Grand Cayman - Solo Diver - 3 Day Itinerary Recommendations

[RadHal]

Having researched Scubaboard I have come up with the following itinerary for a 5 day (3.5 days of busy diving) trip to Grand Cayman, in May 2008, (I will be a single diver, am PADI Advanced & Nitrox certified) and would appreciate some input - pros/cons - thanks

I arrive Monday May 12th at noon and fly out Friday evening for a 3.5 day dive trip to Grand Cayman in May (12-16th), staying at the Comfort Suites on 7-Mile Beach and will rent a car.

* Diving with Neptune Divers for three 2-tank morning dives Tues-Wed-Thur (?North wall and West boat dives)
* an afternoon dive at Stingray City with Neptune Divers
* 3 afternoon shore dives Mon-Thurs on my "own" (will use a guide or find a buddy)
- Devils Grotto - Eden Rock on arrival afternoon
- Turtle Beach at Cracked Conch with Divetech
- Sunset House
* and Two night Dives with Neptune Divers (Tues-Wed)

Thanks again

 

[ianr33]

Just a few points:
Divetech are no longer at the Turtle Farm/Cracked Conch. Operation there is Sundivers Home page Cayman Islands,Grand Cayman,Cayman,Cayman,Cayman Islands,Cayman,Grand Cayman Highly recommended operation and a great dive.

Divetech have moved slightly south to Lighthouse Point. Nice dive shallow,great out on the "Big" wall. Divetech at Cobalt Coast is another good site. O.K shallow (but great at night or for snorkelling) and a very nice "Big" wall.

Personally I would not bother with Eden Rock. IMHO it is one of the most beat up dives on Cayman,Sunset House in the same area is much better.

 

[RadHal]

first posting for me - thanks for the quick and helpful input

 

[Dive Junky]

Sounds like you will cover the island well in a short period of time. I really prefer the north shore over diving on the rest of the island, although I will warn you the seas tend to be more rough there. Definately need to be boat dives up there.

The west side is where all the easy diving is. Diving is good there tho the reefs are not in as good shape due to the number of divers that visit this side of the island.

 

[ianr33]

first posting for me - thanks for the quick and helpful input

Welcome !

Hah,beat Dandy Don to it

 

[ianr33]

The west side is where all the easy diving is. Diving is good there tho the reefs are not in as good shape due to the number of divers that visit this side of the island.

Certainly true for the shallow sites but if you dont mind long(ish) surface swims out to the main wall it is in fine shape.

 

[carlislere]

Some additional info from my own experience. Eden Rocks and Sunset House will not allow solo diving. You will have to hire a dive guide if one is available, which could be dicy, since the instructors at Sunset House are usually teaching in the afternoons and there is usually only one or two staff at Eden Rocks. I agree with ianr33 that Eden Rocks is not worth it anymore, unless you are doing a night dive. I don't know if DiveTech or Sun Divers will allow solo diving. I have always had a partner at those locations. You can make multiple dives at each location, and they are both great dive sites. Have a great trip!

 

[ianr33]

Divetech do guided shore dives if you need a buddy. Obviously best to arrange that in advance.

There is a public boat ramp just north of Lighthouse Point that we used as an access point over Thanksgiving when the waves were up. www.scubaboard.com/forums/cayman-islands/211792-cayman-trip-report.html
You could always rent a tank from Divers Supply??? on the Seven Mile Beach road and dive solo from there if that is your thing

 

[RadHal]

I do not dive alone, so will have to see how it goes when I arrive, and hopefully hook up with whoever is willing for a tag-along.

 

[ianr33]

If you dont manage to find a buddy for diving the snorkelling at Cobalt Coast is excellent. Its shallow for a long way and I have seen all sorts of things there: Peacock Flounder,Squid,Octopus as well as all the usual suspects.
The bar is pretty welcoming as well. Have a great trip.