Cayman East End in Late October?

[dwilli10]

My husband and I are new divers (just got certified in May) and we are thinking of planning a trip to Grand Cayman the last week of October. I understand the diving is best on the east end of Grand Cayman, but I am concerned about how the conditions might be that time of year. Anyone have any opinions on taking our chances on the east end or would we be safer staying in the 7 Mi beach area?

 

[Damselfish]

What conditions are you concerned about? Good chance of windier/rougher conditions in the winter but I would expect October to be fine (assuming no hurricane, but then it won't matter which part of the island you're on.) If you were really adverse to rough water I might suggest avoiding Jan/Feb, perhaps thats a good idea anyway as brand new divers (don't know if you have any experience outside OW or any boat experience.) Otherwise I don't consider it taking any chances, not like they stop diving there any time of the year there is always someplace they can go. From the East End there are still 3 sides of the island they can dive.

 

[EastEndDiver]

The East End can be more windy and rough than the other 3 sides of the island.In april I tried to dive the east end several times and was blown out had to dive either the northwall or west side.Just seems to be more unpredictable on the east end.

 

[dwilli10]

I guess what I'm getting from this is that the east end is unpredictable with respect to windy/rough conditions, but in October it is not likely to be any more or less unpredictable than it is any other time of the year.

 

[EastEndDiver]

I will be on Cayman next week.I own a condo in Boddentown not far from the east end.I will try diving there again this trip and let you know how it goes.

If you are looking to rent a condo let me know mine is 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath just built on the water.

 

[dwilli10]

I will be on Cayman next week.I own a condo in Boddentown not far from the east end.I will try diving there again this trip and let you know how it goes.

If you are looking to rent a condo let me know mine is 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath just built on the water.

Actually I am looking to rent a condo, but I only need a one bedroom. Any suggestions?

 

[Damselfish]

The Reef Resort is an option, it's a timeshare condo place that rents, very nice units. We rented a 1BR there. Ocean Frontiers will pick you up there for diving, it's not far. Or Compass Point, also nice condo units though not as much of a resorty thing going on. OF shop and their boats are located at CP, so it's a little more convienient if you are diving all day. There's also Morritt's Tortuga Club next door to the Reef, but I'm not sure what the rental situation is there, and from what I saw I liked the Reef better. (Though better food at Morritt's, at least when I was there.)

 

[EastEndDiver]

How much are you looking to spend?Have you looked at any places yet?

Our rates for October are :

$159.00 night - $1113.00 a week

$188.00 a night with a car - $1299.00 a week

That is for the condo NOT per person.

I can send pics if you want to see.

Also this is all done through my rental agent on Cayman.

 

[shurite7]

I use to live on the East End and worked for Ocean Frontiers (OF).

October isn't to bad. When I was there October was quite decent.

December through February can be a little bit rough, especially when going through the channel. Still, I have had some great dives during those months.

Yes it is windy on the East End, but there are 3 options for places to dive, south side, east side and north side. If the winds are strong out of the south then we went north. If they came out of the north we went south. If you are prone to sea sickness take some medication. Jolly ranchers are nice to have. Although they are not a 'cure all', they help to distract the mind and clear away the nasty taste should you feel like feeding the fish. Keep in mind, if you feel sea sick during the surface interval still dive the second dive, you will feel much better.

From OF the divesites are not far, as short as 5 minutes and as long as 35 minutes. The east end is well known for it's swim through's and reef formations. On the south side most of the shallow dives have plenty of swim throughs or you can avoid them if you wish and swim along the mini wall.

OF does keep up it's rental gear. At the end of each day all the gear (including customers) was rinsed and hung up to dry. The rental regs were dipped into a sanitizer (just the mouth piece) then hung up to dry.

During your surface interval your gear is changed over to a new tank by the staff leaving you time to relax and enjoy the sun.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

EASTENDDIVER, is this Mike or Kathy?

Cheers

Chris

 

[EastEndDiver]

No neither Mike or Kathy .Sorry