Grand Cayman Mid Nov 2010

[rickeyf413]

My wife and I have a trip scheduled to Grand Cayman mid November. We're staying at the Reef Resort on the east end. I'm looking to dive at least 2 days so I'm looking for suggestions on dive sites not to miss only stipulation is I'm looking for good photo opportunities big and small. Also looking for the best snorkeling locations as well for my wife since she doesn't dive.

Are there any combination dive and snorkel trips available?

One last thing, what topside things should we not miss? We'll be there for 6 days

Any help would greatly be appreciated

:goingdown:

 

[Testudo]

Can't advise on the best dive sites, but check the link on my signature for guides to some of the better snorkeling areas for the East End and North Side.

Depending on who you dive with, Tortuga has a Sting Ray City dive/snorkel boat that leaves from the Kaibo marina you both could do in the PM. Not sure if Ocean Frontiers has something similar.

 

[Damselfish]

Who are you diving with? There's only 2 choices and I'd recommend Ocean Frontiers. Really anyplace they take you in the morning should be good.

The snorkeling is pretty good right in front of the Reef. Lots of turtle grass with stuff hiding in it. Saw an octo, squid, a turtle, lots of juvis. Many people seem to snorkel near the dock at Tortuga club next door too but I didn't.

As far as combo trips, don't know if they do. (And OF boats will probably tend to be full.) Most morning dives I'd expect are on sites too deep to be good for snorkeling, maybe there would be something in the afternoon. I've been on maybe one dive shallow enough to be worth snorkeling on that end (some really smashed up wreck spread around on a very shallow site) and I didn't like it as a dive as it was too sand covered/shallow/surgey and not that interesting as a dive, though might make a decent snorkel spot.

 

[billinwilliamston]

My wife and I have a trip scheduled to Grand Cayman mid November. We're staying at the Reef Resort on the east end. I'm looking to dive at least 2 days so I'm looking for suggestions on dive sites not to miss only stipulation is I'm looking for good photo opportunities big and small. Also looking for the best snorkeling locations as well for my wife since she doesn't dive.

Are there any combination dive and snorkel trips available?

One last thing, what topside things should we not miss? We'll be there for 6 days

Any help would greatly be appreciated

:goingdown:

If she doesn't sunburn easily, she should walk down to the taller buildings at Morritt's next door and let the current take her all the way home to the reef. There are always a lot of fish around the Morritt's dock. Lots of decent sized tarpon and I've seen a couple of nurse sharks there as well (no worries they don't bite). We'll be at Morritt's the week of the 7th and will report here from time-to-time.

As far as top side, you may be there for part of Pirates' Week, so check out:Pirates Week 2010 - Cayman Islands

Have fun!!!

 

[carriemak]

Agree with Damelfish. Ocean Frontiers runs a great op.

 

[jjgwarren]

Be sure to go to Stingray City Sandbar - that is a highlight.
If you are down in West Bay area, go to eat at Sunshine Suites restaurant - great food, reasonable prices; Also like Sunset House - dive resort - great casual bar/patio area with great red conch chowder. For a nice dinner, our favorite is Calypso Grill - down at Morgans Harbor - all the way to the other end of island - but would be a nice trip.
Have fun!
Jane

 

[rickeyf413]

Thanks everyone for your input. Sounds like we'll have plenty to do all around the island both above and below. Also thanks for the tip on dive op

Will post report when we return

Thanks again

 

[jcroy66]

Topside don't miss:
Botanical Park
Lighthouse restaurant

Also worth doing topside:
Bird (and turtle) sanctuary - nice, peaceful area (and free).

Turtle Farm - not free but neat. Of course, I was slightly less enthusiastic at the end of the trip once I found out the guys I'd been making friends with were ultimately headed to a dinner plate, not a life out on the reef.