come and I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for a new place to call home while diving in Aruba.
Thanks to all of the crew for a great trip, see you again in March.
Gary
Communication with Susan before the trip was smooth and efficient.
Once you know where to get the boat at Veradero Marina, it's so easy to unload your gear and go and they are very organized on the boat. From organized gear to between dive snacks and even a camera rinse tank. They even allowed me to leave some of my gear with them. They never rushed the divers to get back to the boat and always 1 hour per dive or very close to it depending on the site.
I will be a return JADS customer for many years to come and I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for a new place to call home while diving in Aruba.
Thanks to all of the crew for a great trip, see you again in March.
Gary
Written November 5, 2024
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.
Scott
Ipswich, MA21 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
The experience diving with JADS was amazing from making reservations and Sue’s responsiveness to having 8 wonderful dives this week. Sue, Eric and our Captain Luon were all attentive, knowledgeable and made my wife and I feel extremely comfortable. We saw some incredible wrecks, reefs and sea life. I could not recommend them higher. We plan to return to Aruba in a year and will definitely book or dives with JADS!
Written October 4, 2024
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.
Sanford D
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
Diving outing Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
Diving With JADS In San Nicolas Aruba Is A Very Warm and Friendly Place For Diving For Any Level!
The number of divers is only 4-6 which makes for a very pleasant personal attention atmosphere!
The Dive Master Sue Hieter and her staff are The Most Pleasant, Patient, and Friendliness Dive Masters I Have ever Had The Pleasure Diving With In Aruba!
This Is The Organization To Dive With If You Are Looking To Have A Great Diving Experience In Aruba!
They Even Pick You Up From and Return You To Your Hotel or Resort Where You Are Staying! A First Class Operation!!
Sanford (Skip) Dickerson
Telford PA
Diving With JADS In San Nicolas Aruba Is A Very Warm and Friendly Place For Diving For Any Level!
The number of divers is only 4-6 which makes for a very pleasant personal attention atmosphere!
The Dive Master Sue Hieter and her staff are The Most Pleasant, Patient, and Friendliness Dive Masters I Have ever Had The Pleasure Diving With In Aruba!
This Is The Organization To Dive With If You Are Looking To Have A Great Diving Experience In Aruba!
They Even Pick You Up From and Return You To Your Hotel or Resort Where You Are Staying! A First Class Operation!!
Sanford (Skip) Dickerson
Telford PA
Written January 29, 2025
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.
Enrico2309
Charlotte, NC100 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
I have just completed my AOW certification with Jads Dive Center.
I have done 5 dives with them, including 2 wrecks (ship and two airplanes) and a night dive which has been incredible. I would recommend to anybody to try the experience of the night dive, absolutely amazing. The level of service has been top notch. I got quick responses to emails when I contacted them to get certified. Susan and Rudolph are very nice and super experienced divers. They will make you feel comfortable and give you lots of useful tips.
Should you decide to get certified or do some dives in Aruba, Jads is surely the place that you should contact.
I have done 5 dives with them, including 2 wrecks (ship and two airplanes) and a night dive which has been incredible. I would recommend to anybody to try the experience of the night dive, absolutely amazing. The level of service has been top notch. I got quick responses to emails when I contacted them to get certified. Susan and Rudolph are very nice and super experienced divers. They will make you feel comfortable and give you lots of useful tips.
Should you decide to get certified or do some dives in Aruba, Jads is surely the place that you should contact.
Written August 18, 2024
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.
scuban8
Canada8 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
Excellent dive outfit in Aruba. Aruba gets a bad rap for resort diving which is why you choose somewhere like JADS to take you to the good diving spots. I was very happy with the communication and pricing from Susan at JADS. The boat was great, the dive briefings and attention to detail were on point and the diving was excellent. You definitely need to do the Renaissance Airplane wreck dives. Absolutely awesome experience!!! I’m very happy with my experience at JADS and wouldn’t hesitate to go back again. Thanks Susan and co!!!
Written February 6, 2025
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.
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!
Written March 8, 2019
As fare as I know it could be anywhere. I was picked up at the Cruiseship terminal.
Written March 8, 2019
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!
Written June 4, 2018
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.
Written September 14, 2023
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).
Written May 16, 2018
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.
Written May 17, 2018
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?
Written September 2, 2017
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
Written September 18, 2017
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.
Written March 4, 2017
We be coming by ship would like to dive with you. looks like late afternoon. will this be problem?
Written December 9, 2016
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.
Written December 9, 2016
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.
Written July 9, 2016
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.
Written August 17, 2016
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
Written April 24, 2016
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!
Written April 25, 2016
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
Written March 29, 2016
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
Written April 2, 2016
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