Caymans vs Bahamas

[Jim C]

Caymans vs Bahamas
Has anyone dove both of these and which is better or are they about the same.
I am not concerned with accomodations only the underwater aspects.

Thankyou

 

[BDSC]

Caymans vs Bahamas
Has anyone dove both of these and which is better or are they about the same.
I am not concerned with accomodations only the underwater aspects.

Thankyou

The Caymans by a long shot. Especially if you are talking about Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. I've dove both and to me, it's not even close.

BDSC

 

[fppf]

I will let you know the end of May, we are going to Freeport.
However, I do think Little cayman will be hard to beat.

 

[keytofreedom]

Little Cayman has the best diving of any place I've been. The Bahamian diving I've done is limited to the reefs around Bimini and Eleuthera's Harbor Island, so that narrows my view, but I'll echo BDSC's opinion....not even close. Little Cayman has the best viz and the most sea life you could ever want. And, if you go, I recommend Little Cayman Beach Resort. I believe they offer special rates in August, if you can wait that long.

 

[Doc]

When you say "Bahamas", most people think immediately and only of Grand Bahama (Freeport) and Nassau. Underwater, they are pretty deteriorated. The locals can be a bit used to dealing for 50 years with US Easterners coming down for long weekends.

There are a couple of other small rocks out on the horizon that also fly the Bahamian Flag. They are an absolute delight, both above and below the seas~ the locals as well!

Unfortunately, most people only know the two most well known, the cruise ship ports.

See also Great Exuma, Eleuthera, Cat, San Salvador and the other rocks.

I would match the diving of San Salvador to Little Cayman at any turn. It is different in every way but just as enjoyable. Having been all over Cayman and many of the out islands of the Bahamas, I have a base of reference. Take a look: Out Islands Map

Recommendations for Bahamas? Riding Rock Inn of San Sal Riding Rock Inn Resort

 

[robint]

Bahamas by liveaboard (Nekton or Explorer) is fantastic diving! Great sites and 4-5 dives per day, sharks and more sharks. We just returned from Nekton's new itinerary - Medio Reef - which was fabulous diving. Nekton Diving Cruises - Comfort, Stability, Worldclass Diving Underwater was gorgeous, pristine reefs, tons of fish, massive turtles, and sharks sharks and more sharks. NO we didn't do any feeds, we had them in their natural environment. I will be posting a trip report with VIDEOs soon. Our first Nekton trip was to Cay Sal Bank which was fantastic, too. Lots of deep blue holes and sharks.... There have been several trip reports recently for the Explorer boat which does the Bahamas area over by San Salvador and everyone loved the diving. Explorer Ventures: Adventures in Live-Aboard Diving

We haven't been to Caymans but after discussing it with other guests and our crew on the Nekton Rorqual last week, they all said that the diving was equal to Little Cayman. We hope to do the Cayman itinerary on the Nekton Pilot next year when they move back over there from Belize. It is a great way to do all 3 islands.

 

[caymaniac]

I have been to both places. I have been to the normal Bahamas Island of Nassau (New Providence), Freeport, and Eluthera.
I do believe Doc Adelman has a valid point about San Salvador.
I have been to all three Cayman Islands many times.
If you compare what I've seen to the Caymans then there is no comparison as Cayman would win. Turks & Caicos is really on the edge of the Bahamian chain and I would say that T&C is nearly as good as Little Cayman.
What I've noticed is that in the Bahamas (that I've been to) does not have the numbers of fish nor quite the variety found (but the variety is close) as in the Caymans.

 

[Jim C]

Thanks for the info.
If I go to the bahamas it will be on my boat. So I would be going to the main island I suppose or there abouts.

 

[diver 85]

Thanks for the info.
If I go to the bahamas it will be on my boat. So I would be going to the main island I suppose or there abouts.

Even with your own boat, you'll enjoy the diving much better @ LC---Bloody Bay Wall is hard to beat...

 

[Papa_Bear]

Main Island? If your talking Grand Bahama they have some great wrecks to dive! And Shark Junction is very nice dive site! So I am not sure what you would call the main island?