Dive Review of
Dive Tech/Cobalt Coast in
Cayman Islands/Grand Cayman

various Carribean islands, Florida Keys, Hawaii

Dive Conditions

130 feet max depth, 60 minutes from surface to surface, 5 minute (not 3
minute) safety stop at 15 feet, dive with a buddy, everyone must dive with
a computer, and never have less than 5 minutes of No Deco time on your
computer  

Camera only tanks on the boats and at the shore diving locations. Soft
table on the boat for cameras to set on. Divemasters carefully handed down
cameras to divers.  

Overall Rating

About five years ago we were certified by Dive Tech in Grand Caymans. We
decided to return for a short trip and see if the diving was as good as we
remembered. It was – nothing can beat the North Wall!

The Dive Op
We decided to return to Dive Tech, not only because they certified us, but
because we liked the idea of a combination of morning boat dives and
unlimited shore diving available from their two locations. We dove on their
larger boat, the Atatude, which could hold up to 22 divers, but was never
full – usually about 13 divers. Lots of room on the boat. 

Each day there was a mix of staff as captain, divemaster, and shop help.
All seemed friendly and knowledgeable. Typically morning routine for those
staying at Cobalt Coast was meet up at 7:45am, put gear in a truck, get in
assigned van, drive to boat dock, carry gear to boat, and start gearing up.
This isn’t “valet diving”. You carry your gear and set up your own tanks.
Dive sites were often just a few minutes away.

They are clearly set up for technical divers, rebreathers, and free divers.
But most of the people there during our stay were recreational divers,
although most used Nitrox. One family that didn’t use Nitrox decided to get
the training, so that they could enjoy the long bottom times like everyone
else. We watched some folks training for free diving – very cool to watch
below (as I enjoyed my deep breaths!). Also a few people with rebreathers.

The Hotel
We stayed at the Cobalt Coast dive resort right next to Dive Tech. Good
package deal combining room, breakfast, two tank morning boat dives, and
unlimited shore dives. We were only there for four nights, so opted for one
of the smaller hotel-style rooms. I was pleasantly surprised. Plenty of
space in the room, lots of storage, refrigerator, and roomy bathroom. We
were also only a few steps away from Dive Tech in one direction, and
food/bar in the other direction. 

Unlimited Internet access is available at no additional charge. It’s
wireless and is available around the bar and pool. Our room was very close,
so if we put the computer near the window, we could access the Internet
from our room. I used Skype to call home every day, so this was
convenient.

The Restaurants
We ate at Cobalt Coast for many of our meals, although we didn’t get the
meal plan. Breakfast was very good and convenient before diving. Lunch was
also good – but expensive. It was $8.50 CI for most sandwiches – about
$10.63 in US dollars. Yikes. But it was convenient! If you are going to eat
there, the meal plan for $55 per day would be worth it.

We went to Pappagallo’s for dinner one night. It’s only a short drive from
Cobalt Coast. Very pleasant setting and good food. Also expensive. 

Just plan on spending lots of money for food…

The Dives
We did 11 dives in our 3+ days of diving. They encourage you to do your
first shore dive on the day of arrival. That was fun!  Diving was pretty
deep – max depths between 60 and 100 feet. Typical dive times of 45 minutes
to an hour. Saw lots of turtles – both Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles
between 18 and 24 inches in diameter. Other cool sightings – Spotted Eagle
Ray, Juvenile Spotted Drum, Southern Stingrays, and breeding behaviors
during afternoon shore diving. Dives at the North Wall, where you gaze into
the abyss are not to be missed.

Final Thoughts
We weren’t sure that it was worth going to Grand Cayman for such a short
trip – just four nights. Staying at Cobalt Coast and diving with Dive Tech
allowed us to get into a relaxing and fun routine very quickly. I was very
glad that we went! 

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