Looking for recommendations, GC Shore dives

[laschmid]

My hubby and I will be heading down to the west end of GC for a business trip April 8 - 14. We were hoping to be able to squeeze in a few shore dives when we have time and I am having trouble finding some information about spots other than the 6 or so that are commonly recommended (Eden's Rock, Devil's Grotto, Turtle farm, Lighthouse, Sunset house, etc.) This is our second time to the island and we have dove most of these places that have the dive shops right there. I am looking for recommendations and information about some of the other places around.

I am interested in Julie's wall/Black forest, but I am having a hard time finding information on how to access it. Same with the Maze, Ghost Mountain, Tarpon Alley, Smith's Cove, Babylon and Armchair Reef. Is it possible to access these areas without a boat? Additionally, last time we were there we tried to dive Turtle farm but the dive shop was under construction. Does anyone know if this area is opened back up? I have read a lot of recommendations for this area...

I am open for recommendations for any other dive spots that are in the area, but keep ones that are very far to a minimum because we are slightly restricted with our time. Thank you so much for your help!!!

Laura

 

[scubadada]

I would consider Lighthouse point (just past Turtle Farm), operated by DiveTech. DiveTech's shore dive from Cobalt Coast is also very good. I believe Turtle Reef, operated by Sun Divers, is open and is a very good dive in either direction. I prefer right but left has the cavern of Tarpon.

Some of the dives you mention are certainly boat only, I'm sure the locals will speak up and answer your queries.

Best of luck, Craig

 

[diversteve]

but keep ones that are very far to a minimum because we are slightly restricted with our time.

Define restricted...

Babylon is on the North side so would require driving all the way around the island through the East End to get there. I've seen conflicting reports about whether you can get tanks at Ocean Frontiers along the way also. It's supposed to be an iffy entry depending on conditions also at times.

The Maze is almost to the East End on the south side so that must be a good 45min. drive from SMB.

I've never dove either but Babylon is on my list. Supposed to be a great dive.

We were looking at diving Smith's Cove this summer. It's a walk in off the beach from what I've read. My plan was to rent tanks at Eden Rock - they have an over nite rental option. Sunset House no longer allows tanks to be removed from their property.

IDK anything about the others on your list.

 

[ianr33]

Babylon is a great dive. Entry is pretty easy if the sea is calm. Julies Wall is in the same general
area.
Directions for Babylon can be found here Grand Cayman Islands Scuba Diving, the Cayman Islands offshore scuba diving guide,Shore Diving,Grand Cayman dive site locations

Never heard of anyone doing The Maze from shore. Might be possible. Please post a report!

Ghost Mountain can apparently be done from shore. Enter by Pappagallo condos. I'm sure its a long swim. Scooter might be useful. Sounds like a great adventure.

If your profile is accurate you may wish to reconsider these dives. Especially the last 2.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

I am interested in Julie's wall/Black forest...Babylon

Adjacent to Julie's Wall/Black Forest is one site west of Babylon. They can be accessed off of Old Robin Road in North Side. There is a spot you can park just opposite Rosebud Dr, though there are a few other spots to park in the same general area.

Maze... Tarpon Alley

Totally different locations but NOT a shore dive. Too far out. Potential currents and/or boat traffic in narrow channel through reef.

 

[Wolfie]

It's been a dozen years since I've been there so my info is dated. There is a parking lot right at Smith cove. the first reef is close and nice. There is a second ball about 1/2 mile out which can be quite a swim and very rewarding. I think it's called eagle ray pass. Never been but the Old Blue Parrot restarant (destroyed in Ivan) has a great reef right off the entrance. Access to Armchair was through an appt complex (winsdson Village) Back then there was a group of divers livving there that I hooked up with and they did night dives together (I think it was Tuesdays) Bonnie's arch is accessed through a condo complex so you suit up accross the street and tread lightly to the shore... Don't do this if there is a surge. At the Cracked conch (turtle reef) is my all time favorite. Also accessible there are Hepp's Pipeline and Hepp's wall. Beutiful reefs, and a great bar upstairs for deco time..... I used to grab tanks from Eden rock. I've heard reports that shops don't let tanks leave property. Please let me know who will let tanks out so I can hit these spots while I'm there April 21-27. BTW I will be looking for a buddy for some of these shore dives for anyone else out there then.