| Grand Cayman, Paradise Lost? -- 6/99 |
After visiting the Caymans frequently for years, I guess I could
claim the dubious honor of being something of an expert on the
islands. Now, after watching how the years have worn on this
Caribbean destination for many, I (in my own mind) declare Grand
Cayman, "Paradise Lost!".
The influences of the real world have caught up with the large
island resulting in "big city" style traffic, shops and
resort development. Lost is the charm so many early-comers to the
island sought to enjoy.
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This is not to say I won't be back to Cayman, just that my expectations have radically changed. I still have many dear friends to see, the diving is now typically good Caribbean style rather than unspoiled, delightful walls and it is a great jumping off point for other destinations. (Chris and I continued on from Cayman to Cuba, but that's another story!) |
From
previous reports you know I stayed at Indies Suites (still do)
but they've given up the dive operation which was IMHO the best
feature the resort offered. In it's place, a contract with Red Sail Sports, yes, the
dive operation at the Hyatt!
If you like large, very well supervised groups in a very
structured environment (and there is nothing wrong with that)
Indies Sports Desk will book you and you will be well taken care
of. However, if you seek smaller groups in a more free to explore
atmosphere, you'd better look elsewhere.
| Following
the advice of a good friend, I began diving with a
relative newcomer to the Cayman dive game, Diver's
Down. Small boats, hence small
groups (eight people max) diving both the North and West
sides they offer the diving freedom I seek when in the
water. Uncomfortable with venturing own your own? No
problem, there's a divemaster on each boat, more than
willing to show you the sights. After the disappointment of losing Indies Divers, there's not enough praise I can bestow upon these saviors of my dive holiday! |
 Photo & Logo Courtesy of Divers Down |
I
ventured this time to Grand Cayman with my 18 year daughter and
one of her girl friends, sort of a last family hurrah before she
heads off to College. We enjoyed Rum Point, Sting Ray City and
shore dives at The Turtle Farm (now very well served with
equipment and shore access by DiveTech) and Eden Rock.
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| Sting Ray City, of course! | One of the many
caverns at Eden Rock |
Just a sample of
the many exotic critters to be found at The Turtle Farml |
We met friends there and our group of seven ex-pats and my local friends had a blast. Indeed a holiday getaway is what you make of it. While I will miss the old Grand Cayman, there is still much to offer. The changes the island has undergone only serves to whet my appetite for new destinations and after all, if Cayman is a necessity there is always Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Click here to follow Chris and I to Cuba for the International Catamaran Speed Boat Races!
