Cayman: Dive, Snorkel or Get Out of the Way
Written: Nov 02 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: As good as it gets
Cons: None to speak of
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| sprivoli's Full Review: Cayman Islands |
Visibility to 150 feet, water ranging in temperature from 77 to 83 degrees, and the gentle lap of waves only 3" to 4" high make this an aquatic paradise for seasoned divers and beginning snorkelers alike. Case in point: Me. I can't swim a full lap at the community pool, but there I was, finned and floating for hours above a Technicolor metropolis famed for its coral high rises and glamorous residents.
From any stretch of the Seven Mile Beach, you can wade in, flop and flipper your way around the network of reefs that encompass the island. (Those who have snorkeled Hawaii are thrilled there's no pounding surf to negotiate.) My favorite area for snorkeling is straight out from the cemetery toward the north end of the beach. It's an easy bus ride from anywhere along the Seven Mile stretch. (See "Cayman on the Cheap" epinion for more info.) The beach there is also hard to beat since it's far less crowded than those near the resorts. And the shade of the grape trees is a welcome relief after hours in the sun and heat. It was in this area that (in addition to the beautiful coral and fish one sees all around the island) I saw remnants from shipwrecks, a couple of squid, a small shark and a sea turtle passing by.
Snorkeling is agreeably the best entertainment in Grand Cayman and, aside from lying on the sand, the most affordable. But as far as pinching pennies is concerned, if you already have the gear, bring it. The same goes for diving. Certified divers who bring their own gear can get by with the meager expense of paying for tanks and trips. Expect to pay from $5.40 CI (Eden Rock Diving Centre) to $8.25 CI (Red Sail Sports) per day for tank rental plus air. Numerous dive trips are available daily (and some nightly) to the spectacular reefs and shipwrecks found on every side of the island. Low end: Dive the wreck of the Callie for $20 CI (Don Foster's Dive Cayman). High end: Go on a three-tank "dive safari" for $110 CI (Red Sail Sports).
Snorkel gear rental will cost you from $7 CI (Divers Supply) to $15 CI (Red Sail Sports) per 24-hour day. With so many reefs within dogpaddling distance from the powdery sands of Seven Mile Beach, only one paid snorkeling trip is absolutely necessary during your visit. And the trip to Stingray City is indeed necessary. (See "Captain Marvin's Stingray City" epinion for details.)
For more information about Grand Cayman's diving and snorkeling opportunities, check out www.divecayman.ky, www.donfosters.com and www.redsail.com. Also, be sure to watch for discount offers when you check in to your hotel.
Thanks for reading. Here's wishing you the vacation of a lifetime!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sprivoli
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Member: Shelly
Location: Bay Area, CA
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 2 members
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