Grand Cayman vs. Roatan?

[sslkrissi]

Hello,
I would like to know, from those who have been diving in Grand Cayman and Roatan, which do you prefer and why? How do the two compare?

I am in the process of getting certified right now and will be stopping in both places via cruise ship, but do not want to dive in both since I will also be diving in Cozumel.

I have been looking into diving in Roatan and simply hanging out at rum point while in Grand Cayman, but the dive planning has been difficult due to the time that the ship is in port. In addition, I have read that at times, the visibility in Roatan is not great and that they are more known for their small sea creatures vs. the larger animals that I, being a first time diver, will recognize. So, I am now considering Grand Cayman instead.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Alex777]

I like them both. Grand Cayman has dramatic wall scenery and potential encounters with eagle rays, sharks, turtles, morays, etc. Roatan has healthier reefs (IMHO) and a broad range of interesting small creatures like sea horses.

I say dive them both and see for yourself. If you can only dive in one or the other for some reason, I wouldn't let postings on SB make the choice for you.

 

[sslkrissi]

Alex777 - Thanks for the reply. I can only dive in one or the other, since I am also diving in Cozumel. You mention not to let the postings make the decision for me... Is there some other source I should be looking at for information?

Thanks

 

[Alex777]

Well, what does your buddy say about it? Who are you diving with? Perhaps the weather on the day of the 1st dive will make up your mind for you, one way or the other. I have dived fairly extensively in both places; you will enjoy yourself in either place.

 

[Papa_Bear]

GC is a great dive destination, but it is expensive, and I agree you will have a good time either way you go! GC does have some great shore diving with more verity from shore!

 

[Doc]

At your progression in diving, skip any shorediving from Grand Cayman.

I know we've chatted at the Roatan board, but Cayman is a great choice for you.

Look hard at the Stingray City Dive. Stingraycity.org Shallow, fun, lots to see- It's a hoot.

 

[Daz]

At your progression in diving, skip any shorediving from Grand Cayman.

Why would you skip GC shore diving? While it is true that GC has some spectacular boat diving (especially out East End), it also has some great dive sites that are easily accessible from shore. The main wall out from Robert's Reef/Turtle Farm is one of my favorite shore dives, and the mini wall there is a great warm-up dive as well.

 

[sslkrissi]

Alex777- My dive buddy isn't saying much, as he is just as new as I am to diving! We are doing our certification course together.

Papa Bear- Yes, in my research so far, I have found that GC is pretty expensive. However, I have not found Roatan to be any less expensive.

Roatanman- Just curious... why should I skip the shore diving in GC? I was thinking that would be a great way to get in some diving and still get to visit Rum Point beach with the other two non-divers in my group. As for the stingray city dive, I am looking for alternatives b/c both myself and my dive buddy have done the stingrays twice before (not while diving though).

Daz- Thanks for the recommendations. What types of aquatic life could I expect to see on a dive like this?

 

[Doc]

Why would you skip GC shore diving?

Roatanman- Just curious... why should I skip the shore diving in GC?

Because of Krissi's (the OP's) previously stated dive history and specific desire to have "extra care" provided by the dive operation. (all from posts in other prior threads)

Shore diving vs. Boat diving? - Cruise Forums - Cruise Message Boards - Cruise Critic

out.

 

[Rynomar]

I stayed on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman and thought that it was much more developed than Roatan. There were also a ton of tourists during the day. The tourists seemed to clear out of the Seven Mile Beach / Georgetown area around 4:30 pm shortly before the cruise ships departed however, and things really mellowed out after the cruise ships left. We did not stay at a dive resort or do an all-inclusive trip and we ended up spending more than we did on Roatan but we did do an all-inclusive trip on Roatan.

I thought that the reefs were in better condition on Roatan and I really liked the topography there as well.

Roatan seemed to have more of a rural feel and people operated on "island time". Grand Cayman was much more westernized and seemed to be more of a luxury destination with the Hard Rock Cafe, Rolex stores, and people running on a schedule. On the other hand, Seven Mile Beach is really nice, Stingray City is very cool, and the dive boats left on time or close to it every day.

Both places were alot of fun and you will have a great time at either location. I thought that the locals were very nice at both places and the islands were both beautiful with a ton of fun diving.