I am trying to decide whether to go to Roatan or Grand Cayman this September for diving and one on one uw photography lessons. I am looking at Cathy Church's operation in Grand Cayman (Sunset House) vs going to Roatan and taking lessons with Francesca Diaco and staying at Cocolobo. Has anyone had experience with either that can give me some help deciding. The flights are cheaper and shorter from New York to Grand Cayman. I have some experience but I am looking to step up my game and really learn the correct settings and strobe placement. I shoot with an Olympus OMD EM5 Mark II and I have one Sea & Sea Strobe and a 9-11 mm lens as well as my 14-42 kit lens and a macro wet lens adapter. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
I do not have any experience with Francesca Diaco and Cocolobo so hopefully someone else here on Scubaboard can give you some information.
I have visited Sunset House and Cathy Church's gallery and photography studio so I can tell you that the resort looks very nice and there is a dive op and shore dive onsite that would be helpful for a photography course.
Cathy Church has a very large photo center at Sunset House. We have gone there to buy photo supplies and one time my husband had problems with his camera and they were great and helped him out - but we have never taken a course.
You don't mention budget, or the time of year you plan to travel, or if you will be traveling solo or with a companion? But if yo are traveling alone you may be interested to know that Sunset House is currently offering a special for single divers, the information below was recently posted in another thread. Good luck finding a great trip and photo course!
"According to Blue Water Travels, Sunset House is charging $1814 per week for their solo traveler, courtyard room, dive special through Dec 15, 2017.
Which is a break because it is only $170 more than the price per person for double occupancy ($1642). They usually charge $2287 for single occupancy in a courtyard room with the dive package.
Tackling Being a Diver as a Single Traveler
$1,813.90 (Single Occupancy only)
Minimum seven night stay & six days of diving
Courtyard rooms only
Subject to availability
Valid for travel until December 15, 2017
Booking Period: Now - December 15, 2017"
This is from the Sunset House website, I think that breakfast is also included:
Have a solo trip planned? Sunset House has the answer with big savings
Sunset House has the answers with a Singles Divers Special from now until December 15th, 2017. Save with a minimum seven night / six days of diving. Based on availability. For more information on this special and others, feel free to call us at 1-800-854-4767. (Available in Courtyard Rooms Only...Single Occupancy Only)
Courtyard Room Standard Rate - Sunset House - George Town - Cayman Islands
One of the most popular rooms for “cost conscious.” These rooms have a walk-in patio door and are available with 2 Queen or 1 King bed, digital cable TV, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. Most courtyard rooms can access the wireless network. There are courtyard rooms above the front office area and on either side of the parking lot headed to My Bar. There are also eight courtyard rooms in the garden area close to the 400 block of rooms.
Amenities
- Safety Deposit Box (Front Desk)
- High Speed Internet -on Balconies
- Easy to Set Alarm Clock Radio
