Diving in the Caymans

[Joshua]

I'm heading to Grand Cayman this week for short dive vacation. Has anyone here ever been there since the hurricanes hit? Any idea what kind of dives I can expect? I know about Stingray Alley, but not much else.

Can you do any tech dives there? Is it possible to rent larger steel tanks?

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Josh

[medic2230]

I haven't been there but I did find some info on the net along with a list of dive shops. http://cayman.com.ky/visiting/diveguid.htm

I also found this link that says they teach tech diving so it might be a start. http://www.divetech.com/ Like I said I have never been there, used, or know anybody that used these shops so it's not a recommendation just a starting point for you.

Murph

[tdiver]

I would look at Ocean Frontiers. I believe that Fraser Purdom is also teaching tech diving. I think its a GUE shop. Don't know about steel tanks.

[Joshua]

Cool, Ocean Frontiers is where I'm staying so hopefully that will work out well.

[mwenner]

Josh,

I've been over there diving every year for the last 8 years, and you did the right thing by staying out on the East End, and Ocean Frontiers is a great organization, and that's the best end of the island to dive. That and the North Wall, off the North Sound, which is closer to Dive Tech. You'll have to go into George Town anyway (which is a 30 minute drive from the East End), at some point, and Dive Tech (the real technical operation specialists) is located on the West Bay end of Seven Mile Beach. You can rent anything there, with the proper certification. Forrest Wilson told me he heard of caves somewhere on that island, but only the real locals know much about it, as I tried to tie into it when I was there last Christmas, and came up short on info. Maybe you could dig deeper and see if you're a better detective than us.

Have great dives, and enjoy the Cayman way of life. They've got things pretty well back together after the hurricane, but they need your support by vacationing there. Post a report when you get back!

[vaderfixer]

Josh,
I believe "Divetech" regulates all "tech" dives. You must follow their profiles and be with a guide. That was their policy, you might want to check if it still is. If that sort of thing bothers you. Those rules applied regardless of certs/experience.
Andy

[ceg]

Josh,
As mentioned above, it is correct that the manager of Ocean Frontiers, Fraser Purdon, is a GUE Tech 1 instructor and does conduct tech dives from their operation. I had the opportunity to meet him and dive with him a few weeks ago here in the states. He is a very nice, knowledgable guy and is fantastic in the water.