We just returned from a wonderful time in Aruba. The original dive shop we contracted with was NOT what we were expecting so we went hunting.

We were very lucky to come across JADS Scuba. JADS is on the southern tip of the island away from the cruise ships and tourist traps. The owner, JP, is a great guy and made us feel at home the second we walked in the door. They are a small shop, but you would never know it from the personalities and the expertise of their staff. You felt like family the minute you walked in the door!

My regulator decided to die out on me, and JP KINDLY allowed me to try two different reg's. That is a first from any dive shop I have ever been at (thank you JP). They are authorized dealers for many brands and have a great selection.

If you want to dive with 20 other people, dont go to JADS. If you want to take risks, dont go to JADS. JP is VERY concerned with safety and small groups. He wont let you dive if he doesnt feel the conditions are right, no matter how much you offer to pay him.

We didnt have more than three people on any dive. Then rental gear is top notch, and gets turned over every few months. All the dives were catered to us and our skill level. JADS is very into DPV's and computer diving.

We had 5 good days of diving, from a wreck dive at the Jane C, to the fab Baby Beach. The highlight of my trip was a VERY advanced dive of a volcanic cliff. I was honored JP allowed me on the dive, but it was only after days of him assessing my skills. You can see a picture of the dive on our main page and in the gallery.

We stayed on the northside of the island where all of the major hotel and resorts were. Aruba is very clean, and people are freindly. Renting a car is a must to see the island. We rented a Jeep on the last day of the trip (see the gallery) and other than the cliff dive, it was the most fun I have had in years.

For our upcoming group trip we are making arrangements to stay in San Nicholass, as our divers prefer the true essance of the island's versus the tourist traps.

Aruba and JADS cant be beat!

I had the opportunity to visit and dive with several dive shops in Aruba. One stood out from the others, JADS Dive Center at Baby Beach. JADS is a PADI dive shop and is one of the best shops I have visited both in the US and abroad.

Upon arriving, I met with Jean-Pierre. JP, as he likes to be called, met us with open arms and opened his shop to us as if it were own. Before even talking about diving, he gave us a tour of his operations. I was impressed by the fact that I saw brand new equipment everywhere I looked. When asked where the rental gear was, JP said this is the rental gear. JP explained that they keep there gear for approximately three months and then replace it. This was something that I did not experience anywhere else on the island.

The positive experience did not end with new gear. It continued with the personal attention we were given. JP and his staff sat down with us and asked what we wanted to experience. We were asked about the type of conditions we wanted as well as the sites we wanted to see. Talk about service!

Based upon our feedback, a dive plan was crafted. I thought we would be given our gear and sent off. Boy was I wrong. First, the staff measured us for gear. The last time I was measured for gear was when I took my open water class. Then, they examined each piece of gear with us, ensuring we fully understood its workings. We loaded up and we were off. When I say we, it was my dive partner and two guides/instructors. That’s right, two guides/instructors for just the two of us. Keep in mind; we came into the shop out of the blue. We did not have an appointment and it was a half hour before they closed for the day. Now that is personal attention!

Our dive took us to Baby Beach. The conditions were great. Warm clear water, lots of colorful fish and incredible coral, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

I was so impressed with the staff that I signed up for a second day of diving. I had a different guide/instructor, but the experiences were the same; personal attention, great equipment and new friends. I felt like I was now part of the JADS family.

I know JADS will be choice of dive shops when I return to Aruba. I hope you consider them for your next dive and have the same great and memorable experiences that I had.

Luke L
Pennsylvania, USA

I would recommend Jads Dive Center to anybody.
I've done about 80 dives with them. They are very responsible/safe, maintain a low instructor/staff to diver ratio. They don't do big group dives, so if you just started you'll feel more comfortable in a small group. I've done a lot of dives there so I know how they run their business. Their equipment are well mantained, every time I go on vacation they have new BCD's and Regulators, the guy that runs the place told me that they replace them every few months unlike other places where you rent old beat up bcd and regs.


[--]

i went to aruba the day before hurricane felix hit. many of the attractions i was hoping to see had to be cancelled due to felix. however, when i was finally able to go do something, jairo and jp made sure i had a memorable experience. jairo was my dm for the day and he took me somewhere 10 min north of baby beach for the first dive then baby beach. due to the hurricane, the current was very strong. for a shore dive from baby beach we had to paddle out about 10 min before we could descend. as i was starting to struggle, jairo helped pull me out. i was hoping to see an eagle ray but the conditions weren't there unfortunately; however, i learned to blow rings! =) i recommend jads and would definitely go back. they make your dive comfortable -- whether its to carry your gear, pick you up at your hotel, etc.