Planning 1st trip to Grand Cayman, how's the shore diving?

[indecisive]

I will probably be staying at the Marriott. Can you shore dive and or snorkel from the beach there? What places can we drive to where we can snorkel or dive from the shore?

Any other Cayman newbie info you can give me would be great also.

Thanks!

 

[Drew Sailbum]

There is no shore diving at the Marriott, but lots scattered around the west side of the island.

Shore diving is concentrated in two areas: 1) West Bay, and 2) South Church Street (just south of downtown Georgetown). There are dive shops with on-site shore diving and the facilities to support it.

In West Bay you will find Divetech at Cobalt Coast and their other shop at the Cracked Conch restaurant by the Turtle Farm. There is another shore dive at Spanish Bay Reef Resort.

South Church Street sports Abanks Dive Centre, Eden Rock, Don Foster's Casurina Point, Bob Soto's at the Seaview Hotel, and Sunset DIvers at Sunset House hotel.

You'll need a rental car if you're counting on doing much shore diving. The local custom is that you should rent your tank from the on-site operator.

 

[munkispank]

Hey there Indecisive,
drew sailbum has given you all the best info, as a local he's the best source.
To add to that, check out shorediving.com- they have details of the dives youy can do. I was a newbie when I went and found the whole trip very easy and relaxing. As well as the shore diving, do try to to stingray city- very touristy, very busy, but great fun.

I stayed at the Marriot- its very nice and in a good location-very expensive restuartant though, but the food was good enough.(Unless you eat a lot, don;t bother with the buffet/barbeque) I can recommend the Thai restuarant two blocks down and two mins drive up the road is a small beach by the govenors house (I think) and that has some great snorkelling for your off-diving days.

enjoy- and say hello to the turtles for me!!!