how does GC work? condo, hotel, resort?

[raoulsttexas]

first trip to GC in jan '11. We're quite used to Cozumel where we have a few condo's scoped out and use 1 or 2 trusted dive ops. It's really dialed in for us and quite economical (maybe even cheap?).

This is our first time diving in GC and I'm trying to figure out how it works. GC is certainly more expensive that Coz and I'd like to hear from the insiders on how to be somewhat economical in GC.

It seems like its predominantly resort-based. Of course, there are hotels, but they don't seem to be as diver-friendly and aren't really cost effective once you factor in an "external" dive package. I haven't found many condo's either.

This trip is for a friend's wedding and my wife will be involved in that. I'm taking a buddy with me as well, and making it a dive trip. We're NOT looking to be wined and dined....to be honest, we're looking for cheap. We will probably do 3 days of boat trips and supplement with as many shore dives as we can manage.

Is the most economical route in GC to simply use a resort?

Thanks,
-RST

 

[Testudo]

I could be wrong, but think most accommodations on GC are actually condo based.
There are a few dive based resort/condo properties like Cobalt Coast with Dive Tech Cobalt Coast Dive Resort - dive and vacation packages in Grand Cayman and Lighthouse Condos with Dive Tech Lighthouse Point Cayman in West Bay, Sunset House with Sunset Divers Cayman Islands Scuba Diving Resort on South Sound/George Town and Compass Point condos with Ocean Frontiers Welcome to Compass Point in East End

Staying off of Seven Mile Beach in either West Bay, East End, Bodden Town Cayman Hotels: Turtle Nest Inn, Grand Cayman - Exotic & Affordable Beachfront Alternative. or North Side will save you some $$$. You will just be away from the vast array of amenities and goings on found in the Seven Mile Beach environs. Staying at a condo or resort with efficiencies allows you to shop at the excellent, albeit a bit more expensive than you are used to, grocery stores and provision some meals for yourself. Check out the recent cheap eats thread on here for some less expensive dinning out options.

Some popular lodging options for those diving on the East End or North Side with Ocean Frontiers or Tortuga Divers yare The Reef Resort Grand Cayman Resort | The Reef Cayman Islands All Inclusive and Morritts Morritt's Tortuga Club and Morritt's Grand, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands next door.

For info on condos and private homes/villas in that area you can look at these sites:
Cayman Kai: the island time forgot
"Cayman Kai Vacations" specializing in the rentals of "The Island Houses of Cayman Kai", at Cayman Kai Grand Cayman Cayman Islands
Caribbean Vacation Rentals, Cayman Islands, Beach Resorts & Villa Rental
Seven Mile Beach - Cayman Islands - 7 Mile Beach
Grand Cayman Villa Rental Map | Grand Cayman Villas & Condos

 

[raoulsttexas]

wow! Thanks Testudo!

 

[EastEndDiver]

I own a condo at Turtle Nest Inn if I can be of any help just ask.You can look on our website Cayman Hotels: Turtle Nest Inn, Grand Cayman - Intimate & Affordable Beachfront Alternative. for rates etc.

John

 

[stang225]

John,

I'm staying beach front in Sept at turtle nest and looking forward to it. The site references to dive ops - Frontier and Deep Blue. Which would you recommend and why? Is one more convenient than the other in terms of drive time?

Thanks

Kevin

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Deep Blue operates out of the western end of the island. Ocean Frontiers is an East End operator.

One advantage to staying at Turtle Nest Inn and diving with OF is that you would be driving against the flow of morning traffic. And FWIW many consider East End diving to be better on average than the west side.

 

[EastEndDiver]

Stang I will also be there in Sept.,Last week and first week of Oct.I own unit 9.I usually dive with Peter Milburn , Dusty at Scuba n Stuff , or Ambassador.I don't mind the drive to the West in the AM and they all pretty much let me do my own thing having dove with all of them numerous times each year.Don't miss the shore diving at the Turtle Farm (Sundivers) ,Sunset House,and Eden Rock .If you dive Eden Rock do it on a day when the cruise ships are not in and get there early to be the first in the water.

As Drew said you can beat the traffic by going East and the diving is very good there.Try to do the North wall also ,probably the best place to see pelagics.There is some good diving on the South side if you can find someone to bring you there.

If I can help in any way let me know.Good Luck

John

 

[dolphinlover98]

My husband & I have dived have there 2-3 times a year since 1999 and just bought a condo at Compass Point Phase 2 (part of the Ocean Frontiers operation). I recommend a condo so you can buy groceries and save time and money. Most of the stores are well stocked and have a liquor store nearby for convenience. There is near the airport and one in Savannah on the way to East End.

Of note, grocery stores are CLOSED on Sundays so prepare ahead. We make our menu and grocery list on the flight over and stop on the way to the condo. We still go out for a couple of meals, but groceries are the most economical way to go to enjoy this wonderful island.

 

[Codeman00]

The grocery stores are also closed on some holidays too...just FYI.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Groceries are closed Sundays by law. Groceries also typically close for Good Friday, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Other holidays are shorter hours, closing at 6pm.

Cayman has a large proportion of the tourist housing pool in rental condos. There are relatively few actual hotels actually on Seven Mile Beach - Marriott Beach Resort, Grand Cayman Beach Suites, Ritz Carlton, and Westin. A few other hotels are along that stretch but not on the beach. The rest is condos.

Generally renting a car is necessary if you are staying anywhere but along Seven Mile Beach. Still, most visitors find having a car for at least a day or two allows them to get out and explore the island more.