Where in the Caribbean should I go diving in mid-late November?

[Ironborn]

As Kathy mentioned about Turtle Nest Inn there is also the option of staying in one of the condos which has 2 Bedrooms 2 1/2 baths and plenty of room for 2 couples .

Any questions about the condos feel free to ask...I own there.

Cayman Accommodation :: Turtle Nest Inn, Grand Cayman - Accommotaion Beachfront holiday

It says that the rates are based on two guests - would there be a single supplement?

That is the other problem that I have encountered in trying to find lodgings - the rates (when they actually do list any rates at all - many places don't even list their rates) are usually based on at least double occupancy. The whole lodgings market appears to be heavily biased in favor of couples or larger groups and unfavorable to solo travelers.

 

[Ironborn]

FWIW, This was posted on the Explorer Ventures FaceBook page this morning:

Thank you! That is exactly the type of update that I have been seeking.

 

[EastEndDiver]

The rates are per/room or condo a single would pay what is listed........Is that what you asked about supplement?

 

[KathyV]

Thank you for the suggestion. I looked into it. It is $130-$140 per night - more expensive than the Holiday Inn or Grand Caymanian resort, the cheapest I could find at $120ish.

But having the option to do some simple meal prep will save you a lot of money overall, no kidding. However, DiveTech is at the HI and that would be convenient.

 

[Ironborn]

But having the option to do some simple meal prep will save you a lot of money overall, no kidding. However, DiveTech is at the HI and that would be convenient.

What daily food costs would you estimate for someone who only eats out but limits his dining to simple fare or fast food (e.g. pizza, hamburgers, Chinese, etc.) and avoids fancy table-service restaurants?

I honestly can't remember the last time I prepared my own food; I don't even own a microwave. I am a very stereotypical bachelor and New Yorker and thus always eat out.

 

[EastEndDiver]

Figure food prices a little more expensive than NYC prices......I live in NY so know manhatten.

Also there are fast food places all up and down 7 Mile Beach if you eat that.

 

[KathyV]

Figure food prices a little more expensive than NYC prices......I live in NY so know manhatten. Also there are fast food places all up and down 7 Mile Beach if you eat that.

There are some fast food places and the grocery stores have lunch buffet items. If you are used to NYC prices they are probably similar. The Holiday Inn and the Grand Caymanian are not easily accessible to 7MB, but I think they offer shuttle buses.

 

[EastEndDiver]

There are busses that run up and down 7 Mile Beach I think the fare is $2. (one way) that's Caymanian not US dollars.Some of the hotels have shuttle services you would have to check where they go and at what interval.

 

[Ironborn]

That has also been my experience on most liveaboards, not just Aggressors. They will move the boat if the site seems unsatisfactory in some way but they always try to pick a second site that offers multiple options and will also serve well for a night dive.

@KathyV and @drrich2 Thank you for the clarification.

It seems like many of the terrestrial dive operations have a bias toward certain sides of the island, based on their terrestrial location(s). For example, it seems like those on the western end of the island tend to stick to the western end (where some of the dive sites have suffered some "wear and tear" from diver traffic) or maybe go north when weather permits, but the East End (supposedly the best diving on the island) would be too long of trip for them. By the same token, Ocean Frontiers on the East End would tend to focus on the eastern sites, because that is their backyard. Does that sound right?

Would you say that the Cayman Aggressor IV, as a liveaboard, is free from this terrestrial bias in its coverage of Grand Cayman sites? In other words, is it free(r) to go wherever the best diving is (weather-permitting), regardless of what side of the island it is on?

 

[EastEndDiver]

The Cayman Aggresor usually dives the Sister Islands unless weather will not permit.