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Aruba PADI Scuba Diving Program Non Certified Divers
★ #6 of 8 in our Scuba diving list Picked from the 26 scuba diving tours on Viator for Aruba, the way we pick every tour.
Checked October 21, 2026 Viator listing, prices by option, departure times and pickup notes; the operator's itinerary
Nautilus Dive Center Aruba teaches scuba basics before a guided shore dive at Mangel Halto Reef. You pay $99 per person from age 10 for 3 hours. Sessions start at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. with free hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop off. Each booking holds up to 4 people. It's the lowest beginner price on this list with equipment and a PADI book included.
Our check
Aruba PADI Scuba Diving Program Non Certified Divers at a glance
| For | No certification required; ages 10 to 85 |
| Dives | One guided shore dive at Mangel Halto Reef |
| Hours | Allow 3 hours |
| Price is per | Adult or youth: $99 each, with the youth rate for ages 10 to 17 |
| Departures | Daily at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. |
| Pickup | Free pickup and drop off at your hotel or Airbnb |
| Booking size | Up to 4 people per booking; an adult is required |
| Training | Video of 20 minutes plus skills practice in shallow water |
| Main trade-off | Completion certificate only; no scuba certification |
| In the price | pick and drop off free, equipment, PADI book, Water , Banana or Chocolate |
| Not in the price | nothing listed |
| Guide languages | English, Spanish, Dutch |
| Cancellation | Full refund until 24 hours before the start; nothing after |
Read from the operator's listing on Viator for the named options, October 15, 2026. Prices are Viator's listed prices in US dollars, re-read every night; last read October 21, 2026.
What's included
- pick and drop off free
- Equipment, PADI book, Water , Banana or Chocolate
What's not included
- Nothing listed
Price by option
Which option to book
Book the single option for 3 hours of beginner training and a shore dive at $99 per person. You get equipment and a PADI book.
| Option | Price | Departures |
|---|---|---|
| Aruba PADI Scuba Diving Program Non Certified Divers | $99 per adult · $99 youth 10 to 17 | 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. |
The catch: One booking holds at most 4 people and must include an adult.
The session
How does the day work?
You study the PADI basics and practice in shallow water before a guided dive at Mangel Halto Reef.
- 1
PADI video
A video introduction to scuba diving takes 20 minutes.
- 2
Book and quiz
The PADI program reading comes before a quiz.
- 3
Shallow water skills
Practice basic scuba skills in shallow water.
- 4
Mangel Halto Reef
A dive professional leads you on the guided reef dive.
- 5
Back at Nautilus
You return to Nautilus Dive Center near Marina Pirata Restaurant.
The session lasts 3 hours, with 20 minutes for the video. You finish back at Nautilus Dive Center.
Pickup and meeting point
- Pickup and return: Pickup and drop off from your hotel or Airbnb are free.
- Meeting point: Meet at Nautilus Dive Center near Marina Pirata Restaurant. The PADI flag marks the spot.
- Session starts: Pick the morning at 9 a.m. or the afternoon at 1 p.m.
From the desk
- At the desk the question was whether a trial dive earns a scuba qualification. I'd book Nautilus for an introduction at $99 per person; the completion certificate does not qualify you as a certified diver.
Fit
Is this tour right for you?
Book this if you want a first dive at $99 per person with pickup included. The 3 hour session includes gear and a PADI book. The booking holds up to 4 people aged 10 to 85 and must include an adult.
Aruba Bob's program fits up to 6 adults aged 18 to 60 at $120 per adult. You arrange your own transport. Underdog fits if you want private instruction at $120 per adult for 2 to 8 people or $150 for a solo adult.
Who it's not for
- Children under 10 and adults over 85 cannot join.
- This dive isn't recommended during pregnancy or with spinal injuries.
- This dive isn't recommended with poor cardiovascular health.
- This session doesn't award scuba certification.
Good to know
Know before you go
The age range is 10 to 85 with up to 4 people per booking. An adult must join the party and the ticket is mobile.
Moderate fitness is required. The activity is not recommended during pregnancy or with spinal injuries. It is also not recommended with poor cardiovascular health.
Scuba equipment and a PADI book are included. You also get water and a snack.
Daily sessions start at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. and last 3 hours. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop off are free.
The program gives you a Certificate of Completion. It does not award scuba certification.
You get a full refund for cancellations at least 24 hours before departure. There's no refund within 24 hours.
Reviews
How is it rated?
Alternatives
Which tour should I choose instead?
For a larger adult booking
Guided Padi Discover Scuba Diving for Non-Certified DiversThe beginner dive accepts adults aged 18 to 60 for $120 per adult. Each booking holds up to 6 people. Photos are free and you arrange your own transport.
★ 5.0 · 53 reviews · from $120 per adult
For private instruction
Aruba Private Scuba Diving for Non certified divers! max 40 ft.The private beginner session gives you your own instructor. It's $120 per adult for 2 to 8 people or $150 for a solo adult. Gear and pickup are included.
★ 4.9 · 281 reviews · from $120 per adult
For a shorter first dive
Small-Group Aruba Scuba Diving for Non-Certified DiversThe beginner shore dive takes 2 hours at 2 p.m. Each instructor takes up to 2 divers at $114 per person plus the BBO fee.
★ 4.9 · 210 reviews · from $114 per adult
Good to know
People also ask
- How much does the Nautilus PADI scuba program in Aruba cost?
The program costs $99 per adult and $99 per youth aged 10 to 17. You get scuba equipment and a PADI book. Water and a snack are included, along with free pickup and drop off.
- Does the Nautilus PADI scuba program in Aruba give me diving certification?
The program gives you a Certificate of Completion, without awarding scuba certification. You spend 3 hours on beginner training and a guided shore dive.
- Can children join the Nautilus PADI scuba program in Aruba?
Children aged 10 to 17 can join for $99 each. You need an adult in the booking, which holds up to 4 people.
- Where does the Nautilus beginner scuba dive in Aruba take place?
The guided shore dive is at Mangel Halto Reef. You practice skills in shallow water first, after a 20 minute video and PADI book work.
- Does Nautilus Dive Center Aruba include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop off are free. Choose 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. when you book.
Prices as Viator lists them, re-read every night; last read October 21, 2026. Times and conditions as of October 15, 2026. Tours book on Viator at Viator's price; if you book through the button, Viator pays us a commission and your price is the same.