Grand cayman - a dive destination anymore?

[fishfriend]

I am very sad to report that after my second trip to Grand Cayman after 11 years during December, I am unable to consider Grand Cayman a dive destination any longer. Like many other places, the reef is deteriorated to be an underwater desert especially in the west. Last time in 2012 december we went with west bay divers. THis time in 2022 december I think we went with divetech but can't remember. There was nothing going on underwater, very little fish. Maybe turtles but really not a very healthy ecosystem overall.

If someone tells me North wall is better, I would like to believe them with reservations.

 

[boulderjohn]

That was my impression this past year as well--lots of gray rock that was once vibrant coral.

 

[Luca Brasi]

Seems as though many people refuse to accept the truth. They talk about amazing dives in areas that are no longer amazing. Any dive is a fun dive but…,,

 

[ROUS]

A dive group was circled by a manta ray last week--on the west side. Four years of hot water has been tough on the entire Caribe, but it's getting better. I can't wait for my next trip there. For my next trip, I'll probably split my time between the east and west sides.

 

[fishfriend]

Please let me know other places that are still pristine and also those that deteriorated. I am not almost scared to pay and plan a trip around snorkeling and diving. Hawaii's Kahaluu bay is no longer a beginner snorkeling destination - rather a treacherous beach with exposed rocks and no coral. These are the ones that I have returned and noticed. Any more?

 

[diverswifey]

A dive group was circled by a manta ray last week--on the west side. Four years of hot water has been tough on the entire Caribe, but it's getting better. I can't wait for my next trip there. For my next trip, I'll probably split my time between the east and west sides.

am looking at east side- Ocean Frontiers for November- any comments or help?

 

[Damselfish]

Seems as though many people refuse to accept the truth. They talk about amazing dives in areas that are no longer amazing. Any dive is a fun dive but…,,

I’ve been diving for like 35 years so there’s definitely a lot of disappointment to be had on Grand Cayman and the Carribean in general. My current attitude is to get wet and enjoy what I can. Instead of rushing to get in 4 dives a day, we might do 2 then enjoy an umbrella drink by the pool with a good book and a nice dinner. Or go sightseeing. We will only do the Pacific so much, so for quicker and closer I’ve been getting more attracted to hitting some places that aren’t the usual big dive destinations we’ve done a bunch, so at least we’re seeing a new place. (While secretly harboring the hope that some of these less dove places might somehow be better now.)

But someone’s view of it all depends a lot on when they saw it first. Relatively new divers don’t know what things used to look like, so it might look great to them. I’ve traveled a couple times in the last year or so with a fairly new diver and she’s still excited about everything. Her instructor husband has been diving way longer than me, he is depressed to see the state of things now and just happy that she enjoys it. (We have a pacific trip planned, hopefully that doesn’t completely destroy her enthusiasm…)

 

[ROUS]

am looking at east side- Ocean Frontiers for November- any comments or help?

I've no past experience with them, but that's who I will be diving with this year. They have a great reputation. I'll be booking Ethan as a private guide and I've dived with him before elsewhere. Enjoy your trip. I love that island.

 

[gratefulmjc]

Ethan and Trevor did some private guiding for us in October. We asked for them again for our trip in April...awesome guys.

Go Blues!

PS...the entire staff is top notch.

 

[Doctorfish]

No doubt the reefs throughout the Caribbean have taken a huge hit from bleaching, stony coral disease, fishing pollution, overpopulation etc; but GC still represents a chance to blow bubbles in clear water with a relatively short plane ride to get there, low crime rate and lots of activities for non divers.

GC ain't what it used to be as a dive destination, but every once in a while you see something that blows you away.

My personal problems with Grand Cayman relate to traffic jams, drunk drivers, and very high cost of accommodation and dining. GC is not my favorite Caribbean dive destination, but if my dive buddies are going there, I'm still in.