grand cayman help

[scubaskinlvr]

I am so glad I found this forum to get info about Grand Cayman and so much more.

I do not need the pampering of Ritz Carleton but my parents are elderly and I think they would enjoy the pampering.

I figure this is my payback for all they did for me through the years.

I appreciate the info too about the East side being rough.

Since my sister is going to get her initial certification in Grand Cayman, I think the smoother and easier the better.

I do not want to scare her off before she even gets going.

I remember a dive I took early in my diving where the current was so strong that visibility quickly evaporated and the group was split and getting back to the boat was a struggle. I do not want her to have anything but fond memories.

I appreciate the info on the scooters and will likely pass on that as I do like to "stop and smell the roses" rather than experience things at highway speeds.

What do you think about night dives then as an alternative new experience?

And who do you recommend for night diving?

Again, many thanks to cyber friends willing to take the time to share thoughts to help make this a great trip for my folks, my sister and myself.

Forrest

 

[Damselfish]

I wouldn't expect currents or viz problems even on the East end. I don't see a problem with someone getting their certification on the East end, they do it all the time and they would take those people to appropriate sites. HOWEVER, it makes no sense whatsoever to commute out there for that. Actually, someone just getting certified is another reason to stick with one op.

Did I mention, I really think you're best off sticking with one op? Aside from if you want to do some shore diving someplace else.

Another thing about the scooter dive, it's best to have pretty good air consumption. It's a long dive and not everyone makes it all the way. I think we took like 75 minutes and it's actually a bit further now as they moved the destination shop since then. They do have a support boat following which will pick up people as they run low on air, but nicer not to spend half the trip on the boat.

Night diving is great and any good shop will be fine, again first choice might be to just stick with who you're diving days with. Check with the op but often they've will have a night boat dive scheduled on a specific night and maybe do other nights if they have enough people to go. I don't recall if Divetech runs boat dives at night as they have the 2 shore diving locations where you can do night dives. But if you haven't done night diving before it would make sense to book a guided night shore dive.

 

[scubaskinlvr]

Great input.

I will take your advice and just go with one op.

I will be booking with Rob at Divers down and do all diving with them.

i am so excited to finally realize my dream of diving Grand Cayman.

 

[brighteyesLC7]

My boyfriend and I are staying at Cobalt Coast Resort from 12/25-12/29. Our local dive shop recommended it and they have been there a few times. We chose it mostly because of the recommendation from experienced divers/travelers and convenience. All of the diving is from right out the front door and they have packages that include full meals (we heard the food is pretty good). We were looking for something that would allow us to focus our vacation on diving rather than driving! I am looking forward to it and thought I'd throw it out there as an idea for you! I will post a review when we return!

Lisa

 

[ianr33]

What do you think about night dives then as an alternative new experience?

And who do you recommend for night diving?

Forrest

The night diving at the Turtle Farm site (Sundivers) is awesome. (Its a shore dive)

Easy navigation,very easy access and lots to see. If you get lucky the resident school of tarpon in the "cave" will be feasting on silversides. Even saw a Goliath Grouper there once.

When Divetech were at this location they would just leave tanks out if you asked them.Dont know what Sundivers do.

 

[scubaskinlvr]

Sounds great.

I am still loving the feedback and will give a wrap up after my trip

 

[scubaskinlvr]

Thanks

 

[markrovner]

I am also an east end/ocean frontiers diver but last trip i stayed a Cobalt Coast/DiveTech and LOVED it. People are great, divemasters are great, north wall diving is pretty incredible.

Rent a car -- the food at CC is fine, but it gets a bit monotonous. Eats is 15 minutes away, cheap by Cayman standards, and really good.

Go east next time!

 

[scubadada]

We are staying at Cobalt Resort end of February.Any info from divers who have been there would be welcome. Thanks

My boyfriend and I are staying at Cobalt Coast Resort from 12/25-12/29. Our local dive shop recommended it and they have been there a few times. We chose it mostly because of the recommendation from experienced divers/travelers and convenience. All of the diving is from right out the front door and they have packages that include full meals (we heard the food is pretty good). We were looking for something that would allow us to focus our vacation on diving rather than driving! I am looking forward to it and thought I'd throw it out there as an idea for you! I will post a review when we return!

Lisa

My son and I stayed at Cobalt Coast for a week in 2007 and a week in 2008. Arie is a superlative host at Cobalt and will make sure everything works out right. We really enjoyed the the view and space in the 1 bdrm ocean front suites. The meal plan is fantastic with really great food. Easy to make breakfast prior to morning dive, quick lunch before afternoon dives and leisurely dinner. They will accomodate night dives if you let them know in advance.

We did 2 tank morning dives with DiveTech. Very good, smooth operation. We dived independently but they put DMs in the water for guided dives. The West Bay Express DPV dive they offer is really fun. The shore dives at Cobalt Coast and at Lighthouse Point are excellent. We generally do additional afternoon and night boat dives with an operator we've been using for years, Cayman 6 Pack Divers (Cayman Diving School) Cayman Island Scuba Diving - 6 Divers Per Boad Renee Knight is very flexible in scheduling and can help set you up with a plan that meets your needs.

We always rent a car to give us the flexibility to get around whenever we want for shore diving, eating in West Bay, SMB, or Georgetown, or making a run to the grocery or liquor store.

Good diving, Craig

 

[scubaskinlvr]

Thanks for more great input.

I was looking at weather projections for Grand Cayman.

They are expecting some showers and wind a few days.

How would that affect diving plans recommendations for any of my cyber friend, Cayman experts?

Also, I will take the recommendations and rent a car, any suggestions there?

DO they have all the usual US companies?

Thanks again,


Forrest