Instant Reader Report on Diving
DiveTech/Cobalt Coast in
Cayman Islands/Grand Cayman in
2003/08

by
Michael Marmesh, FL, USA
Report Number 030818220843791

 Grenada, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, BVI, Dominica, Roatan, St. Kitts, Costa
Rica, Bonaire, Curacao 

130 ft. w/computer  

[None]  

Overall Rating

   Sounds like whining, but average viz of 60 ft. is not that good for the
Caymans. Viz near surface often 30-40 ft. but improved when depth dropped
below 30 ft. Corals atop wall had some muck-brown algae type material
amongst them. All diving done on the North Wall. Large game type fish
(assorted grouper and snapper) were approachable. At Tarpon Alley saw 10-12
spotted eagle rays, hammerhead and bull shark, but no tarpon. I'll take the
trade. Eagle rays on many dives, they come in during the summer. Third time
in The Caymans and finally did Stingray City-not just a tourist hype-a real
blast. Besides friendly, curious rays, got bitten by a mutton snapper,
petted a 6 ft. green moray, checked out peacock flounder and scoped out a
scorpion fish hopping across sandy bottom.
    Two a.m. boat dives--1st dive was always led and followed. Six to 14
divers on boat. Maybe I'm getting old and cranky but since 1st dive is
always a wall dive, I'd just as soon be allowed to follow my own profile.
On 2nd dive you could do your own profile if you had a computer and a
buddy. From dive operation's point of view, clients' range of experience
varies widely. (Returning from one dive my wife was asked, "What's
that fish pictured on your T-shirt?" answer--barracuda.) Boat crews
were good but rotated every couple of days making it more difficult for
them to get to know the skill levels of the divers. On website, despite the
picture of the dive shop and dock at Cobalt Coast, boat diving was by truck
to the yacht club. Shore dive is 270 yds. from the end of the dock to the
mini-wall, 70 yds. more to the deeper formations. DiveTech has 2nd shop at
Turtle Reef. Mini-wall there is great for day or night dive.
    DiveTech offers opportunities to learn free dive techniques, Nitrox,
advanced trimix certification and rebreathers. I took a rebreather intro
course on Draeger semi-closed system with shop owner Nancy Romanica. First
in-water attempt at Turtle Reef could've gone better-developed a headache
and got to practice two out-of-air protocols. Nancy offered a 2nd
opportunity the following day-fantastic. Stayed at 60 ft. for 60 minutes.
Snuck into a school of tarpon, close to garden eels, arrow crabs and coral
shrimp. Held baby skate and pulled hook out of grouper's mouth. Still
returned with 1500 psi in a 50 cu. ft. Nitrox tank. Photo pro Chris diving
on Inspiration rebreather gave me a severe case of equipment envy.
    Best for last. Cobalt Coast is a exceptionally nice resort. Rooms
clean and well appointed. Dining by the pool, facing the sea--food
excellent quality--mix of traditional meats and chicken along with
Caribbean flavors of conch, lobster shrimp and fish soup with callaloo.
Owner, Arie Barendrecht, really cares about guests' comfort. Willing to
offer help and advice. Old world style where running a hotel is not just a
job but a valued profession. Best host in all my dive travels. 

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