Caymans Info Needed!!!

[skinfish]

I am putting together a trip to the Caymans but am not sure on which island would be the best choice for this trip. The trip will be in the spring of 2008, probably Feb or March. Of the 4 of us, 3 are divers and 1 is not. 2 of us will probably dive more than the 3rd. I want to do probably 2 day dives and as many night dives as possible. The non-diver is happy to lay on the beach but also likes to do activities, like snorkeling, etc.

Which island would be best for divers & non-divers alike. I am guessing Grand Cayman but have a feeling this is the most crowded of the islands with cattle boats, over corwded reefs, etc. I may be wrong but am looking to find that out.

Of course, I would like to do the best dive sites they have to offer. This is the first trip to the Caymans but with so many places I want to dive in the world, I will most likely not be back here for many years to come, unless it blows me away!

Is the damage from the hurricane(s) a few years back still visible, to both reefs & structure above water? Did any of the islands get hit worse than the others? What, if anything, should I try to avoid?

As you can see, I am flying blind right now and trying to begin putting something together. Once I have direction of which island would be best suited, I can go from there.

With that said, which operators are recommended for each island? I am looking to possibly get some certifications done there (AOW), any recommendations for places to use for this? How about places to stay? Not looking for the most expensive but not the cheapest either, somewhere in the middle would work. Any all-inclusives down there?

Sorry for the long post but thanks in advance!

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Here we go...

The Sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are ideal for those who want to eat, sleep, and dive. If your non-diver wants shopping or numerous topside attractions then those islands will not be a the best choice for your group.

That hurricane caused noticible changes in many of the dive sites in Grand Cayman. The impact was centered around Grand Cayman, and The Sister Islands escaped much of the fury of the storm. There is still some rebuilding continuing on Grand Cayman, and there are still damaged homes evident in some areas. Nevertheless, things are pretty much back to normal topside in GC.

I suggest you do some further reading on this forum to get a feel for the type of diving your group is looking to do. There are many options available for a wide range of experience.

 

[ianr33]

Take a look at Cobalt Coast http://www.cobaltcoast.com/
Quiet location but not that far to drive into town. Excellent night and shore diving/snorkelling off the dock. Divetech are great for any certification,whether it be OW or Advanced Trimix. Food is delicious.Nice pool/bar area to hang out.
Have never done a boat dive with Divetech,but the North Wall is pretty amazing and they dive it regularly

Going to be back there over Thanksgiving although we are staying in a condo to save $$$$

 

[skinfish]

Thanks for the feedback, it is appreciated. From what I have read, Little Cayman seems to be the best diving but not sure what I would do with the wife! Better work on that one as I would like to dive the best the Caymans has to offer. Do they do any inter-island flights?

Ianr33, what kind of info can you share on the condos for rent? Is there a website for these condos?

Again, I appreciate the advice!

 

[ianr33]

There are inter island flights but once I am there the thought ofgetting on another plane does not appeal to me.
IMHO the best diving is on the East End (checkout www.OceanFrontiers.com) but it is kind of remote and not much for non divers to do.
The West Bay area is a good mix of very good diving and convenience

 

[DLR06]

Just returned in June from GC / dove 4 days with Divetech / had an excellent time / we had good weather / if you do GC and Divetech I would get a rental car.

Thrilled to be diving!!!

 

[susan6868]

Did Cobalt Coast/Divetech last year on Grand Cayman. Great experience, do get a rental car. Arie at the resort can arrange it for you with minimal inconvenience and at the very best price. They will deliver your car to the resort and retrieve it when you specify. The island is neat, lots of different areas to explore. We had a really good time.
Also did Little Cayman a few weeks ago with LCBR/Reef Divers. By far my favorite of the two but we had only divers. I thought the diving was far superior to Grand Cayman, but your non divers may not be happy. The resort is lovely, the food fantastic, the bar at the pool area a lot of fun at night but not much on the island if you're not diving.
One thing to consider is the personality of your non divers. If they are the type who would be content to lay in a hammock on the beach, ride a bike, read a book, and just relax, the resort is a lovely place to simply chill out. If they would prefer shopping, a variety of restaurants, more vigorous nightlife, you need to stay on Grand Cayman.
Little Cayman was a slice of heaven, we had two non divers in our group who were content to lie on the beach and go across the road for an occasional spa treatment.
However, I do have friends who I know would go nuts there from boredom so it's really a matter of what your non divers are looking for.
Good luck, I have limited experience with the Caymans but if you have any specific questions about either resort, feel free to PM me.
PS- my husband and I just booked a trip back to Little Cayman with our two teenagers for next July. We liked it that much and thought there would be enough for them to do there when not diving so I guess that's a testimony.
Lots of traffic on Grand Cayman, you may not see a car all day on Little Cayman. It's all a matter of preference but living in New York, I like to get away from the hustle and bustle when I can!

 

[skinfish]

Thanks for the info. I am really leaning towards Little Cayman as it sounds exactly what I am looking for but not sure about my wife, the non-diver. She does like laying out on the beach & reading though and the spa you mention would be a perfect break. She is a massage therapist and likes to get work done instead of always working on someone else. It might just work!

Thanks again!

Doug

 

[skinfish]

To get to Little Cayman, is it a direct flight or do you have to do an island hopper? If an island hopper, how long of a flight?

 

[carriemak]

From GC to Little Cayman is usually about 35 mins. on Cayman Airways. There are no direct flights that I am aware of.