Cayman Bound!

[Jean-o]

Hi Cayman fans!
My friend, Rachel, and I have finally booked our trip to Cayman. We are staying at The Reef Resort on the East End May 7-11th.
From what I have learned on this board, I know the diving will be wonderful, but she is concerned about the beach. Her friend told her the East side of the Island was windy, had more Turtle grass and the beach was not as good as 7 mile beach. Now Rachel is nervous about staying there. Can anyone give me some good feedback on the beach there to put her mind at ease?
Drew, you have given me great diving advice. Any opinion on the beach issue?
Thanks for your time and advice!
Jean-o

 

[Drew Sailbum]

The beach is great, and uncrowded. Better than Seven Mile Beach, IMHO.

I work next door so I'll try to snap a digital pic and post it tomorrow.

It is the windward side of the island, bu the beach is protected by a very shallow offshore shoal reef. It's too shallow to sustain living coral at the shoal, but it does knock down the waves and enclose a slightly deeper (6-8ft) area with nice snorkeling.

Drop by the dive shop at Morritt's and say hello while you're down.

 

[Jean-o]

Thanks for the personal opinion Drew! We will definitely stop by! I hope to be able to plan a dive day with Tortuga as well as Ocean Frontiers. Thanks for taking the time to get us a pic also! See you in a couple of weeks!
Jean-o

 

[DiveTyme]

Just got back from the Reef Resort. Say hello to Castro for me. You will have a beautiful beach! We had a great veiw (as all the rooms). The Reef Resort is about 45 min from the airport. It is about 7.5 miles from Rum Point. Dove with O.F. , top notch.
Tim

 

[Pugsly55]

Just got back from the Reef Resort. Say hello to Castro for me. You will have a beautiful beach! We had a great veiw (as all the rooms). The Reef Resort is about 45 min from the airport. It is about 7.5 miles from Rum Point. Dove with O.F. , top notch.
Tim

I just got back from the Reef as well. Rooms were fantastic. Large and clean (had a studio)with full kitchen. Beach was nice, uncrowded, and 5 feet from the back patio. People clear the beach of any natural debris starting early in the morning. Staff was very friendly all over the resort. Ocean Frontiers was great. They gave you as much or as little supervision as you need. The freedom was great. We even got to see some black tip reef sharks, but no hammerheads. The restaurant on premises is ok. Over the Edge and Portifino's were two local restaurants we tried and both were excellent. OTE is cheaper but the service is lacking. The conceirges are very helpful, just ask them for recommendations. The stingray city snorkel trip was also pretty nice. Have a great time.

 

[Jean-o]

Thanks for the reviews guys! I can't wait, and I am sure Rachel will feel better about it now, having had some personal testimonials!
I'll give you a report when we get back!
Jean-o

 

[ScubyDoo]

Jean-o

I'll be staying right next door at Morritts later this year. We like the East End because we like more secluded less crowded resorts. Seven mile beach is nice, but its also very very popular if you know what I mean. I bet you and Rachel will love The Reef. As Drew said, it is the windward side of the island, which I actually prefer. It helps keep you cool when your on the beach catching some rays. We usually like to put a kite up too...Have a great time!!

 

[Jean-o]

Thanks ScubyDoo! I am an RCI member, and originally wanted to stay at Morritts. But we didn't start planning far enough in advance! You'll have to let me know how you like it. I plan to check it out while we are there, and maybe I'll put my bid in for next year.
Have fun on your trip too!
Jean-o