Suggestions for Shore Diving Off the Beaten Path in GC

[Lopez116]

Diversteve - I was planning on diving Smith's. I've snorkeled way out on several occasions and the conditions have been fine each time. I am pretty used to shore diving and getting through the surf zone here in SoCal. I am more concerned about the remoteness of the Babylon site and where the best entry/exit points are, which direction to head on the wall, etc. That's kinda the driving force behind my thinking that a DM or local would be a good idea. Last time we were there we hooked up with an expat who took us on our first night dive. Was an unbelievable experience and I really enjoyed meeting someone from this board to share it with!

 

[Insta-Gator]

Many years ago we hired a DM to give us a shore-diving tour. We paid $65.00/person IIRC. It was great. We didn't have time to get around to the south/east sides of the island but entry on the south side can be treacherous (pretty much all iron shore and some steep climbs.)

 

[releck97]

Diversteve - I was planning on diving Smith's. I've snorkeled way out on several occasions and the conditions have been fine each time. I am pretty used to shore diving and getting through the surf zone here in SoCal. I am more concerned about the remoteness of the Babylon site and where the best entry/exit points are, which direction to head on the wall, etc. That's kinda the driving force behind my thinking that a DM or local would be a good idea. Last time we were there we hooked up with an expat who took us on our first night dive. Was an unbelievable experience and I really enjoyed meeting someone from this board to share it with!

The best entry for Babylon is at Rosebud Drive. There will either be 2 or 3 balls straight out from there. 3 if they replaced Julie's. The current can run either east or west. We have found it to run towards the west most often. Entry is as easy as you can get for a beach dive here. The kick out is breathtaking and the wall is awesome! Dive against the current and follow the reef back in. The fingers are worthy of multiple dives. Yes, they are that good! There are other entries but they are nasty.

Enjoy!

 

[Lopez116]

Thanks for the great advice!

 

[releck97]

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.

Yes, a Dive Pro should always carry insurance, however, a smart one will make a decision based on all of the variables. If a catastrophic event was to take place in a remote area that does not offer first aid, oxygen and quick rescue, chances are the Dive Pro would be sued for negligence because of poor decision making. I'd rather not put my insurance to the test. Having said that, the Dive Pro will weigh the variables and make a decision. As I work through my Dive Master training, I'm thinking I'd take a pass.
Insurance should never take the place of good/sound judgment.

 

[EastEndDiver]

Yes, a Dive Pro should always carry insurance, however, a smart one will make a decision based on all of the variables. If a catastrophic event was to take place in a remote area that does not offer first aid, oxygen and quick rescue, chances are the Dive Pro would be sued for negligence because of poor decision making. I'd rather not put my insurance to the test. Having said that, the Dive Pro will weigh the variables and make a decision. As I work through my Dive Master training, I'm thinking I'd take a pass.
Insurance should never take the place of good/sound judgment.

If the area is that "dangerous" then you shouldn't be diving there whether you have a dive pro with you or not especially a somewhat inexperienced diver who feels he needs a dive pro for support.

I've dove Cayman since 1980,was a lot different back then,dove in many remote areas on island.

I've been an instructor for 26 years I would have no problem taking a diver anywhere on island to shore dive as long as I thought it was doable and safe for them taking into account what their abilities are.Many shore dive areas do not have oxygen,first aid, quick rescue capabilities if you need all these things to do a shore dive never do shore diving unless there is a dive shop on site.

 

[Lopez116]

EastEndDiver - put your money where your mouth is...let's go diving

 

[EastEndDiver]

Lopez I'll be on island tomorrow where you want to meet?

 

[Lopez116]

EastEndDiver - unfortunately I'll still be in SoCal tomorrow, so my commute to GCM would be a little grueling, but I will be there 7/22-7/30. Will you be there then? Do you live on the island?

 

[EastEndDiver]

Lopez I won't be on island then.I own on island and try to get down as often as possible which hasn't been often enough due to commitments in NY.I try to get here 5-6 times throughout the year.

Maybe next time,BTW the weather sucks right now.