Grand Cayman
Jul 8th, 2006, 09:34 AM
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Grand Cayman
My husband and i are going on a Western-Carribbean cruise in NOV06, we would love to do some water sports can anyone tell me some good spots and not to pricey in Grand Cayman. Also what is the difference between scuba diving and snorkeling? Should we make reservations prior to going or can we just choose to do something when we get there. Thanks for any info.
Jul 9th, 2006, 01:47 AM
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Hi totyp!
Ive cruised to GC many times-its one of my favorite islands for sure!
How To Book Excursions
You can book excursions either through the ship or directly through companies on the island. If you book through the ship, there are, arguably, some pros and cons: sometimes more expensive than booking directly through companies on the island and, some folks would say, sometimes more crowded. My own experience has been that, although it is sometimes a bit more expensive to book through the ship, Ive never noticed that its been crowded-maybe Ive just had good luck though! Also, I feel a certain sense of security (perhaps false) when booking through the ship (eg the pressure is on them to get me back to the ship on time-haha)! If you book directly through companies on the island, check out www.cruisecritic.com to get some ideas about booking water sports (and other activities) such as recommended companies, contact info, rates, etc.
When To Book Excursions
As far as when to book, this is, again, a matter of preference. On the cruise line’s website (eg royalcarribean.com) you can take a look at excursions offered to get an idea of what youd like to do. If you book through the ship you can usually book excursions online a week or two before your sail date. You can also book once you board although dont wait too long b/c some excursions can sell out (although thats never actually happened to me). If you book directly with companies on the island, some say you get a better deal if you book in advance and some say you get a better deal if you get off the ship and choose an excursion from the many companies waiting at the pier. Personally, if there was something I really wanted to do I think Id either book through the ship or Id book through a private company in advance (versus waiting until you get off the ship). Again, cruisecritic has lots of information/suggestions that can help with this. In fact, it is location specific so look for GC.
Snorkeling Versus Scuba Diving
The difference b/w scuba diving and snorkeling is, on the most basic level, as follows: snorkeling is floating at the surface of the water peering down at the sea life while scuba diving is going down deeper into the ocean (even to the ocean floor) and swimming among sea life. With snorkeling you breathe through a tube that sticks up through the surface of the water; with scuba diving you breathe through a tube that connects to an air pack that is belted to your back. A clearer explanation can be found at wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuba_diving
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snorkeling
Ive been snorkeling many times and been scuba diving only once (a beginner dive in Cozumel). I will say this: scuba diving was one of the most incredible experiences Ive ever had and snorkeling, while enjoyable, does not even begin to compare!!!!! That said, if youve not done either perhaps snorkeling might be a better choice? For me scuba diving was fun but, admittedly, I was quite nervous! I was thankful that I had snorkeling under my belt!
Random Thoughts About GC
Each and every time my husband and I go to GC we rent a scooter. You can drive yourself to the sights that interest you (eg turtle farm, Hell, 7 mile beach, the falls) and you can enjoy the day at your own pace. Perhaps book your excursion for the morning, then spend the afternoon exploring the island on your own. Its my experience that to truly get a feel for the island youve got to get away from the jewelry and rum cake shops-haha! We always use the same scooter rental which is a few blocks towards the left from the pier (by the steeple of a church).
I hope this has helped! Have a great time!!
Ive cruised to GC many times-its one of my favorite islands for sure!
How To Book Excursions
You can book excursions either through the ship or directly through companies on the island. If you book through the ship, there are, arguably, some pros and cons: sometimes more expensive than booking directly through companies on the island and, some folks would say, sometimes more crowded. My own experience has been that, although it is sometimes a bit more expensive to book through the ship, Ive never noticed that its been crowded-maybe Ive just had good luck though! Also, I feel a certain sense of security (perhaps false) when booking through the ship (eg the pressure is on them to get me back to the ship on time-haha)! If you book directly through companies on the island, check out www.cruisecritic.com to get some ideas about booking water sports (and other activities) such as recommended companies, contact info, rates, etc.
When To Book Excursions
As far as when to book, this is, again, a matter of preference. On the cruise line’s website (eg royalcarribean.com) you can take a look at excursions offered to get an idea of what youd like to do. If you book through the ship you can usually book excursions online a week or two before your sail date. You can also book once you board although dont wait too long b/c some excursions can sell out (although thats never actually happened to me). If you book directly with companies on the island, some say you get a better deal if you book in advance and some say you get a better deal if you get off the ship and choose an excursion from the many companies waiting at the pier. Personally, if there was something I really wanted to do I think Id either book through the ship or Id book through a private company in advance (versus waiting until you get off the ship). Again, cruisecritic has lots of information/suggestions that can help with this. In fact, it is location specific so look for GC.
Snorkeling Versus Scuba Diving
The difference b/w scuba diving and snorkeling is, on the most basic level, as follows: snorkeling is floating at the surface of the water peering down at the sea life while scuba diving is going down deeper into the ocean (even to the ocean floor) and swimming among sea life. With snorkeling you breathe through a tube that sticks up through the surface of the water; with scuba diving you breathe through a tube that connects to an air pack that is belted to your back. A clearer explanation can be found at wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuba_diving
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snorkeling
Ive been snorkeling many times and been scuba diving only once (a beginner dive in Cozumel). I will say this: scuba diving was one of the most incredible experiences Ive ever had and snorkeling, while enjoyable, does not even begin to compare!!!!! That said, if youve not done either perhaps snorkeling might be a better choice? For me scuba diving was fun but, admittedly, I was quite nervous! I was thankful that I had snorkeling under my belt!
Random Thoughts About GC
Each and every time my husband and I go to GC we rent a scooter. You can drive yourself to the sights that interest you (eg turtle farm, Hell, 7 mile beach, the falls) and you can enjoy the day at your own pace. Perhaps book your excursion for the morning, then spend the afternoon exploring the island on your own. Its my experience that to truly get a feel for the island youve got to get away from the jewelry and rum cake shops-haha! We always use the same scooter rental which is a few blocks towards the left from the pier (by the steeple of a church).
I hope this has helped! Have a great time!!
Jul 19th, 2006, 06:02 AM
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Smith's Cove is a good place to snorkel.It is also not too far from Georgetown.
If you have time...make it over to Rum Point.It is a great place to relax on hammocks and have some lunch and drinks.Part of the beach is shaded from the Austrailian Pines.
Christie
If you have time...make it over to Rum Point.It is a great place to relax on hammocks and have some lunch and drinks.Part of the beach is shaded from the Austrailian Pines.
Christie
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