Scuba Gasm's Dive Log

We weren't trying to make it to the Producer, but am writing this review to advise of a new dive shop in the Holiday Beach Hotel adjacent: Goby Divers. This is the location pictured in the opening photo. They have re-opened and remodeled the previous shop and dock facility, and have all new equipment for rentals as well. This is a PADI facility. The proprietor, Andhiela van Hoof-Buso was extremely cordial and helpful on our visit to the island while cruising on the Noordam. The location is an easy walk over from the cruise ship pier on the Otrabanda side. For the shore dive out from the shop, this has to be THE easiest and one of the best-preserved reefs we have found in the Caribbean (you know, one of those dives where you really feel like you're in an aquarium?) Immediately on entry from a shallow protected sandy beach you come upon a rope line underwater which guides you right out to the reef. Further for a reference point a directional sign rests on the bottom at 50 ft. Current was strong at shallow depth but negligible on the reef. I should mention they do dive the Superior Producer when there are no ships at the nearby dock. Have fun! www.goby-divers.com facebook.com/GobyDivers or Andhiela@Goby-Divers.com DISCLAIMER: I have no connection with this shop whatsoever, but can't recommend them enough!

I see it's been a decade since an update to this site, and for good reason: The Coconut Harbor hotel is now know as the 'Riviera Grand Cayman' and the new owners have erected a locked fence blocking the drive up to the entry point. After Hurricane Ivan in 2004 there have been no improvements to the entry point, and the steel ladder into the tiny cove is gone. This means on exit, removing your gear first and clamoring up the three steps, the first of which is about 4 foot from the floor. The dive is still great if you're staying at the hotel; first thing I saw on entry this morning was a 5 ft. grey reef shark and then a large spotted ray, both right off shore. Water temp 86 degrees as well. Too bad it's blocked off to the public now.

See my review earlier today on the 'Coconut Harbor' link; it's also known as 'Waldo's Reef'