Grand Cayman Trip Advice and Opinions

[Squashie]

Well, it's nearing that time again...time for the summer vacation/dive trip. This year we have decided to see if we can bring the Cayman economy to its knees, since apparently Roatan survived our attempts last year. After beginning our preliminary research into various lodging providers, dive operators, air transportation coordinators we have begun to narrow the field slightly. That is what brings me to the most knowledgeable and resourceful members of Scuba Board. If possible could any of you with recent (say last 8 to 12 months) experience with traveling to, staying at, diving with, visiting this & that in and around Grand Cayman please give me your ideas, experiences and opinions.

Before the comments start pouring in...let me provide a little background for the group:

• Group size...8 total, 4 divers/4 non-divers
• Age range...7 years to 55, most are in their 40's.
• Diving experience...2 with over 200 dives, 2 with approximately 50.
• Do not want to be in the tourist mecca...some contact is ok.
• Don't particularly want to stay on 7 - mile beach.
• Previously have rented houses in Cozumel (3 times), 1/2 of a resort in Roatan.
• Looking for a Sat - Sat trip in early June.

So far, we have narrowed our search to the Northern quadrant of Grand Cayman and identified two possible resorts Cobalt Coast and Spanish Bay, other ideas and locations would be appreciated. Dive operation of primary interest seems to be Dive Tech (based at Cobalt Coast) but, other recommendations are welcome. Due to the differing schedules created by the divers committment and the non-divers wanting to do other things...some type of food plan usually provides the best alternative, but again is not mandatory...as long as there is food available. Kid's program is not required as the 7 year old loves nature and the water...she'll be diving soon.

Well, I guess that is about it from my standpoint...any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance to all the members for your help and support.

Squashie

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Well, I think you've done quite a bit of research. If you could provide a tiny bit more info about the wishes of the non-divers... what are their expectations, and what do they want to do... then that might help.

The resorts in the West Bay area are smaller and the overall traffic level in the area will be less than on Seven Mile Beach. There is the advantage of having food service available on-site.

There are rental condos all over the island, and quite a few rental homes in the Cayman Kai area, which is the other zone that comes to mind. Cayman Kai (Rum Point area) is quite a bit further from Seven Mile Beach. That could be a plus or a minus depending upon your point of view. It would be further to drive to reach the Seven Mile Beach area.

 

[smokey braden]

squashie,
last time we were in gc we stayed at aqua bay.
http://www.aquabayclub.com/
it's located at the very end of 7 mile beach on the north side.
i dove with dive tech and they picked me up and took me back everyday.
i found this location to be ideal.
the snorkling was great.
we hardly saw anyone on that section of 7 mile beach.
they have a pool and hot tub.
their are only 22 units and they have private parking.
we were close to grocery stores and restaurants.
but we were not close to georgetown and the cruise ships.
upon your safe return please give us a trip report.
regards,

 

[Squashie]

If you could provide a tiny bit more info about the wishes of the non-divers... what are their expectations, and what do they want to do... then that might help.

Well, one likes to shop, one mainly wants to sit and read while occasionally getting out and interfacing with the local customs and atmosphere, with a little snorkeling thrown in, one likes to look around see the sites (not shop persay), and snorkel quite a bit and the other is 7 and simply loves the beach, the water (snorkeling as well) and any small animal or small person they can find. Overall it is a very laid back group that will dive like crazy in the morning, relax and chill in the afternoon and possibly dive some in the evening/night.

Don't know what else to add, but if the area around Georgetown is really over-run with tourist...then maybe we need to look elsewhere. Thanks in advance for the help.

Squashie

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Based on that, it sounds like the non-divers will be venturing out quite a bit. I'd suggest looking at places closer to the action available along Seven Mile Beach, while still distant enough to avoid congestion on busy days.

The resorts you have looked at in the West Bay area would fill this role nicely. Rental apartments and condos along the far north end of Seven Mile Beach would fill a similar niche. You can look for places along Boggy Sand Road or nearby areas for rental properties.

 

[ImaDivingMom]

We went to Grand Cayman for a diving vacation last March. We dove with Andy Walls of Seasports. (http://www.bestdivingingrandcayman.com) We met him at the beach in front of our hotel every morning and he dropped us off there when we were done diving.

The diving was amazing and he always picked spots where there were no other divers. And, spots that were good for our skill level. We dove for 6 days, 2 2-tank boat dives each day and managed to dive 3 sides of the islands and a different location daily. The boat is small, and I think they only take out a max of 6 or 8 people.

I was concerned about GC being over run with tourists since we were going during Spring Break, but the beaches were never crowded. We never had long waits at restaurants and the traffic wasn't too congested. We stayed at the far end of the 7-Mile Beach.

Have a great trip!

 

[worlddiver]

We stayed at Cobalt Coast Resort/Divetech in May 2005 and went back in August for Kids Sea camp. Have to say, that the staff made our vacation one to remember and can not wait for our next dive vacation with them this summer.

We have a 5 year old and he just loved diving (Sasy) with the staff. He could not stop talking every night about all the neat stuff they showed him, that is why we went back in August 2005 for their kids sea camp. That was a really special trip for him. He bonded with kids his own age and is looking forward to this years kids camp. Divetech open water certified a 10 year old and the 65 year old grandmother during the camp. It was really neat to see 3 generation diving together (mother & father were already diver).

The shore diving out front the resort was just awesome. The abundent marine life and soft corals can not match any dive site in the carribbean. It was a little longer swim than at their other shore diving shop but highly recommeded.

The dive shop told us about a deserted beach just a couple of miles father up from Cobalt. They were right. We walked for miles on white sand beaches and never saw a soul. It was truely a deserted beach except for a horse back tour that went by. The snorkling was also easy and rewarding.

 

[Mike Newman]

I was in Cayman last week and looked at a couple of operations serving the East /North East. Try Tortuga Divers based at Morritt's resort and Ocean Frontiers, based on the South East end. Both operations seemed well set up and had knowledgeable, articulate and well-qualified staff.

 

[east-ender]

i was down in GC in may of 05.i had a great experience with ocean frontiers. best operator on the island imo.

 

[nbrowne]

Amen to that O.F. is AWESOME! ! ! !