Aruba PADI Scuba Diving Program Non Certified Divers
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Aruba
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
For those without a scuba certification, this small-group, intimate class takes you through the basics of diving so you can explore the underwater world of the Mangel Halto Reef from Aruba. Keep in mind that this isn’t a scuba certification course, but rather a supervised program with instruction on land, then in shallow water, and finishes with a dive in the big water.
- Either meet at the designated spot or request pickup if that’s easier
- All your gear is provided, so no need to source that separately
- Stay refreshed with provided water, bananas, or chocolate
- Receive plenty of attention from your instructor since there is a max of four per group
What's Included
- Equipment, PADI book, Water , Banana or Chocolate
- pick and drop off free
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Staci_B
I just had my first scuba discovery dive with Gio and Carlos, and I can't express how amazing the experience was! From the very beginning, they were attentive to every detail, ensuring we felt comfortable and safe both in and out of the water. Their calming presence made all the difference, especially since this was our first time diving.
Gio and Carlos were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about what they do. They took the time to explain the entire process clearly, which helped ease any nerves we had. We learned so much about scuba diving, and their enthusiasm was infectious!
By the end of the dive, we were not only exhilarated by the underwater beauty we experienced but also excited about pursuing our certification. We can't wait to return to Aruba and hopefully dive with Gio and Carlos again. If you're considering a scuba adventure, I highly recommend choosing these two—an unforgettable experience awaits!
Reviews
4.8
based on 126 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Vladas_V, Jun 2026
Great experience, boys were very patient with two newbies, very thorough with everything, highly recommend it.
Katrina_Y, Jun 2026
Lovely morning Dive! Very personal tour we were on our wedding anniversary it was amazing! The dive intructor Javier was very professional along with the other dive masters. Would recommend this tour with closed eyes. Dive location was really nice a lot of marine life
Thalia_V, May 2026
Javier was honestly amazing. Makes you feel comfortable and completely safe. I have never went diving and this was truly the best experience. Highly recommend
Aaron_W, May 2026
Definitely off the beaten track. But great instructors, good quick lesson, and a short dive. I was experienced but my son was not. Great first time for him.
Vicky_V, May 2026
Javier was an amazing instructor. He explained everything very well and was super friendly. He is also very funny. I had the best time!
Amanda_L, May 2026
Javier took such good and thorough care of us. I had trouble equalizing and he made sure I was able to recover at each depth. And he walked us through the necessary skills and allowed us to practice before descending. We enjoyed it and he’s a fun guy to chill with!
Renoras_M, Apr 2026
Instructor was very very impatient with my wife and we paid for the time and this was our second time doing deep water diving but first with this instructor tried to rush us into water when it wasn’t safe and didn’t give her time to get comfortable with her breathing etc then told us he don’t won’t take us out to water because she wasn’t ready after they took 1 hr getting the equipment together had to ask them more then once to change equipment or give us new because you can see the mouth pieces was clean so I don’t recommend them save your time
Holly_A, Apr 2026
Amazing first dive experience. I had attempted to do this 20+ years ago on my honeymoon and failed the clear the mask test (I was more scared of things back then). Javier told me right away I was going to pass and took the time to fully explain the tasks all on land first making it a lot easier once we got in the water. He was so patient with me and celebrated every step I took toward mastering the items required to dive. Once I'd passed we dove to an incredible reef and ship wreck and got plenty of time to safely explore the underwater world. I'm hooked! Already looking for a dive certification program back home and can't wait to return to Aruba and show Javier what I can do!
rachel_R, Apr 2026
Great experience!! The instructors were so thorough and helpful. They did a wonderful job explaining all the equipment and procedures in and out of the water. They stayed with you 100 % of the time to ensure your safety! Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who would like to experience scuba diving!!!
Charles_A, Apr 2026
Learned how to surf with our boys. Went 9 meters deep. That’s 30 feet for you American folk. Saw a turtle and lots of fish. The iguanas are cool too! Got cookies and water too!
John_B, Mar 2026
Absolutely loved it. My son and I went and our guide was fantastic. I would highly recommend this. Very thorough with instructions. The only item that I thought might have been included was some sort of under water pictures. There was another pair that went out with a different guide and it looked like they had a go pro with them that might have been the guides because he was sending them the video. I probably should have brought my own too just in case but that was the only thing missing from this was a picture or something under water. Outside of that, the best instructional dive I have done out of the 4 that I’ve done.
David_h, Feb 2026
Javier was very knowledgeable and showed patience. Everything we needed for a great time was delivered.
Ericka_R, Feb 2026
What a really great experience! Izhar and Alex were a really good time! They made learning relaxed and fun! Took us to see a ship and some really cool fish and coral!
Maleah_R, Jan 2026
Javier was a great guide!! He was very patient and thorough with the instructions and made sure I was comfortable before the dive. Definitely a great experience and would book again!
Alexis_B, Jan 2026
From start to finish, the team was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely understanding. They took the time to explain everything clearly, never rushed the process, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and confident every step of the way. Their calm, reassuring approach made such a difference and allowed me to truly enjoy the experience. It was clear they are passionate about what they do and care about the safety and comfort of their divers. An unforgettable experience, and I’m so grateful to have learned from such an amazing group of professionals. Highly recommend!
Steven_L, Jan 2026
This was a great experience. The dive masters put safety first and made sure that everyone was comfortable with the equipment and techniques. Beautiful sea life and we even saw a shipwreck!
I’m still waiting for my pictures they took, I’m sure that they’ll send them soon.
Ellyn_S, Jan 2026
Gia, Alex, were great- once the owner finally got us picked up. We were scheduled to be picked up at 9 & after numerous calls was picked up at 11 at a different location.
The water was touch at first location but Baby Beach was nice.
Iris_X, Jan 2026
I had a great time in Aruba but this diving experience is the best. My instructor Junior is super patient, professional, and nice, which made me feel very safe underwater for my first dive. Saw so many colourful fish and coral, it is a fabulous view I will never forget! Javier and Alex in the drive centre are also very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
Natasha_M, Dec 2025
This was our first excursion, we had an amazing experience, our instructor was professional, kind & easy going! He took his time to ensure we felt comfortable and safe before going to the reefs! He was very attentive to our needs in and out of the water. I would definitely do this again!! 10/10 !!!
Rich_E, Dec 2025
Great time and instruction very knowledgeable of the area would use again, took good care of everyone in the party.
Kara_K, Dec 2025
Great intro to scuba. Easy to understand instructions and fun first dive.
I had done the PADI course years ago, but never did the open water dive. This was a perfect refresher and energized me to go get my certification for our next cruise.
Carlos was a great instructor. Easy pick up right outside the cruise terminal.
Jenna_A, Nov 2025
Our experience with Javier, Carlos & David was exceptional!! We had two first time divers in our group and their instruction and guidance kept us safe, comfortable and made for an unforgettable time!!
James_F, Oct 2025
Outstanding, very good and through instruction for the novice who has never dived . Area covered under dive has lots of coral and fish to observe
Ryan_B, Oct 2025
Javier was a great instructor. I havent dove in almost 15 years and it was my wife's first time. He did a great job explaining everything, keeping us safe, and when my wife had enough (I figured this would happen her first dive) he brought us immediately back in. I would not hesitate to book another dive with him.
Mariko_A, Sep 2025
We had such a great experience with our try scuba diving session! Our instructor was incredibly nice and super knowledgeable — he made sure we felt completely safe and comfortable before moving on to different skills. As beginners, we really appreciated how clearly he explained everything and how patient he was with us in the water. The whole experience was smooth from start to finish, including the on-time pickup and drop-off from our Airbnb, which made things so easy. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to try scuba for the first time!
Larissa_B, Aug 2025
LISTEN — don’t walk, RUN! This was honestly one of the best experiences ever. Javier was so, so, so attentive and careful with both my fiancé and me. It felt super intimate and safe the entire time. We were nervous at first, but he made sure we were comfortable and even took photos and videos for us, which was such a nice touch.
This has been a lifelong dream of mine, and my fiancé knew that, Javier truly made it come true. We loved it so much that we’re even talking about coming back next year to get certified!
If you’re thinking about it, just book it. This was a 10000/10 experience, and Javier’s kindness and attention to detail made it unforgettable!!!!!
Russell_P, Aug 2025
I had the greatest time ever. My instructor knows how to instruct in such a way that it all makes sense. Had no issues, learned so much. A new hobby, I'm 72, I should have done this 55 years ago.
Tonni_D, Aug 2025
Wonderful experience. Javier and Jolene were very knowledgeable, kind, and made sure we had a great time. I ended up feeling under the weather after our dive and they took great care of me and made sure I was feeling better. Javier had a gopro and took videos of us while diving!!
Shalonya_K, Aug 2025
prior to booking viator , i was told to pay them directly for 120 per person by the instructor, i’ve reached out to them to ask did we need to have any experience due to me being a non swimmer and other companies stating that i’d need to know the basics . but they said no i do not need to have any experience, i asked do they take pics and videos of experience they said yes and i was happy because some other companies said no due to the one on one watching and supervision , they told me booking in the 6th was the best day because they broke their camera and need a new one . i was told a $20 pick up and drop off fee to and from my hotel . until ive expressed on viator it’s stating free p/u and d/o . so they’ve confirmed free after i booked on the 4th for the 6th i’ve reach out night before excursion instructor directly on what’s app directly asking if we could reschedule due to my husband being sick , they gave me a later time same day in which i was ok with but ive informed them that my husband is still sick and can i take my family member in place .
we were scheduled for 1:20pm around 11am they’ve asked are we good for 1pm . 8 minutes later they said they’ve tried waiting for my response but the instructor is now gone . i asked are we still on for 1:20 they’ve said no because he’s gone for the day and they didn’t know if we were coming . i said ive responded 8 minutes later . i could have been showering or anything . what more confirmation did one need if we set it for 1:20pm earlier same day ? i’ve also asked if my cousin can take his place , they said no . so im still confused as to how this scuba became a couples tour only . i booked for 2 not for specific 2 so i shouldn’t have asked ..so viator agreed with no refund due to it being within 24 hrs of changes . and i’ve stated that if i had to do the activity at 9am i would have done so with my cousin just to not miss out on any money . but the instructor directly said it was ok on what’s app that we make the changes because they wanted me to be happy and satisfied with the initial plans of going with my husband.when they should have said no due to policy and we would have done the tour at 9am just with a different person. here we are on the 8th , the day i leave Aruba and they have told the company that i can reschedule. 😂i feel scammed just like they were trying to have me to book outside of viator. my loss . altho i told them i leave on the 7th . why wasn’t this option available when initially asked to reschedule and or why couldn’t i just keep my time and take someone else ? i should have just went with a different company that had better views and more serious restrictions and requirements. my lesson learned. some people only care about the money and not the actual lesson and experience or safety.
Jonathan_R, Aug 2025
It was an awesome experience. They are very safe an professional. They will take the time you need to feel confortable.
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