Diving in St. Thomas or Aruba?
- Thread starter WhyMe
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
CptTightPants21
Contributor
Do a search. I and others have posted detailed descriptions of the diving in both places.
I will say right off the bat that Aruba is better if you are going to be going with non diving friends. Aruba has more beach activities, better restaurants, and just general experience.
Diving is similar, St. Thomas probably has a slight edge (especially if you like reefs). They both have a few large wrecks that are a lot of fun and then a few smaller wrecks/reefs.
If I had to choose, I would pick Aruba. The diving is on par and there is a lot more drinks and fun afterwards.
If you pick Aruba, DiveVersity or Dive with Clive.....can't go wrong with either Op.
I will say right off the bat that Aruba is better if you are going to be going with non diving friends. Aruba has more beach activities, better restaurants, and just general experience.
Diving is similar, St. Thomas probably has a slight edge (especially if you like reefs). They both have a few large wrecks that are a lot of fun and then a few smaller wrecks/reefs.
If I had to choose, I would pick Aruba. The diving is on par and there is a lot more drinks and fun afterwards.
If you pick Aruba, DiveVersity or Dive with Clive.....can't go wrong with either Op.
I have looked at descriptions of both but I haven't found many comparisons so thanks for the response. My initial thought, diving differences aside, is that St. Thomas is very touristy and congested with cruise ship passengers, making Aruba more attractive for the non-diving friends too. Thanks for the suggestion on dive ops!
CptTightPants21
Contributor
I stayed at the Marriott in both. My problem with St. Thomas is that it is super hilly and the roads are insane to drive on (better get 4 wheel drive). Aruba is nice enough that you never need to drive from the hotel, all the fun beach activities are right outside and most places offer pick up service.
Do you know where you might be staying?
The plan for both places is the Marriott.
I was making a case for Playa del Carmen because it's so close and DH and I like diving in Cozumel (and he wants to dive the cenotes) but Mexico is not top on the list for people living in Texas
One person threw out PDC and Cabo San Lucas but no other takers.
I was making a case for Playa del Carmen because it's so close and DH and I like diving in Cozumel (and he wants to dive the cenotes) but Mexico is not top on the list for people living in Texas
One person threw out PDC and Cabo San Lucas but no other takers.CptTightPants21
Contributor
If you are staying at the Marriott, I would do DiveVersity. It is next door to the Marriott and Marcel is super flexible with the daily dive plan and pricing.
Do Aruba, the Marriott there is really nice with 2 or 3 different pools. There are loads of activities and restaurants within walking distance. You really can't go wrong.
Do Aruba, the Marriott there is really nice with 2 or 3 different pools. There are loads of activities and restaurants within walking distance. You really can't go wrong.
cbm32
Contributor
I would not recommend the diving as being good in either place.
Aruba is the more attractive and fun island IMO.
Aruba is the more attractive and fun island IMO.
- Messages
- 26,281
- Reaction score
- 5,874
- # of dives
- I'm a Fish!
Since everyone is willing to go to Aruba suggest Curacao instead. Better shore diving, good beaches, nightlife...
Curacao Hotels | Marriott Curacao Beach Resort & Emerald Casino | Piscadera Bay
There's more than a few wrecks off St. Thomas also if that's draw. Blue Island Divers Dive SItes
You can even daytrip over to the Rhone from St. John which is 1/2 hr. by ferry. Low Key Watersports - Diving in St. John, US Virgin Islands
There's also a few shore dives on St. John. There's two on St. Thomas - Coki Beach or Hull Bay. Coki isn't memorable.
Curacao Hotels | Marriott Curacao Beach Resort & Emerald Casino | Piscadera Bay
There's more than a few wrecks off St. Thomas also if that's draw. Blue Island Divers Dive SItes
You can even daytrip over to the Rhone from St. John which is 1/2 hr. by ferry. Low Key Watersports - Diving in St. John, US Virgin Islands
There's also a few shore dives on St. John. There's two on St. Thomas - Coki Beach or Hull Bay. Coki isn't memorable.
Last edited:
Aruba has great beaches but I would say the diving is just average. I can't comment on St. Thomas. Curacao has great topside life and fantastic diving. I wouldn't rate the beaches as high as those on Aruba. There are some nice ones with great facilities (like Playa Porto Marie) and some beautiful coves. The other reason to consider Aruba and Curacao in the middle of the summer is that you are largely out of the hurricane belt. I don't want to overplay the hurricane risk but it is there.
olphart
Contributor
I found the drivers in Aruba to be the politest I've ever encountered!
Similar threads
