Posted by msblucow on July 17, 2000 at 16:01:47:
In Reply to: 1st time diving cayman islands, any recommendations? posted by HAL on July 17, 2000 at 12:43:16:
I went to Grand Cayman for the first time last summer, and even though we did not go on an all inclusive dive package, here are some suggestions that might be helpful:
Generally, shore dives are the cheapest way to go - everything on Cayman is expensive - lodging, gas, food,(a simple lunch can typically set you back $30 a person) and dive boats are no exception. We typically paid $90+ for a 2 tank boat dive. If you can find a condo where you can fix your own food, that's a good way to go. The grocery stores are excellent and not that horribly expensive.
DiveTech: They're located on the West End, north of 7 mile beach. You can rent gear there and do a wonderful shore entry right at their dock. They also run boats off of the north side of the island - which means you get to dive the north wall (very spectacular)
Eden Rock: Another good dive op and shore entry, this one just south of Georgetown. Don't let the close proximity to the city's docks turn you off, it's a great dive.
East and North End - both parts of Grand Cayman are less traveled by cruise ship tourists and have, IMHO, the best diving. If you're looking for dive/lodge packages, I would check out these parts of the island first.
Hope that helps.