Intro Diving Course Aruba: Learn Scuba in One Day

Pool training, then a reef dive: your first underwater breath in four hours

An intro diving course in Aruba teaches you to scuba dive in a single day through classroom instruction, a two-hour pool session, and a one-tank open-water dive at a shallow reef or wreck. An instructor stays with you underwater the entire time, and all equipment is provided. The dive takes place at depths of 20–30 feet and lasts roughly 30–40 minutes.

The experience

Four hours is all it takes to go from dry land to breathing underwater. You start with two hours of pool instruction, learning how to manage pressure, breathe through your regulator, and handle your equipment in a controlled setting. No previous diving experience is required. The course is built for people trying scuba for the first time. Once you're comfortable in the pool, you board a dive boat for a 1.5-hour trip to a shallow reef or wreck site.

The open-water dive itself lasts 30–40 minutes at depths around 20–30 feet, with your instructor right beside you the entire time. The dive boat has twin drop-down ladders for easy entry, fresh water showers to rinse off afterward, and a restroom on board. All instruction and gear (wetsuit, tank, regulator, weights, the full setup) come with the course, so you arrive with nothing but your swimsuit and your willingness to try.

What’s included

• Instruction session with classroom and pool training.
• all dive equipment including wetsuit, tank, regulator and weights.
• one open-water dive at a shallow reef or wreck.
• boat transport to the dive site.
• fresh water showers and restroom access on the dive boat.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Red Sail Sports - Aruba

Is this one for you?The four-hour timeframe means you can dive in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring the island, or reverse it, but you'll need to block out the full half-day and avoid flying the same day. If you want a taste of scuba without a multi-day certification commitment, this course delivers it in a single session.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Dutch.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens during the pool session before the open-water dive?

The two-hour pool instruction covers the fundamentals: how to manage pressure changes, breathe underwater, use your regulator and mask, and move safely in the water. You practice these skills in a controlled environment before heading out to the reef.

How deep is the open-water dive, and what will I see down there?

The dive takes place at depths of 20–30 feet on a shallow reef or wreck site. At that depth in Aruba's waters, you'll encounter coral formations and reef fish typical of Caribbean diving, though the exact marine life depends on the specific site your operator chooses.

Do I need to be in great shape to take this course?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The course involves water work and some physical exertion, and all participants must pass medical clearance. The operator may ask you to complete a medical questionnaire before the dive.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

All instruction, equipment and the open-water dive are included. Bring your swimsuit, a towel, and any personal items you need. Gratuities for your guide are not included. Public transportation to the dive site is available nearby if you don't have your own transport.

Can I dive on the same day I fly to or from Aruba?

No. For safety reasons, you must not scuba dive on the same day you fly. Schedule your dive course at least a day before your departure or a full day after you arrive.