Curacao or Grand Cayman?????

[orty]

My wife and I are planning to take off next week to dive for 7 days, and can't decide between Caracao or Grand Cayman (already checked and no problem with flights, if we decide quick). We have about 20 dives each, mostly in Cozumel, which we love, but just looking for a change. We are not experienced enough to know what we like. We like everything (but prefer big fish to macro). If Cayman, are we OK staying at the East End? It seems a bit secluded, and that is why we like it. But at the same time we were wondering whether we may not be positioning ourselves properly geographically if we want to dive elsewhere on the island. We would have a car so I assume that resolves any traveling issues. We were thinking the Reef Resort if the East End. Any thoughts or input would br greatly appreciated. thank you very much.

Ort

 

[Alex777]

The Island is only 23 miles long. On the N Coast, you could drive from the Reef Resort (on the Eastern tip) to Rum Point, which is as far as you can go, in 25 minutes. On the S Coast, you can drive to George Town in 50 minutes from the Reef. In about 70 minutes you can be at Turtle Reef (a shore dive you will enjoy) and in 80 minutes at Cobalt Coast, which is the far Western end of the Island. The driving is pleasant, IMHO, & navigation is easy. I would stay at the Reef and make use of the car for some shore diving & restaurant meals.

 

[carriemak]

Grand Cayman & Ocean Frontiers would be a great vacation!

 

[PermanentlyNarced]

Been to Cayman twice and Curacao once, so my experience is somewhat limited but I thought I would give my 2 cents.

Cayman diving on the West side (SMB) is normally very easy diving with little to no current and minimal surge. The coral is in pretty good condition. Marine life in my experience is medium to small, but abundant. Can usually come across a turtle and/or a ray on a lot of the dives. Can't say enough about Stingray City. Something that you just have to experience. I have not dove on the East side and have done only one dive on the North (Ghost Mountain), and by most accounts on here that is better diving than the West. The wall in Cayman is very impressive.

Curacao diving was not as 'easy' as the Cayman diving. We had surge and a current on most of the dives, but nothing of concern. Most of our boat dives were drift dives like you would be used to from Cozumel. I think that the coral reefs in Curacao were in better shape than the West side of Cayman and the marine life tended to be a little larger although a little less abundant.

Both are great places and we enjoyed each place, you can't really go wrong with either place. Personally, I prefer Cayman. If you haven't done Stingray City I would recommend going there for that experience. I have done that dive both times that I have been to Cayman and plan on doing it again when we go there in April.

 

[jdcpa]

Been to both places.

Curacao, Curacao, Curacao is my vote. Westpunt is the choice on Curacao.

More later when I get more time.

 

[The Mighty Thor]

I have not been to Curacao, but recently went to the East End for my first trip to Grand Cayman. We stayed at the Reef Resort and dived with Ocean Frontiers, and could not have been happier. It's secluded, but there is still a small market, liquor store and ATM across the street and several very good restaurants nearby, so it's not like you are completely away from all civilization. You are not near any cruise ships, gigantic hotels or tourist traps. Just beautiful beach and great diving.

 

[AquaExplorer]

That picture does not even look real Thor!

 

[billinwilliamston]

Seeing The Mighty Thor's picture makes me "homesick".

 

[BuckBuck]

Dove the East End last year and loved it. Stayed at Compass Point, which was very quiet, and part of what made the trip so great. Booked again for this summer, so clearly it made an impression.
As for getting around, if you have a car, you're fine. We drove to 7 mile beach and other spots a couple of days - it was quick enough so that when we realised we'd be happier back on the East End, we were only a short drive home.

 

[seger005]

been to both - Cayman once and Curacao four times. I think that gives you my opinion. reefs in Curacao were in much better shape than on Grand Cayman. Have not been to little cayman or cayman brac so can't provide an opinion on those.