Daniel
02-28-2007, 10:22 AM
Linda and I returned to Grand Cayman as divers the week of Feb 17-24. It was a special trip for us, as it was the catalyst for our wanting to become scuba divers. We had been to Grand Cayman twice before, and on both occasions we were enthusiastic snorkeller's. Since becoming certified divers, we had always wanted to return to the place where we got the itch to become divers.
Flight: direct, flying Air Canada out of terminal 1 (Toronto)
Fast forward 6 years and we're in Grand Cayman. This time we decided to stay at a dedicated divers resort with all its conveniences (dive packages, dive boats, rinse tanks, lockers etc.). Sunset House fit the bill quite nicely, with a 2-tank morning boat dive for 6 days and unlimited shore diving. Unfortunately, shore diving wasn't possible for the first few days due to the rough conditions (northerner as they call it). Sunset House doesn't have a beach, their water front is all iron shore and is ideal for shore diving with multiple points of entry equipped with ladders for an easy exit.
For the first few days, we hopped aboard their bus for a short ride to the south side (10-minute drive) where the water was surprisingly calm compared to the West side.
We dove the following reefs:
Feb 18 - Chinese Gardens and Japanese Gardens
Feb 19 – Twisted Sister and Red Bay Caves
Feb 20 – Hole in the Wall and Bullwinkle East
On these reefs, we were treated to Eagle Rays, Sting Rays and schools of Tarpon. In addition, there were swim threws with all sorts of marine life on healthy reefs. Water temps registered in the high 70's on my dive computer and air temps were typically in the low to mid 80's with nice trade winds to keep things comfortable.
Unfortunately, my dive computer began to act wonky, registering depths far greater than the dive plan.
Once access to shore dives was re-instated, I was able to locate both the Mermaid and the Wreck on one outing. On our first try, we weren't as fortunate, nevertheless, the shore dives are a lot of fun and I can see why folks enjoy them as much as they do at Sunset House.
Of note to other divers who stayed at Spanish Bay Reef on a S2K trip not long ago, the resort is for sale. Asking $16,500,000.
Once the winds had calmed, we dove on the West side for the remainder of the week on the following reefs:
Feb 21 – Sentinel Rock and La Mesa
Feb 22 – Trinity Caves and Oro Verve (wreck)
Feb 23 – Round Rock and Royal Palm
My Bar is the epicentre not only for the resort but also for many locals and expatriate's alike. Being a hub for so many also means it can be quite busy at times.
It is also inline with incoming flights, so the roar of jet engines and twin-props can be heard overhead every now and then.
We booked an ocean view room and I'm particularly glad we did for a variety of reasons. One, the ocean view rooms are the furthest from My Bar, hence very quiet. Courtyard rooms are closer to My Bar and they have no view to speak of, whereas our room had a beautiful view of the ocean. We'd sometimes sit out on the balcony and watch the Atlantis submarine light up underwater, it reminded me of a scene from the movie The Abyss. Speaking of which, some folks saw the sub during their shore dives. I could hear its electric motors, but never saw it.
Overall, Grand Cayman isn't cheap by a long shot, but for us it was well worth it. What's next on our list of places to dive is unknown at this point and time. We, like many of you have a long list.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/DLaFrance/Grand%20Cayman%202007/CC_P2210156_392x527.jpg (http://www.uwphotochat.com/forums/a%20href=)
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/DLaFrance/Grand%20Cayman%202007/CC_P2210129_557x478.jpg (http://www.uwphotochat.com/forums/%3Ca%20href=)
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/DLaFrance/Grand%20Cayman%202007/CC_P1010185_533x344.jpg (http://www.uwphotochat.com/forums/a%20href=)
Cheers!
Daniel :)
Flight: direct, flying Air Canada out of terminal 1 (Toronto)
Fast forward 6 years and we're in Grand Cayman. This time we decided to stay at a dedicated divers resort with all its conveniences (dive packages, dive boats, rinse tanks, lockers etc.). Sunset House fit the bill quite nicely, with a 2-tank morning boat dive for 6 days and unlimited shore diving. Unfortunately, shore diving wasn't possible for the first few days due to the rough conditions (northerner as they call it). Sunset House doesn't have a beach, their water front is all iron shore and is ideal for shore diving with multiple points of entry equipped with ladders for an easy exit.
For the first few days, we hopped aboard their bus for a short ride to the south side (10-minute drive) where the water was surprisingly calm compared to the West side.
We dove the following reefs:
Feb 18 - Chinese Gardens and Japanese Gardens
Feb 19 – Twisted Sister and Red Bay Caves
Feb 20 – Hole in the Wall and Bullwinkle East
On these reefs, we were treated to Eagle Rays, Sting Rays and schools of Tarpon. In addition, there were swim threws with all sorts of marine life on healthy reefs. Water temps registered in the high 70's on my dive computer and air temps were typically in the low to mid 80's with nice trade winds to keep things comfortable.
Unfortunately, my dive computer began to act wonky, registering depths far greater than the dive plan.
Once access to shore dives was re-instated, I was able to locate both the Mermaid and the Wreck on one outing. On our first try, we weren't as fortunate, nevertheless, the shore dives are a lot of fun and I can see why folks enjoy them as much as they do at Sunset House.
Of note to other divers who stayed at Spanish Bay Reef on a S2K trip not long ago, the resort is for sale. Asking $16,500,000.
Once the winds had calmed, we dove on the West side for the remainder of the week on the following reefs:
Feb 21 – Sentinel Rock and La Mesa
Feb 22 – Trinity Caves and Oro Verve (wreck)
Feb 23 – Round Rock and Royal Palm
My Bar is the epicentre not only for the resort but also for many locals and expatriate's alike. Being a hub for so many also means it can be quite busy at times.
It is also inline with incoming flights, so the roar of jet engines and twin-props can be heard overhead every now and then.
We booked an ocean view room and I'm particularly glad we did for a variety of reasons. One, the ocean view rooms are the furthest from My Bar, hence very quiet. Courtyard rooms are closer to My Bar and they have no view to speak of, whereas our room had a beautiful view of the ocean. We'd sometimes sit out on the balcony and watch the Atlantis submarine light up underwater, it reminded me of a scene from the movie The Abyss. Speaking of which, some folks saw the sub during their shore dives. I could hear its electric motors, but never saw it.
Overall, Grand Cayman isn't cheap by a long shot, but for us it was well worth it. What's next on our list of places to dive is unknown at this point and time. We, like many of you have a long list.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/DLaFrance/Grand%20Cayman%202007/CC_P2210156_392x527.jpg (http://www.uwphotochat.com/forums/a%20href=)
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/DLaFrance/Grand%20Cayman%202007/CC_P2210129_557x478.jpg (http://www.uwphotochat.com/forums/%3Ca%20href=)
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/DLaFrance/Grand%20Cayman%202007/CC_P1010185_533x344.jpg (http://www.uwphotochat.com/forums/a%20href=)
Cheers!
Daniel :)