Marriott in Curacao or Aruba need dive operator

[Dion]

Ok, so we have a bunch of Marriott points that we need to use and I just discovered that they have Marriotts in Curacao, Aruba and Grand Cayman. Normally, I prefer to stay where the dive operation is part of the resort, but you can't beat free, so the deciding factor will be which place has the best dive operation nearby and good access to diving.

However, since I have not been to any of these places...if anyone knows a good dive operator on those islands, or has stayed at one of these Marriotts, I would love to hear your opinions.

Thank you!!!

[Dirty-Dog]

I can't speak for the Cayman Islands, but Curacao is definately a better dive destination than Aruba. If you go to Curacao, you'll be happy if you drop a not to Mark & Suzy at The Dive Bus - WELCOME. Tell them Mark & Sue say Hi. They'll pick you up at your resort, and the diving is great.

[Kukuisa]

Marriott Curaçao has an operator on site: Caribbean Sea Sports.

[CuracaoJ]

I get tanks from Marriot Curacao pretty often. They do a pretty good job there.

[Dion]

Marriott Curaçao has an operator on site: Caribbean Sea Sports.

Awesome, I will look them up. Thanks!

[diversteve]

It's a really nice Marriott also, good pool area, beachfront restaurant, onsite casino etc. There's also a shoredive there but it's better elsewhere. Had them bookmarked: http://www.caribseasports.com/

[Tim-O]

I haven't stayed at either Marriott, so I can't help there.

While Curacao has better diving, Aruba has more to do out of the water. The diving in Aruba is good too.. so it depends on what you want the trip for... just diving, or a vacation with some diving.

Marriott in Aruba has a dive op on site too - Redsail (I think) is who they use.

I like diving with small groups though. We ended diving with Native Divers in Aruba, and don't regret it at all. Groups are 6 or less, he lets you dive to your experience/comfort level, dove where we wanted and was flexible with the schedule/times.

[RJP]

Have stayed at Curacao Marriott three times - most recent trip was just a few weeks ago. On-site dive op is good - boat dives in AM and PM, tanks for shore diving either on house reef or to take for shore diving else where. 24hr access to dive lockers and tanks - just ask for the key.

They also have a location on Cas Abou Beach, which is a good location to do Mushroom Forest and other sites up that way, to save the long boat ride. In fact if you do Mushroom Forest from the Marriott it's only a 1-tank trip, whereas if you do it from Cas Abou the same $85 gets you two tanks - Mushroom Forest and some other site.

[Earl Grey]

I was recently in Curacao and enjoyed diving with The Dive Bus. The location is a bit outside of Willemstad to the south but if I recall correctly they do have a pick-up service.

Also was in Grand Cayman earlier this year and stayed at the Comfort Suites, which is next door to the Marriott (eyah - went cheap on this one). The Marriott looked nice from outside and had a good beach. They may have their own shop 'in-house' at this location, but I dove with Ambassador Divers who are located on the grounds of the Comfort Suites. They were a good outfit and only take out small groups, which I enjoyed.

[snowdog]

As for Aruba, I have used JADS twice.
They will pick you up and dorp you back at your hotel.
Great dive boat and crew, and the dive masters are some of the best I have ever used.