Recommendations for Smaller Boat Operators with 2 Person Crew

[jrmpco1]

Folks -- I am going to be in Grand Cayman in about a week (late March), and am looking for a smaller sized boat operator that goes out with one crew member who stays with the boat as a lookout as well as another who goes down for wall dives with the group. I have seen many recommendations on the various lists but not ones that clearly focus on smaller operators with lookouts.

I have previously dived with some operators that I liked (Cayman Marine Labs, Divetech, Wall to Wall) and had good experiences, but it has been about 5 years since I have been to Grand Cayman. Since things change over time -- and my attention to having a lookout on board is more pronounced now -- I would like any recommendations for operators that folks have had good experiences with that use reasonably sized boats (I like limits of 8, but up to 12 or so persons max is ok) and who take out two crew with one who acts as lookout.

Also, I prefer to go out early to be able to get back and spend the day with my non-diving wife, so Neptune and others who leave after 8 am would not work.

Thanks!

 

[Alex777]

Well, I believe DiveTech always leaves a "safety up" on the boat. Others can confirm that. Ocean Frontiers *usually* do but no guarantees. Those are what I would call medium-size boats - 12 max. and they leave around 8 AM. The smaller boats usually do not have room for 2 DMs. One exception (6 divers max.) would be Jules & Esther at Stingray Water Sports, whose schedule is flexible.

For what it's worth - I wouldn't get too hung up about having a DM up on the boat during the dive. Your safety is up to you. I have yet to hear of a diving accident in Cayman which would have been averted by having someone up on the boat.

 

[hypersonic]

You might check with Indigo Divers, Chris and Katie have a small boat and take six max.

They run a good operation and are quite accomodating.

 

[RedLionFish]

The smaller boat might be more limiting. All the ops in the Caymans have to one DM per set number of divers and someone on surface watch. If you go with a boat that is putting a couple of DM's in the water, you have a better chance of being going with divers of similar level. All the ops are topnotch. Personally, if you are staying at a resort/condo with an inhouse operator, I would use them as all the the guys/gals are great, and staying in house is just much more convenient. I think that leaving someone on surface watch may be mandatory. If not regulated, it seems that the ops are doing it now.

 

[divesergeant]

We always end up with Neptune's. Yes, they may leave a bit later, but with the smaller groups (8 max, and always 2 DM on the boat) it doesn't take as long to get everyone going. We were back at the beach or dock by 12:15 or 12:30. As a bonus, you can sleep in a few minutes!

 

[jrmpco1]

Thanks for the recommendations. I decided to try Indigo, given the good recommendations, small size, and two person operation. Will let folks know how it went when I get back!