Compass Point Dive Resort
I have been to grand Cayman many times diving but August of 2013 was my first time on the east end of the Island. Compass Point Dive Resort has an on site scuba team, Ocean Frontiers Dive Shop a 5 star PADI certified shop.
I stayed in a 1 bedroom condo for 2 weeks, cooked most of my meals and ate a few at the restaurant on the resort as well as local restaurants a few miles away. The condo was beautiful and fully furnished, airconditioned, Jacuzzi jet bathtub, Washer & Dryer, TV and internet included. A rental car was included in my package that I picked up at the airport, a quick stop by the grocery store and wine store, and off I went to the resort. Remember, you will drive on the left side of the road, so take it easy. The drive took about 1 hour and was an easy and scenic drive.
Diving: I did 3 boat dives a day, nitrox and a few night dives. I even did a 90 minute shallow macro dive, seen the biggest bump head parrot fish. Found turtles, sharks and lots of nice coral and plenty of fish. Some of the guides were outstanding and would model for you as well as find great critters. The silver sides were there so brought home some amazing pictures. Also did a day trip to see the sting rays and spent hours taking pictures of them. The dramatic sky added to the excitement when taking pictures that were over/under. Many times when we took our boat ride to dive sites, I seen numerous eagle rays. I thought the viability was very good for the Caribbean, +75 foot. The Kittiwake Wreck was very enjoyable to dive, it is a lot bigger then you would guess.
Downside to the dive boats: Many times we had lionfish hunters on the boat, seems they get paid for the fish they spear. The issue I had with them was when I was taking pictures they were often under you rustling up the landscape in their hunting pursuits. So lots of backscatter, I think if they had gone to an area away from the photographers it would have been better for everyone. Their spears were in the camera rinse tanks, so I didn't use the tanks.
Camera: This is the down side of the resort for me, no camera room and my condo was on the 3 rd floor at the end of the resort. I used the bathtub as a rinse tank and the beautiful formal dining room table as my set up area. On the way to the boat they have a rinse tank you can use for a quick leak test.
Food: The on site restaurant was expensive but I purchased groceries before getting to the resort, and yes they were also costly. There are many restaurants in the area, some high end some reasonable. Get out and take a road trip for dinner at least for a few nights, you are on vacation. There is a coffee machine in your condo, remember to buy coffee.
Added fun to the resort: 2 swim pools, hiking close by the resort, a well furnished store for scuba stuff and very nice employees through out the resort.
Cost was about 2500.00 per week. extra costs, nitrox, and extra dives
