diving Grand Caymen on Nov 20th (Maybe)

[diverrick]

My wife and I are arriving in Grand Cayman, on Nov. 20th 2003, on the Carnival Paradise.
Our problem is that we arrive at 9:30 AM Miami time, I am told... and we leave at 5:00 Pm. (not GC time)
All of the places we have contacted for a two tank dive, have given me some lame excuse for why they cannot accomidate us.
Does any one know of a dive operation that'll take us out under the conditions specified? We were there earlier this year and dove off the bank behind Eden Rock, and enjoyed it very much, but they have not even responded to my e-mails for a boat dive. Red Sail, and Bob Soto's also blew us off due to scheduleing problems.
I wish to book a trip outside of the cruise line, as they always add another additional charge onto the rip for themselves.
Thanks;-0

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Let me apologize on behalf of all dive operators in Grand Cayman.

Only the ship's chosen operator can do pick ups from the ship. To dive with another operator, you will need to allow time to ride the cruise ship tenders to and from shore.

Most morning departures are quite a bit earlier than your arrival time. To serve you on your schedule, an operator would have to have a very late start and effectively eliminate any chance at an afternoon run. Lame excuse? No, just business.

You are coming in peak season and many dive operators will be quite busy. I'm sure your cruise ship will be able to arrange diving for you. Since you cannot make the schedule of operators serving on-island guests, you may need to pay a premium to have a space on a boat that the cruise line arranges.


BTW, in November Miami time is Cayman time. We don't do the daylight savings time things here, so in winter we're on east coat time and by summer we're on Central time.

 

[diverrick]

Thanks for all the info. I guess I should have been clearer on what I meant by pick us up at the dock. I was speaking of picking us up in a van, or car out on the road, where all the cabs are. not at the dock per se.
I am still going to hold out for a privately done dive, I am sure it would be a cheaper deal.
I guess if all else fails, I could do the dive trip off the cruise ship or dive from some of the shore access points.