As a reef enthusiast, one of my goals for my vacation to Aruba was to try diving. My girlfriend and I did lots of research and decided on JADS. We visited the shop earlier in our vacation and rented some snorkeling gear to check the place out. We found the crew at JADS to all be very professional, knowledgeable and friendly, so we decided to go ahead and book our dive. It turned out to be a great decision. Since JADS prefers small groups, we were informed that we would be the only 2 in our dive group. This was perfect for us as first timers. Our lead instructor was JP (owner of JADS) with a big assist from Kristi (dive master in training). To have 2 trainers working one-on-one with only myself and my girlfriend is unheard of; and it paid great dividends for us. When I first got in the water i was having a hard time getting acquainted with breathing underwater. On the verge of giving up several times, I was continuously encouraged by JP and Kristi to try different things to relax (including playing catch with a toy torpedo underwater). Afterall I was still only in 4 feet of water and could stand up at any time! JP and Kristi let us work at our own pace, so we spent "as much time as needed" getting comfortable breathing unrder water in very shallow waters, before we moved on. With their guidance, I was able to overcome my breathing fears and enjoyed a great dive experiance. We went to 30-35 feet deep, which was about all I was ready for on my first dive. My girlfriend had some cramping in her leg and had to surface a little early, so I was very thankful that both JP and Krisit and were with us b/c it allowed me to be able to stay down with a spotter while she surfaced.

I originally thought that visiting the natural pool in Aruba would have been my best experiance on the island, but the dive with PADS topped it for me. The team at PADS was nothing short of excellent. They picked us up at our hotel at 1:30 when we were pretty nervous about the dive and dropped us back off there at 6:30 very excited about wanting to dive again! The cost for this experiance was $89 per person. If the price was double that, it would have still been well worth every penny. Looking forward to a return trip, possibly in September/October; which is a great time for viewing mating coral!

OK, I have to be honest, I have little to compare. I copleted my open water certification there and, based on great reviews here, we selected JADS to do our training. JP was highly recommended and didn't just live up to his reputation - he blew it away. We were told he favored small groups. I was nervous about this. Our class consisted of us - no one else. While he told us we were lucky to get to dive with him Personally, JP did our training himself. You could tell throughout, he felt personally responsible for knowing that we knew what we were doing out there. I was also a little nervous based on some comments I read in reviews (If its not safe, JP won't let you do it). I feared he may hold us back here and there. We emailed him a bunch before the trip as we had three former lifeguards who are all fast learners and very comfortable in the water. He didn't make any promises, just that he'd evaluate us and take us to the more challenging and fun stuff as he assessed us after the first day. The first day was pure fun. he did actually teach us everything we needed to know for class (and in a bit more detail as well). We did two beach dives (that was cool as I was expecting a boat). Day two. he took us to Baby Beach. The conditions were rough to say the least. After the first dive, we joked about it being a good thing the girls weren't here. He said if it were anyone else, none of us would be here. Our second dive was even rougher and, to top it all off -he made us do a tired diver two test through the breakers. It was brutal - we loved it!!! Again, JP said if it was anyone esle, we wouldn't have been there. My brothers and I are the adventurous type (Ski Tuckerman's, white water rafting, cliff jumping). We have a blast.

The only downside of JADS is that it is a decent drive form most of the hotels. This seemed significant, but they did come pick us up every morning and, if you consider the boat that picks you up and then stops at three other piers to pick people up, it wasn't an issue. You still leave at 9 or 930 and get back between 2 and 3.

We debated trying another outfit for a boat dive just for comparison, but then realized the potential danger in this. We booked a third day with JADS to do a boat dive on Friday. Again, they picked us up and took us to the dock (Note, the boat is near the airport - alot closer - if this becomes a deciding factor for you). Alot of people talked about numbers - cattle boats and 16 people on a dive. Our dive boats consisted of myself, my two brothers and two divers from canada (great guys, by the way). Accompanying us were TWO dive leaders - one for each dive as well as a third diver who trailed each dive and the boat captain. Thats four staff for five divers! Like I said, I don't have a ton of boat diving experience, but I think thats kind of unheard of.
On the ride out, we chatted with the other two divers - who said JP was bragging about the three guys he'd taken out in the breakers the day before. They got a good laugh when they learned it was us. We did a great wreck dive - sorry, but I don't remember the name of the wreck (email me and I can check it out if you need) and we also did a cool drift dive because the seas were pretty rough and pretty fast.

Alot of people metined his great equipment. The BC's we used could have been brand new for all I know. Everything was top quality. I asked him how he does that, wondering if he sold the used stuff (hoping I might buy some). He said he sells it to locals who might not be able to afford brand new equipment and mentioned schools in the area. I'm guessing he sells it at cost or perhaps a little below. Everything about the guy tells you he's really into bettering his community through everything he does.

All in all, I'd say be sure to read lots of reviews. I'm pretty sure 90% of everything you read will say BOOK JADS. Thats what we read and we found the reviews were well backed by JP and his awesome staff. I'll have some pics from our dives and add them shortly. I'm sure my borthers will ahve soem reviews as well.

Our trip to Aruba was to start with me getting Open Water Certified. We did alot of research before we left and decided on JADS Dive Center. We arrived on day 1 of our trip and immediately knew we were in good hands. I was pretty nervous about the whole process until JP put me the hands of Walter. Walter could not have been more patient and wonderful. The equipment was modern and in good working order. Everyone was very professional and safety conscious, yet fun as well. I completed the class without any problems and did 2 boat dives as well. JP and his guys watched me like a hawk on the dives. I always felt safe and comfortable. I highly recommend anyone who wants to be certified or just go diving to see the folks at JADS. JP, if you are reading this, thank everyone for us. Harold and Lori

This was my 3rd trip to Aruba and my first time to use JADS on Baby Beach for scuba diving. Either by phone or by e-mail, JP answered all my questions. He talked me into getting my Advanced Certification, and I'm so glad I took his advice. Everyone was wonderful, helpful and friendly. If you are wanting a personal, one-on-one diving experience then JADS is the place. It is not a cattle boat operation. It is for the diver who who isn't in hurry to get the dive over. Walter was my dive instructor for the Advanced Certification. He took his time and explained to me what each of the five training dives would entail and require. Safety and my diving comfort level were always on his mind. The entire staff at JADS is to be congratulated for thier attention. It was a wonderful dive experience.

Rev. Alan Bosmeny