Suggestions for Shore Diving Off the Beaten Path in GC

[Lopez116]

Hey guys,

This board has been so helpful and I'm hoping you all can come through for me again.

I am going to Grand Cayman late July and I would like to do some shore diving off the beaten path. I normally only shore dive, but would like to try some new spots from shore other than the ones with shops on site (eg Sunset House, etc).

I know I have to rent tanks from Divers Supply, which is fine, but I would like to know: a) which spots to check out, b) how to go about hiring a DM to maybe take us out (or finding an experienced diver who would like to take us out in exchange for a tank of air/lunch/drinks), and c) how much to expect to pay a DM for such a service.

I don't mind a long surface swim, so sites that are a bit of shore are fine assuming boat traffic isn't an issue. Any insights/suggestions are appreciated as always.

Thanks!

 

[EastEndDiver]

Try contacting Alex777,Nipi,Drew Sailbum they all live on island .Also look at Testudos guide,he is a member here also.

Probably one of the best shore dives is Turtle Reef at Sundivers easy in and out.

 

[diversteve]

Find someone who will take you out at Babylon. It meets all your criteria, on the north shore, a long surface swim, maybe in boat traffic - but worth it once you get there. Probably the best generally known shore dive on the island.
Babylon « iDive Global Locations

Done all these?

Cobalt Coast
Turtle Reef
Lighthouse Point
Hepps Wall? - thru Coconut Bay condos - if they let you - private property.
Bonnie's Arch - thru Bonnie's Arch condos - if they let you - private property.
Cemetery Beach - probably a better snorkel
Cheeseburger Reef - downtown
Eden Rock/Devils Grotto - downtown
Smith's Cove - south of Sunset House
I've heard you can get out at the Maze on the south side also.

For Smith's and points south and east, rent tanks at Eden Rock also since Sunset House doesn't let them be removed.
Check with Eden Rock on when the silversides are in the Grotto - that makes that a spectacular dive. It's either July or August IIRC. http://vimeo.com/45878194

I think Testudo's guide is snorkeling only since that's what he does.

 

[Lopez116]

Have not done Hepps, Bonnie's, or Smiths yet. I have heard nothing but great things about Babylon, so I'm really looking forward to diving it.

Are any of these sites marked by buoys?

 

[releck97]

Normally, sites that are marked with buoys are regular boat dives. Several are accessible by shore, but you really need to have local knowledge and loads of experience before attempting them. For starters, the entry and exit can be grueling (that's where Testudo's guide helps a lot!). Currents, lack of rescue infrastructure, etc. can be deadly.

We mostly shore dive on each of our trips, however, we have done an extraordinary amount of homework and always study the tides, sets and winds before attempting a dive. Even with all this, we almost got swept away by a changing current due to the tides on a shore dive at Turtle Pass. As we discovered, nothing can replace local knowledge when shore diving GC or anywhere else for that matter.

I suggest you hit the wonderful shore dives on the west side, especially the main wall at Turtle Reef. It is not dived much and in very good condition. The mini-wall there is great, too (I especially like going north at this site).

Enjoy!

 

[Lopez116]

releck - thanks for the insight. I was thinking hiring a DM would be a good idea for that reason. I've done Turtle Reef approx 5 times. The last trip (April) I went north for the first time (instead of towards Tarpon Alley). I was blown away with how beautiful it was. The sheer structure of the reef wall itself had me on awe. We hit a max depth of 74'. I didn't know it went down that deep on the mini wall. I'm looking forward to doing that dive a couple more times this next trip.

It was actually that dive that inspired me to want to get "off the beaten path." Not so much for the adventure aspect of it, but more to find similar parts of the reef that are not dived so much.

 

[releck97]

releck - thanks for the insight. I was thinking hiring a DM would be a good idea for that reason. I've done Turtle Reef approx 5 times. The last trip (April) I went north for the first time (instead of towards Tarpon Alley). I was blown away with how beautiful it was. The sheer structure of the reef wall itself had me on awe. We hit a max depth of 74'. I didn't know it went down that deep on the mini wall. I'm looking forward to doing that dive a couple more times this next trip.

It was actually that dive that inspired me to want to get "off the beaten path." Not so much for the adventure aspect of it, but more to find similar parts of the reef that are not dived so much.

A DM or Instructor might be apprehensive due to liability issues. Whenever you employ one, he/she is responsible for your care, safety and well being. If I was a Dive Pro, without infrastructure in place, I would not do it.

 

[Lopez116]

Gotcha thanks Releck

 

[EastEndDiver]

A DM or Instructor might be apprehensive due to liability issues. Whenever you employ one, he/she is responsible for your care, safety and well being. If I was a Dive Pro, without infrastructure in place, I would not do it.

An active DM or instructor should carry liability insurance,usually from their certifying agency.I don't see why liability issues would cause apprehension from a dive pro who is properly insured whether they are taking a group on a boat dive or a shore dive.

 

[diversteve]

Smiths Cove is pretty much just walk in off the beach and swim out till you find something interesting. It's fairly shallow also - I've not dove it. 2004 description:

Park across the street in the free lot and walk to the beach and in ya go. Swim over the sand about 100 yards to the reef line and drop down 20-40 feet. Mild current, no surf. 75 ft visibility. Large mounds of coral with tons of life. No other divers and just a few snorkelers. The beach is located about one mile past Sunset House heading out of Georgetown on the right side.

I don't think it's a mile though...

There's a ball at Babylon. It kind of defeats the purpose but Ocean Frontiers - and probably Tortuga Divers dive it. Maybe get familiar with it on a boat first - and see how far out it is before you try. My buddy did it with OF this winter. He said since they kill/feed lionfish there there's a few reef sharks nearby. Once he turned quick and almost kicked one in the head that was waiting for lunch patiently.

Some entry info here: http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/Caribbean/Cayman_Islands/Babylon/index.htm

Some of the other sites mentioned on the shorediving.com site are condos now. Or on the Sister Islands.

Cobalt Coast/Divetech used to tow you out to the North Wall and let you swim back in - might check if they still do.

There's an owner at Coconut Bay that also owns Stingray Watersports - we almost stayed there a few years ago. He's my source for diving info there. http://www.stingraywatersports.com/Accomadation.html