Grand Cayman: North or East?

[rocketfodder]

Hello,

I've just spent a few hours searching this forum, trying to decide where to dive in Grand Cayman. I'm going to be there for a few days next week, and would like to get some diving in. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find one way or another whether people like the north or east more.

Diving is #1, but a secondary consideration would be snorkeling from shore. I think the east is better for that, but a confirmation would be great.

Any thoughts, or can I not go wrong either way?

 

[diversteve]

Are you already staying somewhere? That sort of drives (pun intended) the decision because it's about an hour drive between the 2 areas.

Arguably the better diving is NorthEast. The west side operators don't often go out there except some do an extended 3-tank. Operators like Ocean Frontiers on the East End dive the entire East side. Babylon and several sites near it are the ones to dive if possible. Or sites off the North Wall typically accessed from the west side. It's all about the distance the boats have to travel from their home dock - and maintain their daily schedules.

Another factor to consider is weather. There's the highest likelihood that the North Wall will be undivable during the winter months. If that happens the westside/NW operators move boats south and shuttle you down. If that happens to Ocean Frontiers, they just stay south instead. Unless there's a storm over Cayman, generally the better west side dives like Big Tunnels, Orange Canyon etc. are generally divable even if the north wall isn't. That's a generalization of course.

The other consideration is that on the East Side there's 3 dive options, Tortuga Divers(Red Sail) at Morritt's/Rum Point, Ocean Frontiers/Compass Point. Of course all are walk-ins also. I've heard Tortuga typically sees a less advanced crowd but IDK for certain. So you may want to check availability also - my buddy couldn't get a space with Ocean Frontiers once a couple years ago.

If your plan is to dive Stingray City or the Kittiwake, those are more easily accessed from the West. Except Red Sail also does it from Rum Point so you could drive there from Morritt's etc. I believe Ocean Frontiers asks you to drive around and meet a boat - either in Georgetown or at the Sound marina for those trips.

Another consideration is that the majority of dive operators are either based around Georgetown or farther north in one of the Seven Mile Beach marinas. So if you like someone besides the three I listed above, they're all west side based. Or in Georgetown - not my favorite idea when all the cruise ships are in port daily. Besides the congestion it can possibly affect dive site selection due to schedules/experience levels.

For snorkeling, some of the sites I know of are on the West Side - Smith's Cove, Cemetery Beach, Turtle Reef, Lighthouse Pt. etc. The last two may be influenced by the north side weather also although often one or the other is still accessible. Testudo does a nice job with his guide for that: TESTUDO'S SNORKEL GUIDE Cayman Off the Beaten Path

 

[rocketfodder]

I'm looking for a place to stay, so I'm completely open to location.

Thank you for the snorkeling link.

I'm actually going to be in GC twice--once for diving, and once for not diving. I figured I'd save Stingray City for the non-dive visit.

I have no problem with getting around, I plan to get a rental car.

edit--Booked with Ocean Frontiers. Can't wait!

 

[Doctorfish]

Good choice.Excellent dive op and they dive the east end which, IMO is far better diving than the west. North diving liable to be blown out.

For later spring and summer diving, N and E are comparable, but as mentioned, most of the west side operators dive the north wall when conditions are suitable and they will pick up divers from accommodations along seven mile beach.
It's 45 minutes to an hour drive from Georgetown out to the East end, depending on traffic.

If you are staying on the west side and have a car, you should also consider shore diving up at Turtle Reef if you have time.

 

[diversteve]

I'm looking for a place to stay, so I'm completely open to location.

edit--Booked with Ocean Frontiers. Can't wait!

The obvious choice is Compass Point as they're on-site there. And have 1BR condos for rent. But they're $295/day (winter rates)

My buddy stayed in Bodden Town at Turtle Nest Inn when he dove with Ocean Frontiers. They're a shop recommended by TNI for their guests. There's a few other condos in that area also. Their most expensive multi-bedroom unit is still cheaper than a single at Compass Point. The cheapest room is around $99/nt. which is basically unheard of anywhere else on Grand Cayman.

Another I've heard of is Sea Palms in Breakers. I see a 1BR show up on vrbo.com occasionally. I believe it was built by the same owners as TNI.

hth,

 

[rocketfodder]

Thank you for the help, guys. I plan to return in summer when the weather is better, so I'll check out the rest of GC (and LC) then. For now, I'll content myself with Ocean Frontiers and wherever they take me, haha. I ended up finding a room at The Reef for not much more than Turtle Nest Inn, surprisingly. We'll see if it's any good.

Now I'm off to look into restaurants... I can't wait!

 

[Damselfish]

The Reef is a very nice place. Seems pretty common to be able to get some good rates there though.

Restaurants are way scarcer on the East end compared to the West, but it's gotten better over the years. Tukka is a good higher end option nearby, as is the Lighthouse a bit further. The Italian Kitchen is very good. Bombay Chopsticks seems to get good reviews, but it opened after our last visit so haven't been yet. Eagle Rays at Compass Point is another that opened after our last visit. South Coast Bar & Grill is a place that looks like it's worth trying, which we've passed so many times and still haven't managed to get there. Over the Edge on the North side is a bit further drive but an enjoyable casual place. There's a variety of local jerk BBQs and fish fries out that way which I don't know much about (since my husband doesn't eat fish and I'm veg not a great option for us.)

The few times we've eaten at the Reef we haven't been too impressed. We've had better luck at Morritts, but I'd probably skip both. There used to be a place very close to Compass Point that some people recommended to us, but we couldn't decide if the terrible pizza or fried chicken was worse - can't recall the name and don't know if it's still there.

 

[The Laconic]

East is better diving. And I thought the snorkeling from The Reef was excellent (although I am not a fan of The Reef itself). Downside is the dearth of restaurants.

 

[diversteve]

Since you're staying at the Reef - this might be more convenient at least part of the time.

The Reef Resort on Grand Cayman's tranquil East End has teamed up with world class dive operator Red Sail Sports to offer you the best Grand Cayman dive vacation!

Cayman Diving Resort - theReef Resort - Grand Cayman's Dive Vacations

 

[EastEndDiver]

The obvious choice is Compass Point as they're on-site there. And have 1BR condos for rent. But they're $295/day (winter rates)

My buddy stayed in Bodden Town at Turtle Nest Inn when he dove with Ocean Frontiers. They're a shop recommended by TNI for their guests. There's a few other condos in that area also. Their most expensive multi-bedroom unit is still cheaper than a single at Compass Point. The cheapest room is around $99/nt. which is basically unheard of anywhere else on Grand Cayman.

Another I've heard of is Sea Palms in Breakers. I see a 1BR show up on vrbo.com occasionally. I believe it was built by the same owners as TNI.

hth,

Just to set the record straight Sea palms has nothing to do with Turtle Nest Inn/Condos they are trying to make it seem that they do but they don't.

I own a condo at Turtle Nest Condos so I am aware of this.

Here is the info for the Inn and Condos also the rates do include a car for the length of your stay.

Grand Cayman Condos & Villas -- Island Vacation Rentals

Cayman Hotels: Turtle Nest Inn, Grand Cayman - Intimate & Affordable Beachfront Alternative.

If anyone has any questions feel free to contact me.