First time to Grand Cayman

[angela]

Thanks to Natasha and Herman for their advice on Bonaire over Grand Cayman. But I've decided that I would appreciate the 'touristy' aspect of Grand Cayman.

With that said, can anyone recommend a place to stay and a good dive shop for semi-beginners? I like the dive shops where a dive master goes with small parties of about 8 or less. As for a place to stay, is it best to be close to Georgetown?

Thanks to all who reply - this is a great board!

angela

 

[carlislere]

Hi Angela, I can list several places for you to stay and a couple to dive with, but check out the following websites, you can get alot of info from them.
http://www.caymanislands.ky/
http://www.divecayman.ky/
http://www.smallshop.com/caymanwebsites.htm
If you are looking for something close to Georgetown, check into Coconut Harbour, Sunset House (http://www.sunsethouse.com/index2.html) and Seaview. I believe George Town Villas (Condos) are also close to town, but not as close as the three mentioned above. Sleep Inn is close, but is a hotel atmosphere.
For dive operations, if you stay at Sunset House use their operation. I am not familiar with the dive operation at Coconut Harbor since they changed to Treasure Island Divers, I believe. If you stay at a condo use Fisheye. I have used them numerous times and they run a great operation. They are located west of Georgetown out West Bay road. They will pick up for certain properties. You can get more info from http://www.fisheye.com/. Be sure to dive the North Wall. It's awesome!
Caymancase is a member of our forum, who lives on Grand Cayman. If he replies he should be able to provide more advise. Have a great trip!
RonC.

 

[Keith]

Dear Angela,

For Sunset House's web page, go to http://www.sunsethouse.com The web link given in the previous thread has been updated to a new service.

Keith

 

[angela]

Thanks for your replies!

No offense Keith, but is Sunset house a little more expensive than other places? Perhaps if someone did the math for me or let me know why there was a premium, I'd be more inclined.

Right now, I'm leaning towards Sleep Inn because it's fairly inexpensive and then just finding a good dive-shop.

How does that sound?

Thanks!

 

[Keith]

Dear Angela,

Sunset House is not the cheapest hotel on the island, but we feel for divers the most economical. When comparing packages, remember that ours includes breakfast, taxi transfers from and to the airport, unlimited shore diving, literally steps from your room, 24 hours a day. Nitrox and SCR and CCR Rebreathers. An award winning dive operation right on property, a photo center ran by Cathy Church, SeaHarvest Restaurant and a very friendly and fun thatched roof bar. Everything your dive vacation needs is here on property.

Sleep Inn is a very nice hotel and also a good value for non divers. It is not next to the sea, does not have the diving amenities on property etc.

If you have any other questions, email me direct give us a call at 800.854.4767. Our reservations department will be glad to assist you on any questions you may have. Remember to look for our summer, fall and winter special on our website! Four different specials from June on to December 21!

Have a great day and where ever you stay on the island, you won't be disappointed!

Ks

 

[carlislere]

Angela, one advantage of staying at Coconut Harbour, Sunset House or Seaview (I am trying to remain neutral) is you can get unlimited shore diving with the package right off the properties. I have spent a night on a layover at Sleep Inn and it is a nice hotel, but you will not get any shore diving there. You would have to make arrangements elsewhere and haul your gear with you. I have seen packages with two of the three mentioned above that will include one meal (usually breakfast) in the package. Hope this helps.
RonC.

 

[angela]

Thanks Ron and Keith for your replies!

This is a great site. I know Caymancase runs neptune divers down there. It seems like a good operation and Caymancase sounds great. Does anyone else have any input on their operation?

Thanks,
a

 

[caymancase]

I don't think anybody on the board has been diving with me yet? Maybe you can be the "guinea pig" for the board?! Hehe.. maybe I'll yet get to see the infamous leopard skin wet suit and the "Warhammer Maneuver" in person. The 2nd from a great distance away! Take care Casey

 

[gulfdiver]

I'm researching the board for an upcoming trip to GC and had the links to caymanisland.ky and divecayman.ky but the others were new.