Grand Cayman in Dec - trying to decide what side of the island to dive-we have a car

[Lopez116]

Alex, to be honest I was a little disappointed with Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto. Your description of grey and beaten up is accurate. Both those sites have really cool reef structure, but the coral is lackluster and the fish activity isn't as vibrant as up north.

We definitely prefer shore diving. Is there any good shore diving elsewhere along the south (as you're heading past Smith's Cove and further south)?

 

[billinwilliamston]

Alex, to be honest I was a little disappointed with Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto. Your description of grey and beaten up is accurate. Both those sites have really cool reef structure, but the coral is lackluster and the fish activity isn't as vibrant as up north.

We definitely prefer shore diving. Is there any good shore diving elsewhere along the south (as you're heading past Smith's Cove and further south)?

If you don't mind a little swim, the wall at Sunset House is a nice dive. We generally swim out to at least the mermaid and drop down there. Top of the wall is at 70 to 100 feet depending on where you hit it. Watch your depth as it's easy to go deeper than you planned.

 

[Alex777]

Alex, to be honest I was a little disappointed with Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto. Your description of grey and beaten up is accurate. Both those sites have really cool reef structure, but the coral is lackluster and the fish activity isn't as vibrant as up north.

We definitely prefer shore diving. Is there any good shore diving elsewhere along the south (as you're heading past Smith's Cove and further south)?

Yah, Eden Rock / Devil's Grotto is a bit past its prime although I still enjoy diving there occasionally.

Turtle Reef and Cobalt Coast have excellent shore dives. At both sites, try to make it out to the Main Wall for that "North Wall feeling".

Many here like Lighthouse Point as well. I am lukewarm about it. On the NE side, Babylon and some other sites are shore dives for experienced divers. Nipi knows of all kinds of obscure shore dives - maybe he will post a comment.

 

[ianr33]

Many here like Lighthouse Point as well. I am lukewarm about it.

Agree the close in mini wall is not so great. Love the main wall though.

 

[Lopez116]

Thanks guys. I love this forum.

Just got back from a long not so great day at the office. Reading the GC forum on SB is my way of mentally escaping reality.

You guys who get to dive GC everyday have no idea how lucky you are!

 

[Sunny2012]

Check out: http://www.caymanactivityguide.com/map-dive-sites.html There is a nice map showing many of the dive sites and locations on island.

I've had some great dives on the NorthWall (LemonWall) and EdenRock/Devil's Grotto (silversides were in) in July and August of this year. Sunset House has some easy shore dives as does Turtle Reef and Smith's Cove. Kittiwake is worth a visit, some great photo ops inside and out on the wreck.

Wherever you choose, have a great time and safe diving!

 

[SAPIUS]

I primarily dive the East End meaning from Frank Sound (south side) to Old Man Bay (north side) and will confess my preference since I have a place at Gun Bay. I find the 'East End' dive sites more pristine particularly north side wall dives and many of the 'shallow' reef dives. Go to this link for some really good descriptions of the East End dive sites>>> greenshortchallenge.com

This is a graphic showing the 55 dive sites of the east end>>

December weather has been detailed by others in this thread.... pretty much 15 mph winds daily and if it comes from the south/south east then diving will be on the north side sites and if from the north north west then diving will be on the south side. Water temps will be around 79 deg F.

 

[releck97]

West side…meh. Turtle Farm is still pretty darn good. Ollen runs a good shop at Sun Divers (Cracked Conch Restaurant). The shore dive there is fun. Go on Monday afternoon and enjoy the barbeque at Macabuca for dinner. Follow it up with a night dive on the mini-wall. If you're comfortable with shore diving, the east end has some AWESOME spots. I'm not sure I should even mention them because of the challenges, but, here goes...They all involve long swims and you MUST assess the wind, waves and general weather conditions before you go there, however…here's one of our "secret" spots: Scuba Shore Diving Site Page for: South Side of Cayman Islands, Caribbean. With the exception of a phenomenal shore dive at Babylon last winter, this is my favorite dive of all time. This website has many other reviews and is a good addition to the CAG site mentioned above: Scuba Shore Diving Site Listing for: Cayman Islands, Caribbean. My first, and only choice, for boat diving is Ocean Frontiers. I'm sure there are others who offer a quality product but with 20 years of diving experience on the island, I've migrated to a company which ALWAYS excels. We stay on the east end. February can't come soon enough...

 

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