Expert: Robert Clark - 6/16/2004

Question
    Thanks for taking my question.  Your FAQ site already answered a couple of my questions.

 1.  The Marriott on the Seven Mile Beach :

 -  one guide book says the beach there is severely eroded.  True?  If so, just walk a little to get to a better area of the beach?

 2.  Snorkeling (and diving) right off the beach:

    I have a young daughter (8) who has done a little snorkeling.  What is the snorkeling quality right off the beach in the Marriott area?

    Also, what is the diving quality?

 3.  Is it best to arrange dive trips in advance, or, during July, for example, should it be sufficient to call a day or so in advance while already there?  

     Thanks for your help!

          David  

Answer
David
The last report I had was that the southern end of Seven Mile Beach had recovered a little, and there was a decent beach in front of the Marriott.  The government are also planning a replenishment program to restore the beaches.

I really can't remeber what it is like to snorkel just of their beach.  I think you may have to walk a short way to where the coral reef is nearer the beach.

Cayman is one of the top dive locations in the world.  Red Sail Sports are the watersports company at the Marriott and they are probably the largest watersports company on the island. They offer a number of dive trip options; two-tank morning dives off Seven Mile Beach or North Wall, and one-tank afternoon dives off Seven Mile Beach or to Stingray City - I highly recomment the Stingray City dive - it is awesome.

July is low season, so the only problem is if they will have enough customers to run a dive boat!

Hope this helps!

Robert
http://www.gotocayman.com