Looking for GC lodging and dive ops

[r466it]

We're planning a vacation for March 19-26. Based on the group's requirements, I think we should stick with Grand Cayman so that our non-divers have a choice of activities. I've tried to read through the Cayman Islands group and there is A LOT of info. I'm looking for a place to stay like Divi Flamingo in Bonaire. There is a dive operator/shop on site with shore diving, restaurant/bar, pool, "beach" (I use that term loosely for this location). It was close enough to the main city to walk to restaurants/bars/tourist traps and short drives for activities other than diving. We went to Roatan last year and stayed at Fantasy Island. While it was an all inclusive dive resort, the accommodations weren't as good as Divi Flamingo.

What do you recommend?

 

[Testudo]

Some lodging info (on-site dive ops w/shore diving noted) info can be found here: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cayman-islands/339141-how-does-gc-work-condo-hotel-resort.html

Best beach is Seven Mile Beach, some of the condos and hotels have affiliated dive ops, but no shore diving. Dive ops will either pick you up of meet you at a preassigned location.

 

[diversteve]

Sunset House meets most of that except for the beach as there is none - IIRC it's all ironshore. And it's a little farther south than I'd like to walk to town. But I'm not much of a walker.

Cobalt Coast meets most of that except for the walk to town - you drive to most everything from there - "beach" also being a relative term. There is some but there's ironshore between it and the water.

What you may want to do instead is find something along SMB as suggested.

In some areas there are small strip malls/restaurants just off the main road behind the oceanfront resorts/condos. But you'd have to drive to Georgetown. In case you hadn't noticed when the cruise ships are in town (almost daily) Georgetown is the place not to be. Unless you like crowds of oblivious tourists jamming the shops and blocking the roads.

 

[Howard Kaiser]

I'd suggest Sunshine Suites for access to the beach (7 Mile)..they are close by numerous restaurants as well. Shore diving in GC , except at Sunset House, requires a car. Sunset House has on-site restaurant, shore diving, but not real close and the walk is a bit treacherous since there's no sidewalk on South Sound Rd. Check out Cobalt Coast but a car is a must....if you've got a car , go dive East End with Ocean Frontiers. Compass Point or Reef Resort would be best bets for accomodations. Best diving is North Wall and East End, imho..Compass Point condos are steps away from boat, there's a small beach, small stores nearby and condos are fully furnished. We always buy groceries in town and cook breakfasts and lunch. Great way to dive...we can easily do 4 dives a day since we don't have to worry about schlepping gear etc..

 

[jerrycsr]

I like Villas of the Galleon condominiums because the beach is so nice there. Dive boats will pick you up on the beach. You'll want a rental vehicle to drive around and do shore diving.

My trip report here with pictures and descriptions of my dive op experiences and shore diving.

My video links are messed up and won't automatically play (SC doesn't allow me to edit old posts, I guess), but clicking on them will take you to a Photobucket page with some video of Grand Cayman
including the beach behind Villas, the inside of the condo and other stuff.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cayman-islands/294384-grand-cayman-trip-report-7-6-09-a.html

 

[OH2OD]

We made our first visit to Cobalt Coast last summer, and were pleased with resort.
We rented a car, but only used it a few times to get groceries and one trip to town.
The on site restaurant was excellant. Some of our group got meal plan, but we chose not to.
My wife is a non diver, and enjoyed the resort's atmosphere and staff.
Hope this helps with your decision.