Thanks guys, I emailed OF on Saturday to apprise them of my situation so I'll see what they say back. Lopez - I think that's what we'll end up doing now is SMB so my wife can have more activities within walking distance.
New to diving and going solo in Grand Cayman - Nov 9-16
- Thread starter jonesg11
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A note in favor of Tortuga Divers (the Red Sail Sports operation in East End) for newer divers is that TD often offers an option early in the week for two shallow dives on a boat separate from the divers doing a wall dive. Not sure if OF is putting on a double shallow morning two tank lately.
Well as is usual, plans have changed. We're now staying at the Anchorage Condos on SMB. So I really would like to dive the east end since I've heard its more pristine, but at the same time I don't know if I can justify the additional drive time. Any recommendations for dive shops closer to my side?
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Most of them will pick you up there. Many leave from one of several marinas nearby - the big yacht harbor on the sound is just a couple blocks south of there. In that area, Neptune's Divers, Ambassador Divers or Indigo Divers would be on my shortlist. From Anchorage look straight out - the boats you see are probably moored at the Kittiwake - it's just offshore there.
Maybe later in the week after you've done some dives set up a shore dive at Turtle Reef since it's so close. It's about 1/2 mi (or less) north. Call Sundivers on-site for a guide - they have an arrangement with Happy Fish Divers. They also do that dive at night escorted.
Your wife might like waiting at the Tiki Bar and watching. The Turtle Farm is across the street also. For a Tortuga Rum Cake, the factory is just up the road. Cracked Conch Grand Cayman Ocean Front Seafood Restaurant and Tiki Bar - Shorediving
Maybe later in the week after you've done some dives set up a shore dive at Turtle Reef since it's so close. It's about 1/2 mi (or less) north. Call Sundivers on-site for a guide - they have an arrangement with Happy Fish Divers. They also do that dive at night escorted.
Your wife might like waiting at the Tiki Bar and watching. The Turtle Farm is across the street also. For a Tortuga Rum Cake, the factory is just up the road. Cracked Conch Grand Cayman Ocean Front Seafood Restaurant and Tiki Bar - Shorediving
I'd like to add Epic Divers to the list of operators to check out. They are still relatively new, but do a superb job of accommodating multiple diver certs. We went out with Freddy last spring with divers from Resort to DM and the experience was awesome!
Doctorfish
Contributor
If you are a new diver, I'd recommend staying West or North if calm. The wall diving is good ( maybe not as good as ast End ) and you will be looking at your gauges, dive buddy and near surroundings so much that it does not make much difference which side of the island you are on.
I like the Wall to Wall and DNS dive ops on the West. They provide big boats, small groups and personalized service.
Shore diving at Turtle Reef is a great suggestion as the entry is easy, the reef colorful and also shallow. The outdoor bar there has good bar food and a fabulous view. Happy fish did offered escorted dives there in the past and probably still does. The DMs from the other operations might also be persuaded to take you out for a guided dive there in the afternoon or evening.
East End does have better diving than W or N but for a newbie, hardly worth the drive. Do it next trip.
---------- Post added October 31st, 2013 at 09:36 AM ----------
By the way, Anchorage Condos are quite nice, have a good piece of beach, are well located and well priced. That part of SMB is quieter than further South as well. Good choice.
There is a neat little Restaurant in West Bay called KonTiki? that does good breakfast and lunches. All the cops and firemen hang out there so it's got to be good.
I like the Wall to Wall and DNS dive ops on the West. They provide big boats, small groups and personalized service.
Shore diving at Turtle Reef is a great suggestion as the entry is easy, the reef colorful and also shallow. The outdoor bar there has good bar food and a fabulous view. Happy fish did offered escorted dives there in the past and probably still does. The DMs from the other operations might also be persuaded to take you out for a guided dive there in the afternoon or evening.
East End does have better diving than W or N but for a newbie, hardly worth the drive. Do it next trip.
---------- Post added October 31st, 2013 at 09:36 AM ----------
By the way, Anchorage Condos are quite nice, have a good piece of beach, are well located and well priced. That part of SMB is quieter than further South as well. Good choice.
There is a neat little Restaurant in West Bay called KonTiki? that does good breakfast and lunches. All the cops and firemen hang out there so it's got to be good.
KARENLISAM
New
Just curious if you decided who to dive with . I am a relatively new diver and travelling solo to GC Nov 14-19.
Karen
Karen
Hi Karen,
I think I'm going to try Living the Dream divers. They're near by where we're staying and although Trip Advisor is not the be all end all when it comes to reviews they do have some really happy customers on there.
EastEndDiver
Contributor
Do a search for Living the Dream on here.They are one I would not recommend for several reasons.
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BUDMANOK
Contributor
Did you notice that no one recommended this op?
Of course choose who you choose it's up to you but lot's of good advice on this thread from divers that have been there. Trip advisor is a good resource but for diving this forum is better IMO. (no offense to Trip advisor I love it)
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