GC Real diving even if arriving on cruise ship?

[EastEndDiver]

Since Sting Ray City is a hugh "attraction", how do these dive operators handle diving there?

I went to a couple of sites listed above and both mentioned trips to Sting Ray City.

I have seen pictures of 20+ boats at a single time there, it doesn't seem like much fun with that many people wading around in the shallows.

I would not mind diving it (if it gets deeper than 4'), but not with that many people in the water stomping around...back to the Cattle Drop analogy.

~Michael~

The dive is about 12' not 4' and pick a day with no cruise ships in.

Here is the ship schedule page:

Ship Schedules

 

[danvolker]

I don't know that I would bother with StingRay City....it is too commercialized, too many people, and the Rays are not acting in a natural manner...and...do you really care that much about Sting Rays? If so, then sure, go for it...if not, the Wall is much more memorable, and the reefs from shore to the wall are enough to keep you snorkeling on for many hours per day.

 

[billinwilliamston]

Since you're on a cruise ship, you can't avoid the other cruise ship passengers. So I would pass on stingray anything on this trip. It's not always as pictured, in fact you'll pretty much have the place to yourself if you go some afternoon when there are no cruise ships in port.

In addition to the aformentioned operators, you can take a short walk to several shore dives. Eden Rock - Devils Grotto and Sunset House are a couple that are easy walks and decent dives. They have equipment on-site. You won't be babysat unless you want to be and there are convenient options for a cold beverage once your tanks are empty. The wall at sunset house is nice and a relatively easy swim. You could also hop a ride up to Lighthouse reef or cobalt coast for a shore dive as well. You should know that the top of the wall generally ranges between 70 and 100 feet in most places, so don't over dive your experience.

Have fun!

 

[SailNaked]

Thanks for the ideas, I have never been to GC so it all helps with a picture of what the deal is. I have to laugh with yall at my use of "real" diver, maybe that was not as descriptive as could have been. I have over 500 ocean dives so sand is not my thing. not sure how to say that in a few words. we love rays, but would not like the ray dive in the sand unless we approached it from the sea side and were all alone,

 

[releck97]

Bill makes a strong case. Another great choice is to rent a vehicle from Andy's (on 7MB and with pier pick-up) and drive up to the Cracked Conch for amazing shore diving for $10 a bottle and a wonderful lunch at Macabuca. When cruise ship diving, we always shore dive in G.C.

 

[pasley]

I dove the GC when I was there on a cruise ship (Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize and Cozumel, 2 dives in every port). I went with the operator booked through the cruise ship. Advantage - The dive boat does not leave until you are there and the cruise ship does not leave until you get back. You have limited time in GC. The wall dive is nice and they have a purpose sunk wreck there in 60 feet. The dive boats are not all that big and you will have most likley 10 at the most from the cruise ship. Another advantage is they want the cruise ship business and if there is an issue the cruise ship is there for you. Should be no problem. I skiped sting ray city for diving the wall.

 

[releck97]

I dove the GC when I was there on a cruise ship (Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize and Cozumel, 2 dives in every port). I went with the operator booked through the cruise ship. Advantage - The dive boat does not leave until you are there and the cruise ship does not leave until you get back. You have limited time in GC. The wall dive is nice and they have a purpose sunk wreck there in 60 feet. The dive boats are not all that big and you will have most likley 10 at the most from the cruise ship. Another advantage is they want the cruise ship business and if there is an issue the cruise ship is there for you. Should be no problem. I skiped sting ray city for diving the wall.

meh. The dive is actually in the harbor, just outside the Cayman Diving Lodge. You can rent a bottle from them for a lot less than the cruise line charges. As someone who has done dozens and dozens of dives on island, let's just say that this dive is not representative of the Caymans.

 

[EastEndDiver]

meh. The dive is actually in the harbor, just outside the Cayman Diving Lodge. You can rent a bottle from them for a lot less than the cruise line charges. As someone who has done dozens and dozens of dives on island, let's just say that this dive is not representative of the Caymans.

The Doc Polson is in about 50' and not in the harbor which is probably the wreck that Paslay is reffering to (nice easy dive),you are probably thinking of the Cali which is right in front of the dive shop.

 

[releck97]

Could be East End. I know it's commonplace for cruise ship divers and snorkelers to be taken in droves to the Cali. I've never been on the Doc Polson. When we cruise in, we normally go up to Sun Divers or down to Sunset House. No worries about timing, cuz we're in charge.

 

[diversteve]

I'd call Indigo, they keep a boat in the sound so it would be likely on a full boat charter (5 of you would be one) that they'd take you out to the North Wall. Ghost Mountain is a real good dive but it's very weather dependent. Hammerhead Hill is a good alternative and double on Eagle Ray Pass coming back in. Ambassador goes out there also. Some idea of what to expect: www.idiveglobal.com