Is this possible

[vincent54]

According to the Cayman watersport rules, solo diving is allowed for shore dives but buddy diving is recommended. Wall diving from a commercial boat, a buddy is required. However, if the boat knows you and you don't act a fool, they don't make a big deal if you don't follow the herd.

I was under the impression there is no ownership of the shore and access cannot be denied. Even a place like turtle reef cannot prevent access if you want to enter at that area. You may not be allowed use of anything on their property, but the shore is crown property and it's anyones to enjoy. The fact they put a ladder in doesn't prevent public use. If I didn't read the rules right let me know.

 

[ianr33]

I was under the impression there is no ownership of the shore and access cannot be denied. Even a place like turtle reef cannot prevent access if you want to enter at that area.

Turtle reef does not have a beach,so presumably they own the ironshore down to High Tide mark? Also doubt their property is a Right of Way.

Use of beaches by the public - from the Cayman Government - Cayman Islands Forum - TripAdvisor

 

[vincent54]

I was told you can't deny a person access to sea even if it means crossing private property, even commercial. A beach is considered anything along the shoreline around the entire island. That was from a DOE officer I spoke with.

 

[ianr33]

I was told you can't deny a person access to sea even if it means crossing private property, even commercial. A beach is considered anything along the shoreline around the entire island. That was from a DOE officer I spoke with.

Read appendix D in this http://www.caymanislands.ky/content/files/foi/docs/landi/TourismAccommodationManual-Sept2011.pdf

There needs to be a Right of Way crossing the property. Presumably that's why there are narrow "corridors" to access the beach along SMB. If a Right of Way was not needed, everyone could just stroll through the Westin at any hour of the night or day. Can't see that happening!

 

[Kharon]

Good information. I'm going to send emails to all the dive operations (under my throw away email ID) to try to get a feel for what their attitude might be and troubles I might run into or ovaid. Looks like Grand Cayman might still be a posibility. Thanks - and continue to offer advice & opinion.

 

[vincent54]

There are no designated pathways in most areas. And you can cross any property to access sea. The laws will protect anyone as long as they don't use the property they cross. Went through this with Cayman when fence was proposed. Weston ,Marriott have no authority to restrict passage. That's the way it is.

 

[Doctorfish]

The locals refer to this principle as being related to the "Queen's Bottom " Shore line is public.

Olin Miller, who owns Turtle Reef Diving is a very reasonable guy. If you convince him you are safe and competent, and have the appropriate certification and equipment; I'm sure he will let you do what you want.
He's a bit crusty, but runs a very good dive op.

 

[vincent54]

I would never just enter without permission but the original post made it seem solo diving in the caymans is forbidden and it is not. Common sense and communication will make the task easier. Safe diving and try Brac if grand is too frustrating

 

[Kharon]

Well here is what I found out directly from the GC dive shops directly. I emailed each and every one on GC. They unanimously confirmed that you can only rent & use tanks at the site in places where there is a shop. Most every site has a shop. You can't remove tanks from the site. There are one or two places that will rent a tank for use on sites that don't have a shop on site. And solo diving is absolutely forbidden no matter if you have certification and tons of solo dives. Some told me by law, one threatened me that if I tried it, I would be seen and the word would be spread between all dive shops and I would be blackballed - unable to rent equipment or dive, even from boat - forever. What a great way to encourage tourism. I've crossed Grand Cayman off my list of possible venues. Eff em. I'll spend my money where I can dive as I wish without hastle.

 

[vincent54]

Wow. Good way to keep GCY a dive destination. I prefer laid back Brac, never never ever had a problem solo diving. Sign in , grab a tank or tanks and go anywhere on island and have fun. I am sure Grand Cayman shops can do whatever they want with their own tanks and probably control the filling of tanks in their shops, but they can't do a darn thing about who dives where. Their policy sounds like Animal House; double, secret probation if you dive solo. Solo diving is not forbidden, but a buddy is recommended. That is the most asinine thing i've heard this week, and the fact the dive shops are telling everyone this, is just a way to get you on a boat for price gouging dives to areas that are swarming with tourists. Better business by intimidation.

I am sure on the forum there is a diver who works in a Grand Cayman shop that would explain the scare tactic described. Please reference any Cayman law that will state the illegality of solo diving in Cayman waters. Also reference any law, rule or regulation that prevents me from entering any spot along the shore except for boat harbor. The only Law I know states solo diving is aliowed anywhere from shore. Regards