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#331
Diving Grand Cayman & Cozumel - Jan 2013
MD_D1V3R - 10/16/2012 1:29 PM
Category: Travel
Replies: 2

Hey All,

A friend and I will be taking a Carnival Cruise from Tampa to Grand Cayman to Cozumel in January 2013. We are looking to dive at both locations. I’ve looked at some of the "Cruise Sponsored" SCUBA excursions and the shop reviews were sub-par, especially relating to equipment. Can anyone recommend good dive shops in both locations that accommodate Cruise travelers? I will need to rent equipment, as I’m only bringing along my personal gear. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks,



Nicole
#120
danlp002 - 10/20/2012 5:30 AM
just got off a carnival cruise and went to Grand Cayman and Dove there. it is beautiful. The ship two tank dive sold out quickly and so my girlfriend and I did not get to do the boat dive but we did a certified shore dive and it was fun. only about 52 feet but was very nice. The cruise ship uses Don Foster for their excursions and the crew is very good. Their gear looked ok but we used our own. I would at least bring a regulator if you have one just so you know it is serviced the way you want it. If you have one. Have Fun... We Did.
#45
Frogman371 - 1/01/2013 10:01 PM
Nicole,

I have been on many cruises and from my experience, I would recommend NOT going with the cruise excursions. I recommend going on your own adventure, plus it’s cheaper. The cruises usually set up trips that aren’t very challenging and get you through the activity to collect the money and don’t forget the tip.

With that said, Grand Cayman Island is one of my favorite places to dive. I saw from your profile that you are a novice. What I would recommend here is to dive Eden Rock or at DiveTech (West Bay Location). Eden Rock is located near where the tenders drop you off. Once you get off the tender go to the right and about two blocks away, you will run right into the dive shop. The dive is fairly shallow, but there are some very cool swim throughs and underwater critters. DiveTech also has equipment for you to rent, but will require a can ride or a car rental (which may make Eden Rock a more favorable choice). The pier runs right off the dive shop and you can get in a great dive on a shallow wall. If you want to truly experience a Grand Cayman Wall Dive, look online and set up a wall dive with any of the dive charters. Make sure you let them know that you are coming from a cruise ship and which one. They will let you know if they will be able to accommodate you (make sure they can get you back in time).

As for Cozumel, again there are many dive shops in the area. Simply go to one and rent your equipment and jump in. The shallow reef has taken a beating over the past few years. I’m not sure how well it has come back. But, the last time I was there, it was still hurting. That is why we steered towards more wreck dives. If that interests you, see if they can bring you to the airplane wreck,. It’s not something you see everyday (at least while diving).

I hope this helps! Enjoy!