Private First-Time Dive in Aruba. Reef, Wreck or Turtle site
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Aruba
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Overview
What's Included
- Use of Scuba equipmentUse of SCUBA equipment
- Pick up service for max 8 persons
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Must have basic swimming skills
- Please keep at least 18 hours between your dive and any flight.
- Must fill out the medical questionnaire we’ll provide over the messaging board.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Heidi_T
Ray and Alan are amazing! They made it so relaxing and easy to learn for our 1st time ever scuba diving. Ray was our guide and went above and beyond to make sure our experience was perfect. We will definitely be doing more scuba diving in the future! Underdog Divers is a company I would use again and recommend to everyone! We did snorkeling too and it was perfect.
Reviews
4.9
based on 218 reviews
Jason_T, Mar 2026
Ray was amazing. He did an excellent job of explaining how everything worked and what to expect. We would definitely recommend.
Amanda_W, Mar 2026
My husband and I are PADI certified and experienced, but our friends are not. They have dove one other time. Alan did a great job tailoring to the comfort level of all of us! Equipment all worked well and was in good shape.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for diving with us and for taking the time to share this. It was really great having your group in the water with us.
We always enjoy dives where there’s a mix of experienced divers and people who are newer to it. It gives us the chance to slow things down where needed and make sure everyone feels comfortable while still keeping it fun for the more experienced divers. Alan will be very happy to hear you appreciated that, he’s great at reading the group and adjusting the dive so everyone can enjoy it.
Also glad to hear the gear treated you well. We try to keep everything in good shape so our guests can just relax and focus on the underwater part.
Hopefully we’ll get to take you diving again next time you’re in Aruba.
Todd_D, Mar 2026
Alan was a great instructor. Gave us all the info we needed for a safe first dive. First ever dive was great.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words. We’re really happy to hear you had such a great first dive with Alan. He loves introducing people to the underwater world and making sure everyone feels comfortable, relaxed, and safe during the dive.
We hope this was the first of many dives for you and would love to welcome you back underwater anytime.
Ursula_H, Mar 2026
Our introduction to SCUBA first dive was life changing! We felt completely safe with our very experienced, knowlegeable and calm instructor/guide, Pauline. She is a true professional with a wonderful demeanor and is a great teacher. She clearly and calmly reviews the basics of equipment use, safety processes and theory with you in a way that is not rushed and ensures that you understand before moving on. She and her assistant Ray are both so experienced that we never had any worries! They monitored us every moment we were in the water and we felt completely at ease. Once in the shallow water she has you practice what she taught you on land until you are comfortable and then you move on to an actual dive. She and Ray were always by our side and checking with us on how we were doing so it was very comfortable. They made sure it was enjoyable too and seeing the shipwreck was amazing. My husband and I were so thoroughly amazed by this experience we will definitely continue on to get certified! We could not have asked for a better instructor or a better location!
Do not hesitate to book your intro dive with Pauline!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Ursula!
Thank you so much for this amazing review. It really means a lot to us to hear that your first dive had such an impact.
Introducing people to scuba diving is always something special for us, and we are really happy to hear you felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout the whole experience. Taking the time on land and in the shallow water to make sure everything feels comfortable is such an important part of the process, so it is great to hear that made a difference for you.
We would absolutely love to see you back for your certification in Aruba. The underwater world only gets bigger from here.
Amy_B, Mar 2026
This experience was well worth the time and money spent for first time divers. Alan, our dive coach, was so knowledgeable and patient. He spent time talking with us about the island, himself, and got to know us as well before we went into the water. It was my husband and myself, and although I didn’t complete the dive (I just couldn’t get myself to exhale and stay below the water and breath comfortably), I did get out there with the gear on, try, and like I said Alan was VERY helpful and patient. I went back to shore and he took my husband out for the rest of the dive—which I hear and see by video was amazing! If you are looking to try diving and want to do it privately without a tour group, this is definitely the way to go. I do plan to try again and will be asking for the same coach!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for such a thoughtful review, we really appreciate you sharing your experience.
Trying scuba diving for the first time can be a big step, and honestly just getting in the water and giving it a try already says a lot. Diving is an amazing activity, but it is also not everyone’s cookie, and that is completely okay.
Alan will really appreciate the kind words as well. He loves taking the time to get to know people before getting in the water and making sure everyone feels comfortable and supported. We are glad your husband was still able to continue the dive and enjoy the underwater world, and that you got to see some of it through the video.
If you ever feel like giving it another shot, you are always welcome to come back and we will happily pair you up with Alan again.
Miriam_D, Mar 2026
Alan is an awesome teacher. We learned a lot and had an exciting experience scuba diving. We felt very safe.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for the great feedback. We are really happy you enjoyed scuba diving with us and that Alan did such a good job teaching you and making you feel comfortable. Learning the basics and having a safe, exciting first dive is what we aim for.
It is awesome to hear you felt confident in the water and had a memorable experience. We love introducing people to diving in a relaxed way so they can enjoy it and build skills at their own pace.
Thanks for choosing to dive with Underdog Divers, we really appreciate it.
Joncy_T, Feb 2026
Alan did a great job! Our entire group felt very safe and we are glad we chose to scuba dive with this company!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
That is so great to hear, thank you! We are really happy your whole group felt safe and had such a good time in the water with Alan. That is exactly how a dive day should feel, comfortable, fun, and stress free.
We truly appreciate you choosing to dive with us. Hopefully this was just the first of many underwater adventures together.
Henry_M, Feb 2026
My instructor was Alan and he was awesome. He explained the dive before we entered the water and guided me every step of the way. Excellent experience and planning to return!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for the awesome words. We are so glad you had such a great time with Alan.
He always makes sure everything is clear before we even touch the water, and once we are in, it is all about staying calm, comfortable, and enjoying the dive step by step. That confidence underwater makes all the difference.
Daniel_G, Feb 2026
OMG!!!!!! This was one of the best adventure excursions I have ever experienced in all of my travels..... Pauline from Underdog Divers was AMAZING! I had signed up for this cruise excursion once before when I was visiting Aruba, but it was unfortunately canceled.
However, this time no cancellation was necessary, and for a first-time ever with a scuba tank on my back, it was an absolutely fantastic experience. Pauline (owner of the company) met me at the pier and brought me to a wonderful beach and coral reef site.
I was instructed on shore first on all of the details for a first dive, and of course, SAFETY was the most important part. I learned about breathing with a tank (you just breathe normally-hey!), and hand signaling to your partner for good communication. Instruction continued about being in the water, what the expectations of what we will do and see, and the opportunity to ensure a successful dive. We wore wet suits and flippers, and honestly, the tank was quite heavy on land.....practice your squats!
Once we were ready for more instruction in the water, we went through several safety checks, including what happens when water is in the mask, etc.... We then plunged into a dive, and thankfully, I am a quick learner and had a wonderful time exploring the ocean floor and following Pauline's directions. We visited a fishing boat wreck and saw all kinds of sea creatures and fish.
Pauline, videotaped the dive, and I will tell you, I cannot wait to go back to Aruba to begin the certification process for deeper sea diving.
If you are looking for adventure and wanted to learn scuba, do not pass up this opportunity and experience.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Wow… thank you so much for this incredible review.
Reading this truly means the world to me. First time scuba diving is a big step, and the fact that you trusted us with that experience makes it even more special. I am so happy everything felt clear, safe, and comfortable from the very first briefing on shore to the moment we explored the reef and the wreck together.
You absolutely crushed it for a first dive, and yes, the tank on land is always the real workout. Once underwater, it is pure magic.
It was such a pleasure guiding you, and I love that this sparked your excitement to continue with certification. When you are ready to take that next step, we will be here and I would be honored to continue your scuba journey.
Thank you again for choosing Underdog Divers and for sharing your adventure so beautifully.
Saskia_T, Jan 2026
My first time scuba diving and my partners refresher. Ray was a patient and effective teacher and guide. This was a beach dive with interesting wreck and fish to look at.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We’re so glad you had your first scuba dive with us and that your partner got a refresher. Ray is fantastic at being patient and making sure everyone feels confident in the water, and it’s great to hear that you enjoyed the beach dive with the wreck and all the marine life. Thanks for diving with us!
Heidi_T, Jan 2026
Ray and Alan are amazing! They made it so relaxing and easy to learn for our 1st time ever scuba diving. Ray was our guide and went above and beyond to make sure our experience was perfect. We will definitely be doing more scuba diving in the future! Underdog Divers is a company I would use again and recommend to everyone! We did snorkeling too and it was perfect.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
This makes us so happy to read. First scuba dives are a big deal, and we love that Ray and Alan made it feel relaxed, easy, and fun from the start. Ray definitely has a habit of going the extra mile, and we are glad your first experience set the bar high for many more dives to come. Stoked you also enjoyed the snorkeling, sounds like you really got the full Underdog experience. Thanks a ton for the trust, the kind words, and the recommendation, we would love to have you back in the water with us anytime.
Mario_B, Jan 2026
Amazing! Breath taking literally. Our first scuba dive ever. Alan was amazing. Set clear expectations the entire time, was present and attentive, calm and funny. We swam down 40ft to see a ship wreck and corrals. I mean I'm speechless and hooked. I highly recommend Alan and underdog divers.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for this amazing review, it truly means the world to us. We are so happy to hear that your first scuba dive left you speechless and hooked, that is exactly what we hope for. Alan will love reading this, he has a real gift for making first dives feel calm, fun, and unforgettable. Swimming down to the shipwreck and reefs on your very first dive is pretty special, and we are honored to have shared that moment with you. Thank you for trusting us and for the heartfelt recommendation, we would absolutely love to dive with you again.
Pauline, Team Underdog
April_P, Jan 2026
Pauline was a great instructor and was very helpful when I had a small panic attack after going down to a deeper depth than I have been to. Was very understanding when I didn’t want to continue, but she continued to take my adult daughter to the shipwreck and enjoy the rest of the time that we had. My only complaint is she said she filmed some video on her underwater GoPro and said she was gonna send them to us, but we never did receive the videos even after I contacted her by email. It would’ve just been nice to have. Other than that awesome experience. It was private, just my daughter myself and the instructor so a lot of one on one time I highly recommend this company.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and for being so open about your experience. I am really glad to hear that you felt supported and understood when things got a bit overwhelming underwater, that is always the most important thing, and you absolutely did the right thing by listening to your comfort level.
I also truly appreciate you mentioning the one on one, private setup, that is exactly why we run our dives the way we do, so everyone gets the attention and care they need.
About the video, I am really sorry about that. You are completely right, if I said I would send it, then you should have received it. Sometimes files do not upload correctly or get lost when transferring, but that does not change the fact that you were expecting those memories. I will send you the footage again, right away.
Thank you again for the recommendation and for diving with us, it truly means a lot, and I hope we get the chance to welcome you back in the future.
Pauline, Team Underdog
Oleg_R, Dec 2025
Alan and Ray did a fantastic job walking me thru what to expect, were very patient and adjusted to my comfort level. Great experience for first time divers as myself
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We are really happy to hear that Alan and Ray helped you feel comfortable and well prepared, especially as a first time diver. Taking things at your pace and adjusting to your comfort level is incredibly important to us, and it is great to know you felt supported throughout the experience.
Thank you for choosing Underdog Divers, we are honored to have been part of your first dive and hope to welcome you back underwater again.
Ashley_B, Dec 2025
Our experience was a 10000/10! We would absolutely do this again and would recommend our guide, Pauline, to anyone. She provided pick up and drop off service at our hotel and took us to the dive spot. We spent some time reviewing safety procedures and getting acquainted with the equipment on land. Then we headed into shallow waters to beginning practicing the water portion. With Pauline’s expertise and guidance, our nerves quickly melted and we felt so incredibly comfortable and at ease as we made our way to deeper waters. The shipwreck and sea life were unbelievable to see, but we felt so safe the entire time. As Pauline said, “40 minutes of our life were spent 40 feet under water.” How cool is that! Don’t miss this experience - it’s a must do in Aruba!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Wow, thank you so much for this incredible review, it truly made our day.
We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your experience was a 10000/10 and that you felt comfortable, safe, and at ease from start to finish. Taking the time on land to go over safety procedures and equipment, then easing into the water, is such an important part of the experience, so it means a lot to hear how much that helped your nerves melt away.
Seeing the shipwreck and marine life while feeling safe underwater is exactly what we aim for, and we love that quote about spending 40 minutes of life 40 feet underwater, it really does express how special diving can be. Thank you so much for the recommendation and for trusting us with such a memorable part of your Aruba trip.
We would absolutely love to dive with you again one day.
Bethann_R, Dec 2025
Alan was a wonderful instructor, first time diving and it was 10/10! Would recommend to anyone to try at least once.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Alan will be so happy to know he helped make your experience such a great one. It means a lot that you would recommend us, and we hope to welcome you back for even more underwater adventures whenever you are ready for round two.
Kristal_K, Nov 2025
Alan was amazing and patient with us. Super awesome guy! Only one thing he didn’t provide us with boots and my husband got blisters on his toes from the flippers and ruined our 20 year vow renewal ceremony plans of barefoot on the beach. 😭 His toes are too wrecked to be barefooted on the beach.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your kind words about Alan. He will be really happy to hear them, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We also want to explain that the fins we provide are tropical water fins, which are designed to be worn barefoot. That being said, we are very sorry that your husband ended up with blisters. We know how special your vow renewal ceremony was, and it breaks our hearts that his toes made it difficult to go barefoot on the beach.
We are grateful that, even after suffering a bit and risking his toes for this amazing experience, you still chose to give us five stars. That means a lot to us. For next time, since your husband has exceptionally sensitive feet, you might want to consider wearing socks inside tropical fins, which often helps. Boots will not fit into this type of fin, or you can look into a pair of travel fins that suit him better, as we have not encountered this issue before. We truly appreciate you bringing it to our attention.
If there is anything we can do for you now, please let us know. We would love to make the rest of your time here as smooth as possible.
Pauline, Team Underdog
John_R, Nov 2025
Good for someone who hasn’t dove for sometime or great for someone new to diving . We had 2 divers in our group with one dive master
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for joining us, and for taking the time to share your experience. Our private approach really makes it comfortable for both new divers and those who have not been in the water for a while, and I am happy to hear that the setup with two divers and one dive master worked well for your group. It was a pleasure having you with us and we hope to welcome you back underwater again soon.
Ashlee_C, Nov 2025
THIS WAS THE BEST EXCURSION ON MY ENTIRE VACAY!!!! I will highly recommend this to anyone who is thinking about going for a padi or just curious about scuba. I can not stop talking about this scuba adventure. Alan, was absolutely incredible- teaching me everything I need to know and was so patient. He knows so much about scuba and the sea which made me feel even more comfortable. I wouldn’t want to have my first scuba experience with anyone else, I feel like I was so lucky to be there and have him! He took me to see a shipwreck, and explored all down the sea. When coming up from the dive my first words: that was so sick and I want to go again. I cannot say anything but amazing things about this diving experience and the photos and video was def an added touch! :) I am now, def keeping my license and cannot wait to scuba again :)
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this amazing review, we are smiling from ear to ear. It is wonderful to hear that your first scuba experience meant so much to you, moments like that are exactly why we love what we do.
Alan will be thrilled to read your words. He takes a lot of pride in teaching calmly and clearly, and he has a deep love for the ocean that shows in every dive.
Noah_S, Nov 2025
Allen was a good instructor n good guy easy to understand basics, felt very safe very cool experience like being on another planet or something.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi there,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. We are really glad to hear you had such a cool experience, it really does feel like another world down there. Allen will be happy to know you felt safe and supported, he truly enjoys helping people discover diving.
We hope to see you back in the water with us again soon.
Pauline, Team Underdog
Joy_P, Nov 2025
This excursion was a perfect intro to scuba diving for a nervous first-timer! Alan was so patient and he wants people to go at a pace they feel comfortable with. He handles all the guess work so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really happy to hear you had such a great first scuba experience with Alan. He truly has a gift for making people feel comfortable and confident underwater, especially first-timers. It’s all about going at your own pace and just enjoying the magic down there.
blairmazuma_h, Oct 2025
Awesome experience as a first timer.
Alan is so patient and knowledgeable.
Wife and I loved it, will definitely try again
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for sharing this! We’re really glad you both had an awesome first dive and that Alan helped make the experience so enjoyable. It’s always great to hear when first timers fall in love with diving, and we’d be thrilled to have you join us again!
Warm regards,
Pauline, Team Underdog
Elizabeth_H, Oct 2025
I had an amazing dive experience with Alan and would highly recommend it! He was professional, thorough, and made me feel completely safe and prepared during the safety briefing. The dive itself was incredible—seeing so many fish and exploring the shipwreck felt surreal. My only wish is that it could have lasted longer!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for diving with us and for sharing such a kind review! We’re happy to hear you had an amazing time exploring the shipwreck with Alan, he’ll be so happy to know you felt safe! And wishing it could have lasted longer... that’s the magic of diving! Hopefully, we’ll get to share even more underwater moments with you next time.
Pauline, Team Underdog
Carla_D, Sep 2025
Instructors gave clear instructions and were patient and made a first time dive experience memorable
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad our instructors could make your first dive clear, easy to follow, and truly memorable.
We’d love to have you back for more dives and underwater adventures in the future!
Warm regards,
Pauline, Team Underdog
Jacob_Z, Sep 2025
I was very apprehensive at first. Alan is a great teacher. It’s something you should definitely try when on the island. He has dealt with all types of people so he knows how to calm you down and was you into the dive. He explains everything very well. He has been able to get kids to dive so you as an adult should not be worried. I would dive with Alan anytime.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We love hearing how Alan’s calm teaching style helped turn any apprehension into excitement. He truly has a gift for guiding people of all ages under the water and making it feel easy, safe and fun. We are thrilled you enjoyed your dive and would love to see you back for another underwater adventure anytime.
Pauline, Team Underdog
Rob_B, Sep 2025
Alan was great. Private dive worth every penny. Highly recommend this team. Very attentive, pick up/ drop off.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are thrilled you loved your private dive and felt the pickup, drop-off and attentive care were worth it. Alan and the whole team truly enjoy making each dive special, and we hope to welcome you back for more underwater adventures soon.
Pauline, Team Underdog
Josh_S, Sep 2025
Absolutely life changing. This was my first scuba dive and I was very apprehensive about breathing underwater. My instructor Alan put my mind at ease. He was very kind and patient. He’s truly a master of his craft. The sights were amazing and the experience was otherworldly. I think this is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. I am already planning my next dive. A huge thanks to Alan for giving me the confidence and instruction I needed to have an amazing dive.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing such an amazing review. We know that first dive nerves are real, and Alan is fantastic at helping new divers feel comfortable and confident. It makes us so happy to hear you had such an amazing experience underwater. We look forward to diving with you again soon and being part of your next adventure.
Pauline, Team Underdog
Michael_G, Sep 2025
Great experience. Alan and Ray were fantastic. Five star treatment from the moment we arrived. Will definitely do this again on our next trip back to Aruba.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your kind words. We are happy to hear Alan and Ray helped make your experience so enjoyable. It would be our pleasure to welcome you back on your next visit to Aruba.
Pauline, Team Underdog
Cstaley1969, Sep 2025
This was my first time diving and I was really nervous. Alan and Ray were incredible. They were so patient and made me feel comfortable prior to beginning the actual dive. It was an incredible experience. Now I want to go diving every day!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. First dive nerves are completely normal, and we are glad Alan and Ray were able to help you feel comfortable and confident. We are happy to hear you had an incredible dive and look forward to welcoming you back for many more adventures.
Pauline, Team Underdog
brian_s, Sep 2025
Great experience!
Best activity on the island. Alan our scuba instructor was fantastic.
This is a must do
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are glad Alan helped make your scuba adventure so enjoyable. It is wonderful to hear it was a highlight of your trip, and we would be happy to welcome you back anytime.
Pauline, Team Underdog
From $120.00
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