Our Canadian dollar gets us about 75 cents American. IT’s always painful to buy USD. But we don’t go diving to save money that’s for sure...and tipping is part of the deal.
We will likely rent a car for a day or two...any recommendations?
I think that the Canadian dollar is only worth $0.62 in Cayman, sorry. BTW, make sure that your credit card doesn't add-on any foreign transaction fees.
Cobalt Coast in on the West side of the island, but it is north of Seven Mile Beach in West Bay. It's not too far from the more popular locations but the resort is still rather remote. I know that the airport transfers are included in the price of your package and that's nice, but if you decide to venture out then taxis will get expensive quickly.
There is a clean, safe, reliable, and inexpensive public bus system on GC, but I usually see the buses around George Town and 7MB. I don't know how frequently they run to the north section of West Bay, especially at night. You might look into options for taking buses during the day but then plan to take a taxi back at night.
Rental cars are one of the few bargains on GC and our credit card includes auto insurance (except liability) so we don't have to add on many extra charges for expenses. When we are on Brac of Little Cayman we only rent a car for a day or two, but those islands are small and quiet and we are only there for a week.
Traffic can be bad around George Town and 7MB, especially during rush hours and in George Town when the cruise ships are in port. And you will have to get used to driving on the left and negotiating the roundabouts - but you will figure it out quickly. But if you are plan any outings you should try to avoid the busiest traffic times - you will probably be diving in the mornings and if you go exploring it will be in the afternoon and evening.
Are you doing 2 boat dives per day or three? There is also unlimited shore diving on the house reef as long as you don't get winded out.
There is a charge for a temporary Cayman drivers permit (bring your license with you) but it isn't bad, around $25 CI. We always pick up and drop off our rental car at the airport but I'm sure that the hotel could arrange a car for you. Download interactive google maps on your phone before you leave home so that you can avoid roaming and internet charges.
You're probably taking the meal plan at CCGCR, correct? But there are some nice places to stop and have a drink or a bite if you are out and about - not cheap but there is a wide range of options.
I've never stayed at Cobalt Coast but we have visited the resort and dived with their Reef Divers op, and it's looks nice and the diving was good. We have stayed at the other Clearly Cayman resorts on Brac and Little Cayman and really liked them a lot; we will be back at the LCBR later this year. I think that they all operate similarly.
If you enjoy a nice cocktail or glass of wine on vacation then I should warn you that the a la carte drinks at the CC resorts are expensive. They offer a drinks package that includes 3 well drinks per day, but there is an up-charge for anything not on the list. Everything you buy at the bar has a 15% tip automatically added, even a can of soda.
We usually skip the drink package and always buy liquor at the duty-free shop at the airport before we leave the US. Each adult can bring in 1 liter of liquor (or 4 bottles or wine, or a case of beer) duty free. At the CBBR and the LCBR they have an ice machine near the bar for guest use and you can also ask for a small refrigerator in your room. I don't know if it is the same at CCGCR but they probably have a system for providing ice for guests.
There's a lot of options for things to do on GC, what type of things do you like to do on vacation? Besides relax and dive, of course!
Give us some ideas of the things you enjoy and I am sure that the folks here on SB will be able to offer some good suggestions!
