Grand Cayman Diving

[TobyToo]

We are visiting Grand Cayman aboard the Veendam on Nov 4, 2006. I have never scuba dived at this location and have been reseaching the venue as well as the local dive companies. Although HAL would not divulge their dive operator in Georgetown, it did not take much additional effort to locate the local vendor, Don Foster's Dive Cayman, Ltd. I am concerned that the max dive group of up to 16 divers on one boat is excessive. Does anyone out there have personal knowledge regarding this dive company and how effective their program is handled, given the large number of divers?

TobyToo

[xpcdoojk]

We are visiting Grand Cayman aboard the Veendam on Nov 4, 2006. I have never scuba dived at this location and have been reseaching the venue as well as the local dive companies. Although HAL would not divulge their dive operator in Georgetown, it did not take much additional effort to locate the local vendor, Don Foster's Dive Cayman, Ltd. I am concerned that the max dive group of up to 16 divers on one boat is excessive. Does anyone out there have personal knowledge regarding this dive company and how effective their program is handled, given the large number of divers?

TobyToo

My wife snorkled with Don Foster, we dove with Red Sail Sports. The cruise boats are typically large cattle herds. Cayman is an island loaded with dive operators you should be able to easily make your own arrangements, save money and have a better dive experience. Having said that I think they are a good operator. Just my experience is that cruise dive groups tend to have lots of not good divers in their groups. On the good side, Cayman is a great dive site, with lots of visibility and no major currents. Our cruise dive there was a guided dive followed by a buddy dive pretty much on your own.

jc

[johnlcruise]

I went with Don Foster through the ship.
There was only 10 of us and had a super time. (I find that HAL ships do not have many divers on them)
I brought my mask and they supply everything else. I did not pack my dive gear just because I was going to dive only one time on this cruise and that was on Grand Cayman. (Love the diving in Grand Caymans and go there to dive every year for a week.)
I also found it alittle bit cheeper to dive through the ship then going with a private company, when you add in the factor of rental of equpement.
Also we where first off the ship got in two excellent dives and still had the afternoon to enjoy the island.
I have also done Red Sail sports as well as Don Foster and a few other companys. they are all good and will take care of you no matter what company you use.
Enjoy your diving in Cayman. Its a super place to Dive. :)

[bruce-r]

I recommend www.neptunesdivers.com if you want a more personal dive experience. 8 divers max on their boat and Casey is a sweetheart.

Personally, I would do what ever I had to in order to avoid diving with the ship's excursion.