Questions about Cayman diving ? Answers from someone who lives here

[Drew Sailbum]

Over the years there have been several drownings off Pedro Castle, most recently two within a week on Dec 27, 2011 and Jan 1, 2012. Those involved swimmers.

These are not the first drownings at that location. A New Year's Day visit to that site in 2007 ended with the death of a man who went to collect whelks along the shore. He was not intending to swim but was swept into the water by a wave. An earlier March 2003 death claimed the life of one.

Emergency responders face serious risk in dealing with such incidents but managed a well publicized rescue of three swimmers who jumped from the same cliffs in July 2011. The Police Marine Unit and helicopter were involved in the rescue. And in July 2006 a tourist helicopter was involved in another rescue of a family at that site.

So... though there are some nice reefs offshore from Pedro you must carefully evaluate sea conditions and plan where and how you will exit the water. Make a backup plan too. Be sure someone on shore knows where you are going and when to expect you back.

 

[Sir James Cayman]

thanks drew

 

[-hh]

...

Save $25

Cayman travelers be sure to EACH buy a LITRE (no larger) of booze at the duty free shop on your way to Cayman. For example at Miami duty free a LITRE of Bacardi dark rum is $15. In a liquour store in Cayman it is $32 CI (US$40). Yes booze is that expensive. So make that duty free stop coming here.

Although do be aware that if you're travelling on to Little Cayman or the Brac, that duty-free liquid has to be repacked into your checked baggage ... and yes, still still stay under the 55lb limit if you're flying on the Express.

How is the shore diving in Brac by the way? More or less than GC?

I've yet to shore dive on Grand to offer a comparison, but shore diving in the Brac has been on a recent upswing: there's a Facebook page which offers get-togethers plus can provide advice...search on "Cayman Brac Shore Divers". Lots of UW photos available here too.


IIRC, it has been Nina Banks on the Brac as the best person to ask for info. IIRC, she's been the main force responsible for painting up landmark rocks for the Brac's shore diving entry/exit sites ... just like Bonaire, only painted red instead of yellow. Between these two resources, my old Brac Shore Diving webpage is becoming increasingly obsolete.


-hh

 

[vincent54]

I have used hh's web page for valuable info. I think he has said Spot Bay has the junkiest dive in Brac. BTW, I have seen people with copies of this webpage used as a dive guide, so it is still relevant information for divers.

I think the reason Shore diving is more popular is you can go the sites the dive boats won't. Rarely do the go past the Wreck or the Public Beach. 80 USDvs 16 USD for a two tank dive is also a good reason. I think the South east wall is the most dramatic and exciting in the Caymans and have yet to see a Reef Diver boat diving it.. The beach and water are free on the Brac. Find a spot , and dive. Bring or rent a flag.
If you don't feel like asking a house for permission to walk through their yard, there are plenty of public access areas. However, most residents won't mind if you carry your gear through. The facebook page is a good idea. You can find out where everyone is diving and go elsewhere. Cheers

 

[epbdo]

Hi Sir James! I have 2 quick questions for you. I have been diving Grand Cayman for 12 years, mostly with Nick Buckley of Deep Blue Divers. I spend about 5 or 6 weeks a year there. What is the best way to access shore diving in the south sound area? I did a boat dive there which departed the Red Bay Dock and loved it. Also, any advice diving from Bonnies Arch? I've scoped it out and see they have a spot for ladders, but just don't choose to put them in.

Thanks, Eric