Coming on cruise-dive op recommendation?

[cavdeb]

Hi guys! Just certified in Key Largo past weekend with Silent World and MsParamedic, a SB member. Thanks for the advice on that! Need some more advice: We've already booked a cruise that stops in Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Belize for diving in July. For lots of good reasons, we're using the cruise ship's excursions for Cozumel and Belize. But given our schedule and that we just bought our own gear, we're thinking we'll save some $$ and have better dives in Grand Cayman if we cancel the cruise ship excursion and strike out on our own. I've read Eden Rock and Abanks' are good dive ops and convenient to the cruise dock. Any comments or other recommendations?
Thanks!

 

[Doc]

In that you "just certified" this last weekend, I would suggest you go with what the cruise ship lays out for you. You are going to be so busy diving, you really won't be able to see what little else a "better" GC dive might offer. Try it again in 50 or 75 dives.

For now, go with the cruise ship crowd, you will be treated well, watched over, and learn a few things as well. You really can't beat Sting Ray City for a fun dive.

 

[cavdeb]

Ouch. Even a new diver can appreciate a higher quality dive op and less "let's play follow the leader, kids." I spent the last 2 dives of my OW cert trying to avoid another student; freaked out, buoyancy and peripheral vision impaired. :shakehead [And I forgot to mention that hubby is certified 20+ years, but mostly dove Southeast Asia.] Can we try this again, please; recommendations for a dive op within walking distance of cruise pier in Georgetown?

 

[cowjazz]

Not walking distance from Georgetown, but a short taxi ride to Seven Mile Beach you can meet up with Seasports. They'll pick you up right on the beach.

http://www.bestdivingingrandcayman.com/

I used them on as cruise in January '06, and was not disappointed. Their late departure (10:00 a.m.) was most condusive to our port times. We'll probably use them again in when we return in January '07. Small dive group, and catered to all experience levels. They let you dive your computer's profile.

We thought about Eden Rock for some shore diving, but the Cayman website made us think twice about shore diving from Eden Rock. Concerning Eden Rock (North and South) and Devils Grotto (North and South) it said "Years of diving and the effects of storms have taken its toll on the coral, but the sunlit tunnels are still a great place to swim with tarpon and baitfish." Sounded too iffy to us.

Maybe someone will chime in with a recent report on Eden Rock or Devil's Grotto, and confirm or dispell this information.

 

[cavdeb]

That looks great - just what I had in mind but didn't find on my own. Thanks!