Expert: Andy Mendyk - 7/18/2006

Question
Actually I am an experienced diver, just haven't recertified or been diving in quite some time. What does it take to get certified there? And cost? Would it be worth it to only be able to dive maybe once or twice? My wife is not a diver. We will be staying at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino (hope it's nice!) I'm bringing my golf clubs and plan to golf one day while my wife does a spa day. We need to obtain info on that which I think my wife's been trying to do online. How's the cost for food, etc? American money or foreign?  Any recommendations of things to do, places to see, etc. We thought we might rent a car for a day and drive around too! Looking forward to the nightlife as well; any hot spots to recommend? Look forward to hearing back from you. Too bad you won't be there the first 2 weeks of Aug; would have enjoyed meeting you.
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Followup To

Question -
We will be visiting Aruba for our first time in August 2006. We know that Venezuela is near by. Need to know: 1 Are there any special documents required to cross over? 2 If so, are birth certificates ok because we don't have & don't have time to get passports? 3 Can you drive there from Aruba or can you only get there by boat and/or plane? 4 if a plane is the least expensive, approx what would it cost to jump over there to spend the day? 5 off this subject, do you know if you need to be certified to scuba dive in Aruba and if so can we get quickly certified while there? Cost? Recommendation? Sorry, we have several questions and have not been able to find anyone to answer them. It was great to see that Aruba is a 2nd home to you.

Answer -
Hi Zach!  First, you will need passports to go to Venezuela.  Second, I highly suggest not to, due to ongoing uprisings and political unrest. It has become very dangerous there, especially in Caracas. You can get there by plane, and should check prices when you arrive at the airport. Tiara Air has 3 flights a day there.  Unless you bring your own equipment for diving, you can not rent unless you are certificated. There are plenty of dive schools on the Island, and I would assume you would have to start as a beginner. I would recommend snorkeling. Go to Baby or Rogers beach and there is a great view of coral and fish. There are also snorkel tours of a shipwreck a bit up the island also. Check in at the activities kiosk at the hotel you will be staying at, and they will have plenty of info for you on this. Also, as you leave the airport, you should be handed a packet with coupons and brochures. You will find what you are looking for in this manner also! If there is anything else I can help you with, do not hesitate to call on me again!  PS: I will be on the Island myself the last 2 weeks of August!

Answer
Zach: if you are certificated, but not current, bring your certifications with you. Either they will still allow you to rent and dive, or they may have a refresher course. I took a Resort certification ( no prior experience) in 1998, and that was 250.00 .  Your knowledge of diving should way exceed mine!  The Marriott Ren.  I stay at the Marina Tower, and it is beautiful. Right in the downtown area. The wife can go to Okeanos spa, and there is a nice private island which they will shuttle you over from right from the lower hotel lobby. It's a great place there. I spend a week there before I go to my timeshare. Yes...just bring american dollars/travelers checks. USA dollard are accepted everywhere. Prices are not too out of line with what we pay here. Just dont get shocked, as they sometimes display pricing in Aruban Florins which they will convert to dollars when you pay.I wouldnt worry too much. GOlfing..best is Tierra del Sole by the lighthouse, and the Divi Links is new..just opened last year! I am in no way a golfer..but I know there are positive remarks about these 2 places!!  Have fun!!   Too bad..I will be getting there as you are leaving!