Aruba
Dive Jobs & Work Guide
South Caribbean, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Pay Range: USD $1,000-$2,200 /month
Living Cost: USD $800-$1,200 /month
High Season: Dec-Apr, Jun-Aug
Visa Info: TWA Work Permit (employer-sponsored)
Dive Focus: Resort Diving. OW + Wrecks + DSDs
Languages: English, Spanish, Dutch
What's the diving like?
Famous for wrecks like the Antilla and Pedernales, shallow coral reefs, sea turtles, tarpon, and occasional eagle rays. Conditions are easy. 27°C water, 20m+ visibility, light currents, and year-round access. Calm, clear, and predictable Caribbean diving.
Why work here?
Aruba is built for comfort. strong infrastructure, supermarkets, nightlife, and reliable work. It suits instructors and DMs who prefer structured resort diving over remote adventure. Expect steady pay, organised operations, and clear expectations.
When do I apply?
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Main hiring: September–November for the December high season.
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Secondary wave: May–June for the summer tourist period.
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Centres hire year-round but rotate staff frequently as contracts end or cruise traffic shifts.
What's the pay like?
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Instructors: USD $1,500–2,200 /month
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Divemasters: USD $1,000–1,400 /month + tips
Higher rates possible with multilingual skills or cruise ship contracts.
What Visa is needed?
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Most nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days, but working legally requires a TWA Work Permit sponsored by your employer (processing time 6–8 weeks).
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No freelance or self-employment options.
Visa regulations can change, and working without the right visa or permit is illegal. This is general information only. Check Aruba’s Department of Labour and Immigration (DIMAS) for up-to-date rules.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential), Spanish, Dutch, German, and Portuguese are in high demand.
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Dive Focus: Resort-style diving. Mainly Open Water, DSDs, and wreck courses.
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Main Agencies: PADI dominates, SSI is present.
Item | $USD | Local (AWG) |
|---|---|---|
🍺 Beer (bar) | $3-$5 | 5-9 |
📱 SIM Card /month | $15 | 27 |
🏠 Shared rent /month | $500-$1000 | 900-1,800 |
🛵 Transport /month
| $40-$150 | 80-280 |
🍜 Local Meal | $10-15 | 18-27 |
☕ Coffee | $3-$4 | 5-7 |
Costs of Living (Oct 2025 avg)
What's life like at work?
Days start around 07:30 from Palm Beach or Oranjestad. Instructors and DMs typically do 2–3 dives per day, sometimes 4 with afternoon DSDs or night dives. Boats return early afternoon to rinse gear, fill tanks, and log dives.
How's life after work?
Dive pros usually share flats in Noord, Palm Beach, or Oranjestad. Evenings mean food trucks, beach sunsets, or Balashi happy hours. Days off bring snorkelling at Baby Beach, kiting at Boca Grandi, or desert drives through Arikok. It’s sunny, safe, and cashless-friendly. Rent is high, and paperwork is slow.
Is it for me?
Aruba suits divers who value comfort, convenience, and warm-water resort diving. Ideal for sociable instructors and DMs who want stable pay and predictable days. Less suited for those chasing remoteness or depth.
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