Grand Cayman suggestions

[amm91]

Hello all! I am new to this site, hailing from NYC.

I am planning a vacation for my family to Grand Cayman over Christmas/New Years. I've been to GC once before (2 yrs ago) - we stayed on 7 mile beach and did some of our first dives with Bob Soto off the West wall. We had a great time and have been excited to get back (diving other places in the meanwhile). I'm looking at vacation condos and one of the best options (price and space) is located in Cottage on the south side. The condo is apparently well located for dives on the north, east and south walls. I know the West wall was fantastic, and I've heard that the conditions on the east end can be touchy. Can anyone out there make a suggestion whether I should aim to pay more and stay in the 7 mile beach area, or venture to Cottage. I appreciate your input.

Anne

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Cayman at Christmas has a chance of Nor'westers. If so, the most sheltered diving will be along the south shore, particularly the south shore of East End. Westside operators dive the South Sound area during such conditions.

Cottage is a tiny speck of a place on the south shore of East End. It is between Frank Sound and the village of East End. Closest Dive ops (in order of distance) are Cayman Dive Lodge, Ocean Frontiers, and Tortuga Divers for diving East End. A bit further is Red Sail Sports at Rum Point, for diving the North Wall assuming the weather allows.

Cottage is not particularly near much of anything. You'll definitely need a car to get to any restaurants, shopping, or other attractions. It's a great location if you want a quiet place away from it all.

Usually Nor'westers only blow for a day or two, but YMMV. The typical wind direction would otherwise be from the ENE, which still favors diving the south coast.

Accomodations book up for Christmas, so if you've found one you like, I'd grab it.

 

[DocVikingo]

As I suspect that you'll get a better response to this inquiry in the Travel/Locations section dedicated to this region, the Caribbean forum, than in the Basic Scuba Discussions area I have taken the liberty of moving it here.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[BartBe]

Hehe cool...

I'll be there too over new years... arriving 27 december, can't wait. I just started my OW course and hope to be able to do some diving while i'm there... So for me too, any advice is welcome !

 

[jeremygreen]

It's been a good long time since I've been to Grand Cayman (last there in 1996? 97?), so this may not be helpful but...

On my last trip, I stayed at Treasure Island (on 7 mile beach) but in one of the condos, instead of a room at the hotel. I have no idea how this compares in terms of price with hotels (plus restaurants, etc), but, if things are still the same on GC, everything is really expensive, especially food. So being in the condo was great, because it meant we could just cook our own meals (the grocery store is huge and has everything), instead of paying $30 for a burger for lunch. In general, it just made it more like having your own house in the tropics, and with the advantages of being on 7 mile beach.

 

[jrz1]

If you have the flexibility and are focused on quality diving, try to spend a night or two on Little Cayman. The diving is much better than GC (MUCH, MUCH). There's nothing else there except a beach, so if that's a problem, put it in your hat, but the diving on LC is great while the diving on GC is so so in MHO.

 

[sngatlanta]

amm91
What is your level of experiance?

BartBe
Stay on the west side where you can dive west and south.


Everyone
Check out these guys
http://www.fisheye.com

TI Divers has lost the spark in there opertion. Go with Ocean Frontiers or Fisheye

Dive Safe, Dive Often

 

[amm91]

Thanks to all for your responses. Thanks especially to Drew. So we booked on 7 mile beach - safest considering that extended family is coming and they don't dive. (Specifically, my mother insisting on being able to do some shopping

My next question is who should we dive with.

I've been reading the previous posts and 2 names come up frequently - Ocean Frontier's & Neptune Divers. (and have also heard of fisheye, particularly for photography?) Any other recs?


Our experience - about 50 dives all Caribbean except for 2 days wreck diving in the Atlantic (cold, current and no vis! adventure!). I have AOW & nitrox, but have never been down without a divemaster leading. Would love to take an underwater photography class. Love to spend maximum time on the wall (have dive computer). Will rent a car so we can spend at least a few days on the East End. (Sounds like OF does run a shuttle from 7 mile beach area though).


Thanks for the help, Anne

 

[scubajoe]

I heard that Callie and Ken are now DMs with Treasure Island Divers. I dove with them with another operator a few years ago and both of them were great. I'd dive with them again for sure. Diving on GCI is pretty easy diving, you won't have any trouble. I have not dove with Fisheye but I would. And that is where I'd take photo training. Check out their website, they used to have a good package for new photographers. Remember the 3 rules of UW photography, get close, get low and shoot up!
Have a great time,
Joe

 

[KJB6865]

When we were in GCM, we dove with Ocean Frontiers (East End) every day but one - they are VERY professional, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. They also have a free shuttle service. We dove with Fish Eye (on 7MB) one day because we wanted to dive a wreck - they were OK, just not as professional.

Have a great time, and if you dive with Ocean Frontiers, tell Claire and Dan hello!