Grand Cayman : Where to stay?

[mattengstrom]

The caymans don't seem to have much of a reputation for Tech diving, and I think that may be Dive Tech's biggest problem. They're the only operator down there offering that type of service, so they're trying to create a market so to speak.

And, wasn't there a regulation in effect until not too long ago limiting all dive operators to a 100-foot depth for their customers or something like that?

 

[Drew Sailbum]

mattengstrom once bubbled...
The caymans don't seem to have much of a reputation for Tech diving, and I think that may be Dive Tech's biggest problem. They're the only operator down there offering that type of service, so they're trying to create a market so to speak.

And, wasn't there a regulation in effect until not too long ago limiting all dive operators to a 100-foot depth for their customers or something like that?

Both Divetech and Sunset House offer a full range of tech diving. Erika at Sunset House was a former director of IANTD Canada and is well regarded int he tech community.

There is a thriving tech community in residence on the island. Training for semi-closed and fully closed rebreathers, deco procedures, and trimix training are readily available at Sunset House or Divetech.

The 100ft depth limitation was something that took some effort to get set aside for the techies. Divetech did spearhead this effort and were able to demonstrate that much deeper diving could be done with minimal risks if proper procedures and training are followed.

 

[mattengstrom]

Sorry. Guess I should have said "divetech's the only one that I know about.

I'm glad that 100-foot limit is gone. I want to get some more experience though before I take real advantage of it. Has anyone ever done one of the technical courses from divetech?

 

[bridgenet]

Mattengstrom,

I'm currently doing my Trimix training with DiveTech and they have been great. I actually first attempted to do it with Sunset House (on two different trips) but they were very unresponsive and after several contact attempts seemed to be a bit messed up in the office. DiveTech always responded within a day and was easy to contact by phone as well as email and with the proper information. They are IANTD and TDI. Sunset House is a bigger operation but DiveTech has the personal touch.

With regards to experience, I think alot of it has to do with when you become comfortable in the water, both to hang 4 tanks on yourself, and know you can't just pop to the surface to resolve a problem and must follow a dive plan.

Kev

 

[wb416]

mattengstrom once bubbled...
The caymans don't seem to have much of a reputation for Tech diving, and I think that may be Dive Tech's biggest problem. They're the only operator down there offering that type of service, so they're trying to create a market so to speak.

Ocean Frontiers on the East End teaches GUE DIR-F and Tech courses.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

bridgenet once bubbled...
Mattengstrom,

I'm currently doing my Trimix training with DiveTech and they have been great. I actually first attempted to do it with Sunset House (on two different trips) but they were very unresponsive and after several contact attempts seemed to be a bit messed up in the office. DiveTech always responded within a day and was easy to contact by phone as well as email and with the proper information. They are IANTD and TDI. Sunset House is a bigger operation but DiveTech has the personal touch.

Both are well regarded on the island. Unfortunately, Sunset House has been dealing with some injuries to a few staff members which has turned things a bit upside-down there at the moment. Sorry for your difficulties and I'm glad you are happy with Divetech.

 

[diveski01]

kywash once bubbled...
Diveski

So glad you said that, my husband and I are heading out to GC for the first time at the end of May and are spending the first week at The Reef before heading to the west coast for a week.

Think we've been sold on Ocean Frontiers due to the outstanding recommendations on this board. Especially good to hear they take note of dive experience when choosing dive sites, from reading some of the other posts I'm not so sure all dive operators are the same. That said, although I'm quite new to scuba I'm not the kind of person to be bullied into diving when I don't feel competent.

I'm assuming those yummy frozen drinks contain booze so I'm sure we'll be heading to Rum Pointe too

Make sure you tell OF that you are a newbie. I've sent a lot of newly certified divers to them over the years and everyone has come home raving about how well they were taken care of by OF.

You might want to start your week doing the afternoon reef dives, then when you feel more confident try the morning wall dives - which are always guided by at least one DM. You can always "hire" a personal DM or instructor for any dives that you wish additional support and guidance. They would need advance notice for staffing arrangements but they have always been very accommodating.

BTW - Rum Pointe drinks are very potent! They'll knock you on your ***. Since you don't even have to get out of the hammock to get them that first trip to the loo is a doosie

 

[Scuba One]

You might also consider Spanish Bay Reef Resort located on the north end of the island. They are only a few minutes away from 7 mile beach and being on the north shore have some of the best shore diving in the Cayman's. They are currently running a special 5 nights $500 per person, all-inclusive. Meaning all food, drinks (including alcohol), shore diving, and taxes are included. list price is $ 925 per person.

Thanks

R Kraft
http://www.scubaone.com/cayman

 

[dtdiver]

dan and tara are running the dive ops at the seaview, i dove with them in janaury
they do a great job
the shop is a little primitive but they are some of the most professional instructors i've met
thorough, knowledgeable, and dedicated
they are what you want to have as instructors

and no screwing around with them, whether its respecting the reefs and the environment, or diving they are superb

the hotel is a simple dive hotel but has the best salt water pool for training
shore diving is good, especially when the subs are out with tourista

the restaurant is fabulous!

its a short walk from town too

dt

 

[TedJ]

I've been going to Grand Cayman for the last ten years two weeks in March. Been diving with Ocean Frontiers for five. They are the best operation on the island. also do shore dives with DiveTech at the Turtle Farm and Cobalt Coast. Red Sails and Fisheyes have been disappointing. The latter is not what it used to be since the major player/owner left.