Dive excursions in Aruba

[Ronn452]

My wife and I will be on the Brilliance in February '05 and would like to dive here. Anyone have any information on the dive tours offered? All information will be greatly appreciated!

 

Captain Ronn

[jtonra]

I was there an the AOS last month and dove with a ship excursion. The AOS uses Red Sail Sports as their operator and I was very happy with them. The boat left right from the pier which was nice. It was about a 20 minute boat ride to the first dive site which was a wreck called the Antilla. This is a nice wreck dive on a large wreck. Max depth here was about 60 feet. The second dive was another wreck called the Pedernales. This wreck is much more spread out and not really recognizable as a ship anymore. It is a nice dive but very shallow with a max depth of 25 feet.

 

The dive boat was well laid out and comfortable. My group had 13 divers on it with two dive masters taking groups on a follow the leader type dive.

 

Overall, I was very happy with this excursion. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Ronn452]

Thanks so much for the information. We have had Red Sail Sports in the Caymans and been pleased with them, also.

 

How does the visibility compare to Cozumel and the Caymans? Was there a good variety of marine life on the wreck?

 

Again, thanks for the response!

 

Captain Ronn

[jtonra]

I've never done Coz but have done Grand Cayman. The vis in Aruba was not that great when we were there due to some significant (and rare) rain the day prior. Vis was only about 30-40 feet. I've dove in Aruba several times before and the vis is typically closer to 80 feet or better. Yes, there was a good variety of life on both wrecks. No big fish on either but lots of them on both. The Pedernales has lots of "macro" life if you look carefully.

[Dios]

Last June, I arrived in Aruba. Instead of using the dive operator of the cruise (they are often to crowded), I mailed some of the other shops. The only one I received something back from was S.E. Aruba Fly & Dive. The information they gave was very pleasing and I descided to dive with them. They picked me up at 8.30 am sharp. The divesites were Jane Sea and Palm Sloop. 2 dives I very enjoyed. The crew was professional and knew what they were doing. The Jane C is little bit of a deeper dive wreck at +/- 90ft, with some current. The Palm Sloop was a drift dive, with beautiful coral. The dives in my opion are not for novice divers. Also the people of SEA are expecting some degree of experience.

You need to be an independent diver, as those Dutch guys take the diving serious. Summary: Excellent dive experience