How to Dive North & East From Sunset House

[Randallr]

Advice appreciated. I'll be staying at Sunset House March 1-6 (and if you're going to be there, let me know!). I'm staying there to take some photo lessons from Cathy Church. Of my five dive days, I'm only booking three at SH, because I want to try to dive the North Wall and some East sites.

My question is: What's the best way to do this? I read fantastic things about Dive Tech in the North, and Ocean Frontiers on the East. Is it as simple as calling a day in advance, renting a car, and driving out? How far is each from Sunset House? I gather the weather can be risky that time of year - would I risk losing a dive day if I book a day in advance, drive out, then find the dive op grounded because of weather? Is there another way to dive the North Wall without having to rent a car - any dive operators do pickups where I'm staying? (If I can avoid renting a car, I'd be happy.)

Any guidance on how to experience more diverse GC diving while staying at Sunset House would be really welcome. And again, let me know if you'll be there then. Maybe we'll get a chance to dive together.

 

[diversteve]

With no cruise ships in port - you'll see them from SH - it's maybe a 1/2 hr. drive to Divetech/Cobalt Coast. Sometimes there's a little traffic farther up Seven Mile Beach. When the cruise ships are in town add about 15mins. They also rent LH drive cars but the driving is on the left. Made for an interesting time at the BK drive-thru...lol. Also it's been our experience that the cruiser's don't always realize that you're approaching from the other side...

Andy's used to pick you up when you rented a car from them. They have a location at the airport and another at the south end of SMB.

In addition to Cobalt Coast, they have another site at Lighthouse Point and Turtle Reef (Sundivers) is between them. Often when Cobalt Coast gets blown out, you can still dive the other two sites as they're more protected. We just drove out but stayed farther up on SMB. I don't think any of the dive operators will pick you up at Sunset House, many won't even pick up in Georgetown - but IDK for sure. The three diveops that book thru Lobster Pot Dive Center might be an exception...

There's a bus from downtown that drops in front of Cobalt Coast. There might be one that goes past SH to downtown - IDK. http://caymanislandsyp.com/Island/Getting-Around/index-2.php

I've never been out to the East End so can't help with that.

 

[releck97]

Advice appreciated. I'll be staying at Sunset House March 1-6 (and if you're going to be there, let me know!). I'm staying there to take some photo lessons from Cathy Church. Of my five dive days, I'm only booking three at SH, because I want to try to dive the North Wall and some East sites.

My question is: What's the best way to do this? I read fantastic things about Dive Tech in the North, and Ocean Frontiers on the East. Is it as simple as calling a day in advance, renting a car, and driving out? How far is each from Sunset House? I gather the weather can be risky that time of year - would I risk losing a dive day if I book a day in advance, drive out, then find the dive op grounded because of weather? Is there another way to dive the North Wall without having to rent a car - any dive operators do pickups where I'm staying? (If I can avoid renting a car, I'd be happy.)

Any guidance on how to experience more diverse GC diving while staying at Sunset House would be really welcome. And again, let me know if you'll be there then. Maybe we'll get a chance to dive together.

OF stays busy year round because of their reputation. I have been fortunate during my April visits and have had no appreciable wind on the east end. April should be far enough removed from the winter winds to allow for good diving on the east end. I wouldn't worry about booking in advance. We have done that for next week and are not too concerned about it. They dive both the south and north side of the island and can usually find water that is not too rough year round. Renting from Andy's or Economy will probably get you your best rates. Check the Cayman Activity Guide boards for how to get discounts. The diving on the east end is the best on the island IMHO. Good diving!

 

[Randallr]

How far a drive from Sunset House to Ocean Frontiers?

And how much weather disruption might I expect on the East and North sides the first week in March?

 

[releck97]

How far a drive from Sunset House to Ocean Frontiers?

And how much weather disruption might I expect on the East and North sides the first week in March?

Give yourself 40-45 minutes to be safe.
March is a transitional month. I've never been on island in March. Hopefully, somebody else can chime in here. Having said that, I've heard many times over that there really isnt a bad month on Grand Cayman!
Good diving!

 

[Alex777]

March is really the start of the best diving weather, so the odds are you will have less disruption than in the period November thru February.

 

[Wolfie]

I am also trying to find my best chance at the North Wall. There are a lot of operators that will call it weather but IMO just don't want to move the boat around. Help us out Alex, If only 2 boats make it to the North Wall, Who's boats are they?

 

[EastEndDiver]

Wolfie look at dive ops that have a boat slip at the Yacht Club that is where most North Wall trips originate from.Also Ops with more than one boat are more likely to dive North when the weather permits.

Some are DNS diving,Indigo,Wall to Wall,I also believe Ambassador does,ther are others I can't think of .

 

[Alex777]

I am also trying to find my best chance at the North Wall. There are a lot of operators that will call it weather but IMO just don't want to move the boat around. Help us out Alex, If only 2 boats make it to the North Wall, Who's boats are they?

Wolfie, I would try the ones EastEndDiver mentioned but, generally, the boat captains tend to agree on whether the N Wall is 'diveable' or not. If one won't go then, generally, none will. Hope you make it out there.