Cozumel vs. The Cayman Islands?

[rainbowangel]

Hi!

My husband, myself, and a who friends (all recently certified) are trying to make a decision on where to take our first diving trip and any advice possible would be much appreciated!

We're planning our trip for the beginning-middle November. Currently, I think we've gotten it down to debating between the Cayman Islands (we'd most likely be staying on Cayman Brac) or Cozumel. Both sound like they are beautiful places to visit... I was hoping anyone who has been to one or both places could give some advice on which sight might be better for beginner divers (if either)? Or which you personally prefer and maybe a lil bit about why?

Thanks bunches in advance!!
Marcia

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

I have been to the Brac, Little Cayman, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. If money were no object and I had the choice it would be a toss-up between LC and Coz. Cozumel definitely has more topside and world-class diving below to boot. If I was going back to the sister islands I would definitely go to Little Cayman before I returned to the Brac. The best diving by far is Bloody Bay Wall and Jacksons Reef on Little. Just look at any Brac trip report and they all say the same thing "don't miss out on a chance to take the 45 minute boat ride to Little Cayman cause its the best diving of the trip." Why not just stay there? Be aware that there is nothing to do topside in Little except sleep, eat and bend your elbow. It was perfect for us though. . .good food, great accommodations and nothing to do but dive, dive, dive. For a beginner it is pretty easy as long as you keep an eye on your depth gauges. Its easy to get deep quick. I don't think you could go wrong with either choice but I would lean towards Little Cayman over Coz just cause its so unique and relatively untrodden. Good luck!

 

[*Scuba*Princess*]

Hi Rainbowangel,
Congrats on your recent certification. What a nice dilema,....hmmmm....Caymen or Coz? I too have been to both and enjoyed both alot. Not as lucky as TurtleDiver to have stayed at LC but did visit the beautiful Bloody Bay. We stayed on Brac. Incredibly relaxing & quiet, Coz on the other hand you'll find tons of topside fun.
As far as the diving goes, my question would be how comfortable are you in the water? Coz is rich in sea life & the currents can really move. Its a fabulous ride if you are comfortable in just going with the flow. Brac doesnt have the currents as such so you are able to meander around at your own speed & see what you want. I think the DM's in Brac may be more attentive to newer divers, Coz seemed to be "jump in the water & we're goin to 90' no matter to what level & when you were certified." (thats my take on it). Overall I think I enjoyed the rich & abundant reefs in Coz best, but hey the best part is you can do one location this November & do the other next year & decide for yourself.
Enjoy!
sp

 

[rainbowangel]

Thanks for the advice!

We hadn't even thought of staying on Little Cayman (we're looking into it now)! We talked to our dive instructor yesterday and he said the same thing both of you did.

Thanks again!
Marcia

 

[Kevin&LynnAbyss]

Thanks for the advice!

We hadn't even thought of staying on Little Cayman (we're looking into it now)! We talked to our dive instructor yesterday and he said the same thing both of you did.

Thanks again!
Marcia

Hi Marcia

Either one will be great. I agree with everything mentioned. We actually did our check out dives in Grand Cayman. Not as cool as LC or Brac but very nice. Little pricey on food/drink but very cool.

The currents in Coz are very easy and manageable. The key is don't fight it,just remember your skills and enjoy the cruise. If you do go to Coz let us know. We have been therefive times and have a little insight on the diving, food, lodging etc. Even with the cruise ship stuff it is still a cool little mexico trip that we love. With that in mind we are also exploring Little Cayman. You have most liekly discovered a neat part of diving. Where to go! Make a wish list. There is nothing like it.

Have fun.

Kevin

 

[Kevin&LynnAbyss]

Thanks for the advice!

We hadn't even thought of staying on Little Cayman (we're looking into it now)! We talked to our dive instructor yesterday and he said the same thing both of you did.

Thanks again!
Marcia

Hi Marcia

Would you like to see some pictures from Cozumel reefs that took me forever to capture?
Can you tell I have not been diving for a while? I have to live vicariously.

Kind regards

Kevin

 

[domino22]

We were looking at Little Cayman for Jan or Feb and when I looked at the cost I thought to myself for that much I could dive two weeks plus in Coz. Never dove Little Cayman, may never be able to afford it. But would like too!

 

[icyman]

I have to agree with most everything the above divers said, especially domino22 you can get in two weeks of diving at Coz for the cost of one week at LC. It is beautiful though. I personally would do Coz. I love the area plus I can go visit some ruins nearby at Tulum and Chitzen itza. I love hiking around these or Coba when I am not diving. Either way the diving is great at both locations.

 

[DrifterEd]

I am going to Cozumel in December and staying at 'Cozumel Hotel" diving with "Dive Paradise" I am ow/advanced!...Any recommendations,comments on either...thanks

 

[domino22]

I am going to Cozumel in December and staying at 'Cozumel Hotel" diving with "Dive Paradise" I am ow/advanced!...Any recommendations,comments on either...thanks

Not sure about dive op or hotel but good choice on Coz. But I can recomend some good food pm me. And have fun.