Small dive operators Grand Cayman/leaving 3/26

[Nancyrobin]

Thanks so much for feedback on divetech. I realized I really want to dive with 8 or fewer people in Grand Cayman. Narrowed it down to Wall to Wall, Neptune and Ambassador. Looking for good bottom time, safety, especially. Neptune leaves late(9am)--does this affect quality of dive sites? Thanks in advance.

 

[divesergeant]

Hi Nancyrobin,

I can't recall ever having trouble with being too late to a dive site w/ Neptune's. It didn't seem like they left that much later than the others, but maybe I didn't pay attention. In any event, the extra snooze time would always be welcome!

I don't have any experience with the other two operations. I've heard good things about Wall to Wall from fellow posters on the Cayman Activity Guide, but I don't recall hearing much about Ambassador either way. I know Alex777 lives on Grand Cayman and dives quite a bit. He might have some input.

DS

 

[EastEndDiver]

I have dove with all three that you mention ,the only one I would not dive with again is Ambassador.Don't get me wrong they are a good operation but last time I dove with them the "Captain/DM" standing in the middle of the 6 divers on the boat lights up a cigarrette without asking if it bothers anyone.I asked him to stand downwind of me ,I have asthma,and he seemed annoyed.Jason,the owner, is a great guy I have met him on several occasions.I am not bad mouthing the operation just the "Captain/DM" should have been more considerate of those on the boat after that he stood on the swim platform and smoked which was fine with me as long as I did not have to breath it.
I pretty much use Peter Milburn regularly I like his attitude and the small,6 person, operation.
I am on island 4-6 weeks a year and dive everyday possible.

Just my opinion.

 

[divesergeant]

Hi EastEndDiver,

I could not agree more about firing up a smoke without common courtesy. It's right up there with guys peeing off the back of the dive boat rather than jumping in...


DS

 

[Alex777]

You can't go wrong with any of those 3 - Wall to Wall, Neptune or Ambassador.

At the risk of becoming annoying, I would make this comment about "safety", which you say you are "looking for". It is the job of a dive operation to transport you safely to a dive site which is appropriate to your apparent level of training and experience. They should avoid sites with significant current ( > 1/2 knot), bad viz ( < 40'), or wave heights which make getting back on the boat a hazard. Most dive ops will also put a DM in the water to act as a guide. If you follow the DM and dive the same profile, you will end the dive within table limits and without getting lost.

ALL OTHER aspects of safety are entirely up to you. A DM is not a lifeguard or even a dive buddy, just a "guide". If you feel you need an experienced buddy at your side, you can hire a DM separately to dive with you.

 

[EastEndDiver]

Alex I am going to be on island from May 14 thru the 24 would you like to meet for a dive sometime?

John

 

[Alex777]

Alex I am going to be on island from May 14 thru the 24 would you like to meet for a dive sometime?

John

Yes! I am in Canada at the moment but back in Cayman on April 4. Send me a PM in April and we'll set something up.

Alex

 

[EastEndDiver]

Alex will do !

John