Aruba or Grand Cayman?

[charlie2772]

I know this is a nice problem to have, but I am an Instructor with 2 job offers! The first is Bob Sotos reef Divers on Grand Cayman and the second is Red Sail Sports, Aruba.

I have never been to the Caribbean. All things being equal regarding the job specs, which island and which dive shop o any of you guys have an opinion on. The job would be for at least a year. Just how good is the diving out there and how expensive are these islands?

Thanks a lot
Charlie

 

[TedJ]

IMHO, having been a visitor to both (Aruba once and Cayman for two weeks each year in March for the last ten years)

1. Both operators are fairly large scale.
2. Cayman is much more expensive to eat, live, drive, etc.
3. Diving in Cayman is light years beyond Aruba.
4. Aruba has casinos!
5. Cayman is more Americanized.
6. Traffic on West Bay on Cayman can be horrendous.
7. After your year get out to the East End of Cayman!

If it was me I would pick Cayman, but that's as a visitor.

Good luck.
TedJ

 

[Drew Sailbum]

and you have a Private Message stating why.

The diving is much better on Grand Cayman. The windsurfing is much better on Aruba.

Aruba is more European, with the Dutch influence. Cayman is a bit strict in societal standards.

Working on the west side of Grand Cayman puts you living in a much more expensive location. You'd need to share housing with other instructors.

Lots of things to consider when making a move like this. I love living on GC, but don't think I'd take the offer you have here.