Planning a Dive Vacation

When planning your Grand Cayman dive vacation there are many things to consider, and you will probably have a few questions. Here are some helpful hints and tips to start you off on the right track.

Health and Diving

To get the most out of your diving experience, it is important to keep your body well hydrated as dehydration can often be a cause for decompression sickness.

• Be careful not to overindulge in alcoholic beverages.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks such as soda, coffee and tea.
• Avoid a heavy work out after diving.
• Drink plenty of water!

Flying and Diving

Under PADI rules and regulations, divers must leave at least 12 hours surface time before flying after a single dive. Divers who have completed multiple dives must wait at least 18 hours surface time before flying.

To be safe though, our dive partner, Red Sail Sports, will always recommend you leave at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying to help avoid decompression sickness.

Water Temps and Visibility

The water temperature in the Cayman Islands is almost constant all year round, and only varies by a few degrees between winter and summer. There is also only 1-2 degrees difference in water temperature between 60ft and 100ft, making Grand Cayman a year-round diving hotspot.

In the summer months, August through October, it is possible to dive with no wetsuit because the water temperature is in the mid 80s. During the winter months, Red Sails Sports recommends wearing a 3mm shortie wetsuit, as the water temperatures drop slightly to the high 70s.

Water visibility on Grand Cayman is excellent averaging 80 to 150 feet in the Winter and up to 200 feet in the summer months. Generally the waters are free of harsh currents.

Before You Dive

All certified divers are required to have a certification card. Red Sail Sports accepts the following certification cards among others: IDEA, PDIC, PADI, NAUI, ANDI, NASDS, SSI, SDI, YMCA & HSA. *Divers with special needs should call the dive shop for further instructions.

All dive/hotel and dive only packages must be pre-booked and pre-paid prior to arriving on Grand Cayman.

Cancellation for all dive packages must be made 14 days in advance of arrival in order to receive a full refund. For less then 14 days' notice, a 1/3 penalty will be assessed.

Dive Course Policy

Prior to enrollment in any of the courses listed below, a Confidential Medical Form must be filled out, and a physician's release may be required.

Refresher Course Policy

Last dive was over 1 year ago, Refresher Course recommended. Last dive was 2-6 years ago, Refresher Course required. Last dive was 7-9 years ago, Full PADI Refresher Course required. Last dive was over 10 years ago, please contact dive shop for assessment prior to booking your dives.

Junior Divers

Junior Divers (10-11 years old) are allowed to dive to a maximum depth of 40 feet and Junior Divers (12-14 years old) are allowed to dive to 60 feet (70' with Advanced Certification). Junior Divers must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them at all times on courses and dive boats. Parents must provide a written statement authorizing a legal guardian.

Safety & Conservation

Grand Cayman's recompression chamber is located in the George Town Hospital. Red Sail Sports is a member of the Cayman Islands Tourism Alliance (CITA), an association that endorses safe diving practices and encourages environmental conservation among its members. Divers are encouraged to stay above 100 feet, and to avoid damaging the coral reef.

For more information about Grand Cayman scuba diving at The Reef Resort, simply contact our dedicated dive concierge at dive@thereef.com.