Trip Report Grand Cayman 7/18 to 7/22

[Twistedarts]

Well here is my trip report for Grand Cayman 7/18 to 7/22.

Dive 1.
We stayed at the beach club colony and did a shore dive. On 7 mile beach it is shallow (10' or so) a long way out, maybe a quarter mile. We saw eels, rays and those little cayman chubs (friendly buggers) viz was about 80'. It was my Mrs's DSD dive.

Dive 2.
We chartered with Resort Sports Ltd. 2 tanker. ist dive was the north west wall about 100' viz was 150'. The captain and DM's were friendly and professional and the boat was immaculate (46 footer). The wall/reef was loaded with life. We saw some rays and tons of barracuda. Lots of cool swim throughs and overhangs. The dive was guided (obviously) but the DM gave lots of freedom and we were NOT treated like children. There was one young fellow (15yo) that was down 115' absolutely fearless.

Dive 3.
The second tank was a reef dive varying from 50-70'. Viz was about 120'. Saw much of the same wildlife a multitude of fish and colors as well as cuda. Again the crew was excellent.

Dive 4.
Rescheduled due to Dolly. We did snorkel in the storm from the shore. It was silted out bad and vis was maybe a meter at best. But the 4' waves were fun. Reminded all us northeasterners out there of Rockaway beach back home. (ahh the atlantic)


Dive 4. again
This time chartered with Red Sail sports. The crew was professional and courteous although they were a bit over the top with the ceremony. Cattle boat for sure. The DM Roger was spot on though and was most helpful with getting gear and divers in and out of the water. We dove the wreck of the Oro Verde. It was broken up and scattered along the bottom so it made for a cool dive. My buddy found a bike on the bottom and gave his hand at scubacycling. It looks far easier than it is. We were also lucky enough to happen upon a spotted eagle ray approx. 5-6 feet wide. Beautiful creatures. All in all the diving there is absolutely fantastic. The blue is not to be believed. I can't wait to go back.

Dive 5.
Stingray city trip. Wow. The reef dive prior was cool. Lots of rays and eels. Viz was about 100' or more. As to the "City" It is nuts. These things know you bring food so it is a feeding frenzy! They are smooth and powerful yet very friendly and curious. It got a bit unnerving after about 15 minutes of being pushed around by these things in only 4 foot of water. Dive it and you will probably have a better time. All in all it was a HOOT! Definitely recommended.

That's all for now.

 

[Twistedarts]

More pics can be found here.
jackandjillnyc.com/grandcayman

 

[sismushi]

Hello,

Im going to be staying at the Beach Club Colony August 26th-September 2nd. I was wondering what you thought about the resort itself and I was also wondering how much each dive cost? Is it true that its free unlimited shore diving (does that mean scuba tank included)? Any information that you have would be very useful to me!

Thanks!

Katie

 

[under water]

Thanks for that nice review and the pictures.
Sounds like you had tons of fun even with the storm.

 

[Twistedarts]

Hello,

Im going to be staying at the Beach Club Colony August 26th-September 2nd. I was wondering what you thought about the resort itself and I was also wondering how much each dive cost? Is it true that its free unlimited shore diving (does that mean scuba tank included)? Any information that you have would be very useful to me!

Thanks!

Katie

The resort is ok. do not expect a typical american hotel, it is not. the rooms are so-so and fairly clean, the food is mediocre (eating out is expensive), the staff is nice, but it is on its way out so do not expect too much. The view is Spectacular though.

the boat dives were 72 bucks, can't go wrong. The crews and DM's were all great. They will actually work with you on price so that was good. As to the shore diving, yes the gear is included in the AI package (tanks as well) the only thing is it is only 8-10 feet deep a LONG way out. can be cool, I did a shore dive. Better on the boats. Red sail next door were pretty good too. A cattle boat for sure but still a good time.

Follow the link in my earlier post for pics of the place. The water there is friggin awesome! I envy you, wish I did not have to leave. Have a great trip and if there is anything else let me know.
Jack.

 

[Twistedarts]

Thanks for that nice review and the pictures.
Sounds like you had tons of fun even with the storm.

you're welcome. the storm was a big part of the fun. it was the only time we had waves and snorkeling it was a gas....

 

[sismushi]

Thank you so much for the information!!! Im really excited to go because so many people have been telling me that the Cayman Islands are so beautiful and that the diving is great! The only thing that im worried about is that I will not have a dive buddy so I will not be able to take advantage of the unlimited shore diving that is unless I find someone at the resort that will also be as desperate for a dive buddy as I am.

 

[smokey braden]

sismushi,
i will be staying beach club colony 8/2-8/9.
maybe we can hook up and blow a couple of tanks.
look forward to meeting you maybe.

 

[sismushi]

It would have been nice except that ill be there towards the end of the month

 

[morecowbells]

Sounds like a great trip! We will be there in Oct. for the first time. I loved the picture of the Moray! I have only seen them with their heads poking out-never swmming freely.