dive operator reference

[Nardulli]

Hi All,
Heading to Cayman mid next week - last time I used Red Sail, principally because I stay at the Westin, and they have service there. But, never again -

So... I will be diving with my newly certified 13 year old Son - any suggestions?

Jim

 

[nfarrar]

Dive tech is a great operation. They have 2 locations on the north side of the Island. I have heard great things about Sunset House but never been.

 

[ian.b]

indepth water sports is a great operation and fun boat to be on. we have been diving with them a few times and plan to be repeat customers again. you can contact them through their email or facebook.

Indepth Watersports - Grand Cayman Scuba Diving on a One-of-a-kind Converted Navy Seal RIB

 

[Doctorfish]

I like Wall to Wall and Dive N Stuff.

Both work North and West, have big boats and take our small groups with valet type service. I'm sure there are other great operators on the island but these are my favorites.

 

[caymaniac]

I like "Wall to Wall" too, if posible get some dives on the North Wall.

 

[Alex777]

Hi All,
Heading to Cayman mid next week - last time I used Red Sail, principally because I stay at the Westin, and they have service there. But, never again -

So... I will be diving with my newly certified 13 year old Son - any suggestions?

Jim

The comments so far are missing an important point. Your son has a depth limit of 60 feet but you will be diving with him.
All the dive ops do a deep dive followed by a shallow dive.
The deep dives are SOMETIMES in locations where the top of the wall is around 60 feet, but not necessarily.
If other divers are on the boat, they will likely be requesting dive sites for the 1st dive where you and your son cannot enjoy yourselves.

I say: Spend most of your time doing shore dives (which are often 60' or less) and do the odd afternoon shallow dive from a boat (Don Foster's has shallow dives every afternoon).
This will also save you some money.

 

[tkaelin]

Alex raises an important point and issue. Padi 10-12 year old has a depth limit. 13-14 does not. The only limit on the 13-15 is that they have to dive with an adult. I know this because this was an issue while my son was 13-14 and I encountered more than one dive op that was under the mistaken impression that the depth limit applied to 13-14 year olds. I had one dive op insist on showing me his PADI manual. The limit he referred to was while they were training and before they were certified. I have confirmed with PADI that the depth limit does not apply to 13-14. Nevertheless it is important to be aware of that A. some dive ops don't understand the limit and B. regardless it is within the dive ops discretion to impose a limit if they are not comfortable with a 13-14 diving at a certain depth. Definitely something to discuss with the op before signing up for dives. Enjoy.

 

[releck97]

The comments so far are missing an important point. Your son has a depth limit of 60 feet but you will be diving with him.
All the dive ops do a deep dive followed by a shallow dive.
The deep dives are SOMETIMES in locations where the top of the wall is around 60 feet, but not necessarily.
If other divers are on the boat, they will likely be requesting dive sites for the 1st dive where you and your son cannot enjoy yourselves.

I say: Spend most of your time doing shore dives (which are often 60' or less) and do the odd afternoon shallow dive from a boat (Don Foster's has shallow dives every afternoon).
This will also save you some money.

OW limitation is 60-70 ft regardless of whether a diver is 13 or 93. (40 ft. if less than 13). Technically, a diver needs AOW to go deeper. Most wall dives on Grand Cayman are closer to 100 ft. This may take some q&a with operators. Excellent shore dives that can stay within the profile of an OW diver include Sunset House, Divetech and Turtle Reef (Sunset Divers).

Good Diving,

Capt. Rick

 

[diversteve]

Sunset House, Divetech and Turtle Reef (Sunset Divers).

Sunset Divers is the Sunset House dive operator. I think you meant Ollen Millers SunDivers - which afaik doesn't have a website. I think Turtle Reef is the best of them. As mentioned above both Divetech shore dives - Cobalt Coast and Lighthouse Point - have a shallower component.

You might also contact Jason at Ambassador Divers - they're located at Comfort Suites - as I believe they'll go with as few as 2 divers.

and small groups of only 2 to 8 divers.

Dive sites for beginners, families and experienced divers
Wrecks, reefs and fantastic wall dives
Singles, families, kids, groups

 

[Wolfie]

Seasports. If you are at the Weston he picks you up by boat right on the beach and can plan a dive where your son is on top of the wall while others venture lower. Great personal service and a small group.

On the shallow side I also highly recommend shore dive at turtle reef. Sunset house is also a great shore dive. He is just learning, these great shore dives save a lot of money and worry while providing a great experience with no rush or hassle.