Local Dive Operators in Grand Cayman

[PatrickDS]

Had an excellent experience with Divers Down in early Feb. Very nice folks...

 

[scubadada]

Never dived Cayman, but I had always planned to use Divetech when I finally got there. Anything in particular that they did, or were you just looking to find something better?

My son and I have stayed at Cobalt Coast twice and dived with Divetech in 2007 and 2008.

Cobalt Coast is a very good hotel run by a very caring owner, Arie Barendrecht. The relatively isolated resort is in great shape and is very comfortable. The onsite dining is really superb and the meal plan is well worth the expense, even if you plan to take some of your meals offsite. There is free internet access in all rooms and public spaces.The place is very quiet and peaceful at night.

Divetech is a relatively large operation yet delivers very personal experience. They very reliably deliver 2 tank morning dives, generally on the North Wall or on the West Wall when this is not possible. Though they offer guided dives, they are more than glad to allow experienced divers to plan and execute their own dives. Dives are generally limited to an hour, more than enough time on the deep wall dives and/or the second moderate reef dives. Nitrox is readily available at modest cost for the duration. Divetech offers two shore diving sites at no cost to visitors, Cobalt Coast and Lighthouse Point. Both are superb shore diving sites. In addition, they offer numerous additional diving opportunities. They offer a great DPV dive, the West Bay Express in the afternoon between Cobalt Coast and Lighthouse Point that should not be missed. It covers terrain infrequently covered by most divers. They also offer a humbling CCR experience dive that should not be missed by anyone contemplating CCR diving. I must admit, I had neutral buoyancy for at least 15 minutes of an hour dive.

I would return to Cobalt Coast and dive with Divetech in a heartbeat. The only competition would be the opportunity to dive off the East End with Ocean Frontiers.

Full disclosure, I have 142 dives off Grand Cayman on 8 trips since 1997. If you're interested in additional afternoon or night dives in addition to what Divetech has to offer, I would consider booking with Renee Knight and Cayman Diving School, you won't be disappointed. Feel free to PM with questions.

Good diving, Craig

 

[TLCrow163]

My family (3 of us) dove with Red Sail Sports March 09. We would never recommend them. We had only been OW certified since October 07 and we had only done 1 ocean dive in March 08 in Trinidad/Tobago (GREAT dive ops). We relayed our limited experience and they did not take that into consideration. Long story short, we are now better divers because of them we have done over 30 local dives in quarries (only place to dive locally) this past summer to develop better skills and be able to help ourselves and not depend so much on an unknown DM at an unknown dive op you encounter on a dive trip. If we return to GC we will dive with Ocean Frontiers.

 

[jjgwarren]

Glad that you have several recommendations for dive ops in Grand Cayman. There are some good ones at the sister islands too - and some great dives!
When we did our certification, we also did a shore dive from Cobalt Coast, and had lunch too. It was good on both aspects.

 

[jjgwarren]

Yes - Tom Byrnes is still there; lots of fun and informative.
You will probably remember Nutty - his jack russell terrier.
Buddy has gone to dive heaven - we miss him!
I need to find some pictures and post...

 

[Byte Me]

Interested to hear why you weren't happy with their customer service or policies. We're headed down there 4/17-24 and I'm about to book dives with them and one day on the East end w/ Ocean Frontiers.

OP, please PM me if you don't want to go fully public with the details. There are two of us who will be diving and both of us have around 100 dives.

 

[coldwaterlloyd]

In regards to Colbalt Coast , does the meal plan include "beverages"

 

[sneakerfreak]

Go with Ocean Frontier, these guys are top notch. There are located on the east end of the Island, which is so much calmer than 7 mile beach side. Ocean Frontier has great DM, they are very personal and professional. They do everything for you from setting up your gear to storage of your gear, not that big a deal but If your diving 8 to 10 times on your vacation its nice not to lug your stuff around. And If you don't want to travel with bc, reg they have basically brand new equipment. If your looking for a laid back vacation east end of the Island and go with Ocean Frontier, we stayed at the reef and redsail is on site there. I didn't dive with them buy my girlfriend went out with her sister and she is very critical. They weren't even close to the same dive shop as Ocean Frontier, rental stuff was very worn and DM were not very cool.

 

[scubadada]

In regards to Colbalt Coast , does the meal plan include "beverages"

The meal plan does not include alcoholic beverages unless they have another "nitrox and suds" promotion. They have a full service bar, the prices for beer were not high. You could always stock your own bar in the room. The one and two bedroom suites have nice mini refrigerators, I don't think the ocean front rooms do, you should ask.

Go with Ocean Frontier, these guys are top notch. There are located on the east end of the Island, which is so much calmer than 7 mile beach side.

Cobalt Coast is on the west end, hardly a busy place. They are considerably closer to West Bay, SMB, or Georgetown if there's anything you want or need from there. We rent a car and take advantage of many things the island has to offer.

Good diving, Craig

 

[Ericthediver]

Just booked a week in June with Cobalt Coast and Dive Tech. Counting the days!!